This brief examines trends in the retail trade, especially in grocery stores, from an international perspective. A comparison of recent national studies finds the following: (1) significant differences in structure and organization exist, especially in the role of traditional small shops versus large chain grocery stores; (2) increasing store size and chain size in supermarkets seems to be leveling off, with newer stores sometimes smaller and concentrating more on service; (3) data on employment in the various sectors are difficult to compare across countries--in particular, productivity figures are often misleading; (4) higher educational and skill levels are now needed by managers and supervisors in grocery operations, but lower-level employees often have little or no training; and (5) part-time work has been increasing but may level off with the aging of the work force, and new avenues for employment may be needed in the future. (17 references) (KC)