A study examined training in the retail trade in Portugal. Employment, work, and training patterns in Portugal's retail sector were researched, and case studies of two firms in the supermarket/hypermarket group, one firm in the stationary/cigarette shop sector, and one clothing manufacturer/retailer were conducted. Teams of researchers interviewed various managers (general, store, personnel, training department) and employees (primarily sales assistants and cashiers). The studies confirmed that retailer interest in vocational training is fairly recent and that training programs in the retail sector are still in their infancy. Three stores had training departments that were solely or partly responsible for training program development/implementation. No company included employees in the training design/organization process. Most training was directed at sales/supermarket assistants and store managers/supervisors. Training courses were generally structured in modules to permit progressive, continuing training. With one exception, the training programs were the result of state and community incentives in the form of substantial financial assistance. Training was also indirectly financed through social welfare contributions paid by employers and employees. (Eighty-four tables/figures and 21 references are included. Appended are lists of the persons/organizations contacted during the case studies.) (MN)