Final answer:
Retail and manufacturers/wholesalers are the largest groups of employment for salespeople. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a rise in service jobs, which includes sales roles, while manufacturing has seen a decline since the 1970s.
Step-by-step explanation:
The largest groups of employment for salespeople as of 2014 are retail and manufacturers/wholesalers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment opportunities have experienced significant changes over the decades. Service jobs, including sales positions, have dramatically increased, while manufacturing jobs have declined since their peak in the late 1970s.
Within the sales sector, retail positions often involve direct selling to consumers in various settings, from large department stores to small specialty shops. In contrast, manufacturers and wholesalers typically employ salespeople to handle B2B (business-to-business) transactions, selling products to retailers or other intermediaries rather than directly to the end consumer.