A study examined training in the retail trade in Luxembourg. During the study, information was gathered on employment, work, and training patterns in Luxembourg's retail sector, and case studies of a retail clothing firm and a large supermarket with permanent continuing vocational training for all employees were conducted. The general/personnel manager and five participants in the clothing retailer's training programs were interviewed along with the supermarket's personnel, branch, and store managers and three participants in supermarket's training courses. A total of six representatives of external training bodies were also interviewed for the two case studies. Both companies used a systematic approach to training activities. Employees/unions did not participate in defining training objectives or developing training programs at either company. Both companies' objectives for training were to increase staff loyalty/motivation and improve profitability. Low-skilled workers attended internal training exclusively, whereas middle/senior management staff attended both external and internal training courses. Figures/indications regarding training costs and benefits were very difficult to obtain for either company; however, it was established that the amounts allocated to training activities (especially to internal training) at both companies have increased in recent years. (Contains 17 tables/figures.) (MN)