Retail Industry Adds 28K Jobs in June

The economy added 195,000 jobs in June – including 37,000 in the retail trade – and unemployment remained unchanged at 7.6 percent, according to the recently released Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) pegged retail industry job gains at 28,000, with marked increases in every sector except furniture and home furnishings and health and personal care stores.

“While the nation’s employment numbers are a positive sign that the economy is recovering, albeit slowly, the high unemployment rate – with 12 million jobless Americans – remains an eyesore,” said Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO. “The private sector economy is humming along as employers and businesses hire more workers but much uncertainty remains, especially in regard to health care reform implementation and fiscal and tax policy.”

“Today’s strong jobs report is welcomed news for the economy and may signal positive and accelerated momentum for the second half of 2013,” said Jack Kleinhenz, NRF chief economist. “Payrolls came in stronger than expected, including in the retail industry, which witnessed strong gains in building supplies, clothing and sporting goods. The economy is currently stable but traction and pace remain uncertain.”

The NRF represents retailers of all types and sizes, including chain restaurants and industry partners, from the United States and more than 45 countries abroad.