Retail Industry Posts April Job Gains: NRF

In the wake of recent growth and positive momentum in the retail industry, the National Retail Federation (NRF) has estimated that employment increased by 28,000 in April and 241,000 year-over-year, as calculated by the trade group's April jobs report.

"While this is certainly a solid report and proves that retailers continue to help lead the way in job creation, there is still room to address the underlying issue that the overall labor force remains underutilized," said Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO. "A concentration on pro-business initiatives by our leaders in Washington that would give companies the confidence they need to hire more out-of-work Americans would go a long way in this economic recovery."

Retail Sector

“We expect a rebound in economic activity," added Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. "While only select sectors such as apparel and general merchandise reported higher results, we expect retailers to be stocked and prepared for one of the busiest times of the year – summer."

Additionally, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Situation Summary showed that total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 288,000 in April, above analysts’ expectations.

Washington, D.C.-based NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants, and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries.