NRF: Retail Industry Adds 28,000 Jobs in June

Washington, July 5, 2013 – The National Retail Federation issued the following statements from President and CEO Matthew Shay and Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz on the June employment numbers, released today by the Department of Labor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed that the economy added 195,000 jobs in June – including 37,000 in the retail trade – and unemployment remained unchanged at 7.6 percent. 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,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “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,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “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.”
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As the world’s largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, NRF represents retailers of all types and sizes, including chain restaurants and industry partners, from the United States and more than 45 countries abroad. Retailers operate more than 3.6 million U.S. establishments that support one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. www.nrf.com