Retail Industry Adds 43,600 Jobs in August

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retail industry job gains hit 43,600 in August, with marked increases in clothing, general merchandise and electronics stores.

“The economy continues to sputter along,” said Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO. “Employers and retailers are adding to their payrolls and ranks, but still remain guarded. The business community is hiring yet waiting for stronger signs of sustained economic growth before extending too many job offers.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics employment situation report showed that the economy added 169,000 jobs in August, which lowered the unemployment rate to 7.3 percent.

“While the jobs numbers weren’t as strong as anticipated, they indicate a more positive trend,” said NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. “We are expecting further signs of strengthening in the second half of the year. Retailers are making headway but challenges remain. Slow wage growth and downward jobs revisions continue to indicate a reluctant economy.”

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.