Retail jobs in US rose by over 11,000 in Jan

US retail industry employment rose by 11,100 jobs in January this year over December, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). The number excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. In contrast to a loss of jobs post holidays, this year at least some extra staffing has carried over, said NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz.

The largest contribution to retail employment in January came in clothing and clothing accessories stores, which added 15,100 jobs.

NRF expects strong spending this year, according to a press release from the organisation.
The January increase compares with a monthly loss of 24,600 jobs in December, which reversed an increase of 23,100 jobs in November. The three-month moving average in January showed an increase of 3,200 jobs.

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Non-store retail, which includes online, added 3,500 jobs, while building supplies and materials grew by 3,400. Losses of 6,300 jobs were seen in sporting goods stores, 6,200 in general merchandise and 2,900 in health and personal products stores.

NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries.