Retail Hiring Remains Flat

Overall employment growth in the U.S. faded in June, and it was another “meh” month for hiring in the retail sector.

 That’s according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which showed the country’s total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 209,000 in June. That’s down from an average growth of 278,000 per month over the first 6 months of 2023, and much lower than the average of 399,000 per month in 2022.

In June, employment growth was concentrated in government, health care, social assistance and construction. But payrolls in retail trade  “changed little in June (-11,000),” the bureau reports.

“Employment continued to decline in building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (-10,000) and in furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliance retailers (-5,000).” The lone bright spot in the sector: motor vehicle and parts dealers added 6,000 jobs.

“Overall, employment in retail trade has shown little net change over the year,” the report noted.