According to the National Retail Federation’s calculations, retail industry employment increased by 35,500 jobs in September.
Employment gains were seen in most retail categories with the exception of clothing and clothing accessories stores, which lost 3,000 jobs, and health and personal care stores, which lost 900 jobs.
NRF numbers do not include automobile dealerships or gasoline stations.
Employment in retail trade has increased by 264,000 over the past 12 months.
“Septembers employment figure is roughly in line with its performance over the last six months and shows that the July and August data was just a temporary blip, said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. “The employment figure should set the table for a healthy fourth quarter as we head into the all-important holiday shopping season.
“Economic data released in September, including the jobless benefits claims, supported stronger payroll growth and employment,” said Kleinhenz “The jobs report indicates no evidence of wage pressure and should allow the Federal Reserve to stay the course”
