Tag: Retail Jobs

Retail and Construction Jobs Increase in February

Posted on March 12, 2018 by - Blog

Retail Jobs IncreaseFebruary was a huge month for retail employment, seeing an increase of over 46,000 new jobs over January. This was four times greater than the amount of jobs added in January over December. General merchandise stores were up by 17,700 jobs. Clothing and accessory stores were up 14,900, and building materials stores added 10,300 jobs.

“This substantial gain in retail jobs is a significant positive sign regarding the health and viability of the industry,” said Jack Kleinhenz, NRF chief economist. “It is stronger than expected and there were broad gains across most retail sectors.”

With the improvement in the economy and job growth, construction hiring is also expanding. The segment added 61,000 jobs in February, which was the biggest gain in over 11 years. With the housing recession that ended in 2009, there were 500,00 jobs cut, so growth now is still catching up to former levels, which equates to more room for growth in jobs for the sector.

Sources: The Wall Street Journal, Chain Store Age

Vice President Pence Speaks at Retail Advocates Summit

Posted on July 20, 2017 by - Blog

Retail Advocates SummitThe NRF (National Retail Federation) hosted this year’s Retail Advocates Summit, which was visited by Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday. He promised that the best days for American retailers are ahead. More than 200 retail representatives from across the US attended the annual conference, held in Washington, D.C.. The main focus for the conference this year was tax reforms for retailers and their employees.

“As retail goes, so goes America,” Pence said. “This president is going to work with this Congress, this year, and pass the largest tax cuts since the days of Ronald Reagan.” The current tax code creates “huge barriers” to creating more retail jobs, he added. Many retail executives had indicated the importance of obtaining a major reduction in the corporate tax rate, which is now at 35%. Pence suggested to the retailers a cut to 15%. He also mentioned that the estate, or death, tax will also be repealed. Retailers care about this due to some being held by families. There was a heavy round of applause to this news.

“Less regulation, lower taxes, better infrastructure,” he said. The president wants retailers to be able to compete on a “level playing field” with companies all across the world, he said. [We] “will put retailers back on the path to jobs and growth and back to competitiveness.”

Vice President Pence also acknowledged “You’re one of the great job producers in America”. The NRF had cited that retail supports one in four jobs in America.

Source: CNBC, NRF