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The number of retail jobs increased by around 100,200 from May 2017 to May 2018, excluding car dealers, gas stations and restaurants, according to the report. The increase comes even as major retail chains are shuttering stores, including Elder-Beerman and Sears.
“Solid fundamentals in the job market are encouraging for retail spending, as employment gains generate additional income for consumers and consequently increase spending,” NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said in a prepared statement.
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Retail registered monthly employment gains nearly in all sectors with the biggest increases coming in three areas. General merchandise stores were up 13,400, clothing and accessory stores were up 6,500 and building and garden supplies increased by 6,000.
Losses came in health and personal care stores, which were down 800 jobs and online retail, which was down 1,100 jobs, according to the report.
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