NRF responds to retail jobs being on the up-and-up

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation's president and CEO Matthew Shay and chief economist Jack Kleinhenz have issued a statement concerning June's employment numbers, released by the Department of Labor.



The Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed that the economy added 195,000 jobs in June — including 37,000 in the retail trade — and unemployment remained unchanged at 7.6%. NRF pegged retail industry job gains at 28,000, with marked increases in every sector except furniture and home furnishings and health and personal care stores.



“While the nation’s employment numbers are a positive sign that the economy is recovering, albeit slowly, the high unemployment rate — with 12 million jobless Americans — remains an eyesore,” Shay said. “The private sector economy is humming along as employers and businesses hire more workers but much uncertainty remains, especially in regard to health care reform implementation and fiscal and tax policy.”



“Today’s strong jobs report is welcomed news for the economy and may signal positive and accelerated momentum for the second half of 2013,” Kleinhenz added. “Payrolls came in stronger than expected, including in the retail industry, which witnessed strong gains in building supplies, clothing and sporting goods. The economy is currently stable but traction and pace remain uncertain.”