Employment in Retail Trade seasonally decreased 1.8% losing 6964 employees. General Merchandise (53) reported the largest quarterly employment drop, down 4403. Though the employment drop was primarily seasonal following the end of the Christmas buying season, declining employment was affected by two other factors. During the quarter one large national chain closed its doors. Another large chain began reporting its auto supply store employees separate from its department store employment thereby moving about 375 employees into Auto Dealers-Service Stations (55). Misc Retail (59) dropped by 1533 employees, Apparel & Accessories (56) dropped 1014, and Food Stores (54) 982. Losses in all three sectors were seasonal. Only two sectors gained employment over the quarter: Eating & Drinking (58) up 1318 and Auto Dealers-Service Stations up 354. Increases in Eating & Drinking occurred outside the metro area and were influenced by seasonal demand in the ski areas. Growth in Auto Dealers-Service Stations resulted mainly from SIC changes from General Merchandise.
ANNUAL
Retail employment grew 3.1% over a year ago adding 11,163 employees. Eating & Drinking (58) added the greatest number of employees up 3427. Gains were slightly heavier in the metro area than in the balance of state. Misc Retail (59) incurred the second largest employment increase up 2048. Except for Sewing, Needlework & Piece Goods Stores all subsectors of Misc Retail grew over a year ago. Other types of stores covered by this sector and showing employment gains are sporting goods, books, stationery and jewelry stores. Auto Dealers-Service Stations (55) reported a gain of 1814 employees. Its three largest expanding subsectors are Auto & Home Supply Stores (553), Motor Vehicle Dealers (551) and Gasoline Service Stations (554). Gains in Auto & Home Supply stores was also impacted by the addition of about 375 from General Merchandise (53) SIC changes. Bldg Materials-Garden (52) added 1498 employees. The addition of six new super stores to Colorado along with expansions by existing business contributed to this sector’s increase.
1996 SIC CHANGES
Due to reclassification Retail Trade gained approximately 469 employees and $2,548,991 in quarterly payroll.
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) First Quarter 1997
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