Since last quarter Retail Trade increased 1.4% adding 5123 employees. Eating & Drinking (58) reflected more than half of the industry's gain up 2959 employees. Increases were seasonal though somewhat slower than in preceding years. Food Stores (54) added 1974 employees. While some employment gain this time of year is typical, a portion of the gain can be attributed to increased staffing due to a strike by grocery store workers. Employment increases occurred at the striking facilities as well as competitor locations. In addition, three new stores were opened along the front range generating almost 250 employees. Historically, Food Stores add about 800 employees between first quarter and second quarter as stores staff for the summer. Bldg Materials-Garden (52) gained 1854 employees. Gains were seasonal occurring in Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers (521) and Retail Nurseries, Lawn & Garden Supply Stores (526). General Merchandise dropped 983 employees. Losses were seasonal but included the closure of one department store. Apparel & Accessories (56) declined 832 following the end of the Christmas and ski season.
ANNUAL
Retail Trade added 9358 employees over a year ago for a gain of 2.6%. Annual gains for Eating & Drinking (58) were 3311, a slowing from increases exhibited over the previous five years. Food Stores (54) reported 2183 new employees. The opening of a number of new stores, coupled with temporary staffing this quarter to cover the grocery workers strike, contributed to the gain. Auto Dealers-Service Stations (55) added 1589 employees. Nearly 1100 employees were added to Motor Vehicle Dealers (551) the result of expansions at numerous establishments due to the healthy economy. Gasoline Service Stations (554) added about 430 employees due to expansions with the greater portion occurring in the Balance of State. Bldg Materials-Garden (52) increased 1395 employees. The opening of a number of new stores across the state and expansions at existing locations created the growth. Apparel & Accessories (56) was the only sector to decline over the year dropping 373. Closures of a number of s
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Second Quarter 1996
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