Retail Trade seasonally increased 1.4% over last quarter adding 5001 employees. The largest sector increase occurred in Eating & Drinking (58) up 3681 employees. Gains were seasonal jumping in June when the tourist trade gets underway. Building Materials-Garden (52) rose by 1916 workers. Seasonal staffing at home building centers and garden supply establishments was responsible for the increase. Auto Dealers-Service Stations (55) advanced by 978 employees. Most of the gain was seasonal. Strong car and motorcycle sales in the spring precipitated increased sales staff and lot workers. Employment in service stations grew in anticipation of the summer tourist season. Six new grocery stores opened around the state during the quarter contributing to the rise of 740 employees in Food Stores (54). Four sectors of retail were in seasonal transition down from after-Christmas sales. Dropping this quarter were Apparel & Accessories (56) down 871 employees, Furniture & Furnishings (57) down 543, Misc Retail (59) down 448 and General Merchandise (53) down 452.
ANNUAL
Retail Trade is up 3.0% over a year ago having added 11,041 employees. All sectors except Food Stores (54) grew. Eating & Drinking (58) experienced the largest gain up 4149 employees. Growth was equally divided between the Metro Denver area and the balance of state. Misc Retail Trade (59), up 2051 employees, was the second largest growing component of Retail Trade. The addition of new book, sporting goods and office stores contributed to the growth. Staff expansions in catalog and direct selling organizations and pet food and body & bath shops also contributed to the component increase. Auto Dealers-Service Stations (55) added 1703 employees. Increased hiring at auto dealerships along with the addition of over 500 due to SIC changes and the possible over reporting of an estimated 300 employees in gasoline stations produced most of the gain. Food Stores (54) was the only sector to decline over the year. Employment second quarter a year ago was increased to cover a workers strike. Since that time employment has returned to normal for the affected stores.
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Second Quarter 1997
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