On a quarterly basis, Retail Trade realized the second largest industry gain rising by 10,486 employees for a growth rate of 2.6%. More than half of the industry’s quarterly growth occurred in Eating & Drinking (58). Eating & Drinking’s increase of 5613 was buoyed by seasonal hiring as well as new staffing for the myriad of restaurants opened in the Flatiron Crossing shopping complex in Boulder County. General Merchandise (53) gained 1567 employees, Apparel & Accessories (56) gained 1049 and Misc Retail (59) 861. Growth in these three sectors was also dominated by new store openings at Flatiron Crossing mall. In addition, the opening of three department stores in Douglas County and one large store in Arapahoe County contributed to the General Merchandise employment increase. Auto Dealers-Service Stations (55) grew by 926 employees. The healthy economy and low interest rates influenced the addition of 417 to automobile sales. Gas stations up 209 typically expand in summer months to cover tourist demands. Food Stores (54) employment rose by 906. Three new grocery stores opened in the Metro Denver area contributing to the gain. Building Materials-Garden (52) seasonally declined falling by 556.
ANNUAL
The Retail industry annually advanced 3.2% adding 13,131 employees. Eating & Drinking (58) was the largest growing sector with 6403 new employees. Boulder, Arapahoe and Douglas counties experienced the fastest growth adding 1671, 1371 and 795 employees, respectively. Misc Retail (59) was the second largest increasing sector within the Retail Trade industry adding 2236 employees. Within Misc Retail, Misc Shopping Goods Stores reported the largest raise gaining 1403 employees. Its strongest growing component was Sporting Goods Stores & Bicycle Shops. General Merchandise (53) added 2059 employees over a year ago. The majority of the increases occurred in Department Stores in Douglas and Boulder counties, both with the newest mega shopping malls. Auto Dealers-Service Stations (55) grew by 1145 employees. The lion’s share of employment gain occurred in automobile dealers up 920. Furniture Stores (57) accumulated 840 new employees with increases divided between home furnishings and Radio, Television, Consumer Electronics stores. The only sector to decline over the year was Food Stores (54) down 290 employees. The loss occurred in the Balance of State within grocery stores.
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Third Quarter 2000
