Retail Trade added 9942 employees over last quarter for a gain of 2.7%. While employment in the retail sector typically increases in third quarter due to summer tourism, gains were influenced by the opening of the Park Meadows Mall in Douglas County. More than half of retail's gain occurred in Eating & Drinking (58) up 5384 employees. Seasonal gains were enhanced by new business. General Merchandise (53) added 1550 employees. Three new stores opened, two in Douglas county, adding about 900 employees. Misc Retail (59) increased by 1151 employees. Seasonal hiring for Gifts, Novelty & Souvenir Shops (5947) and firework sales along with expansions in Catalog & Mail-Order Houses (5961) generated most of the gain. Apparel & Accessories (56) added 1067 employees. Quarterly gains are higher than normal due to the opening of Park Meadows Mall and the addition of 32 new businesses in Douglas county.
ANNUAL
Retail Trade grew 2.3% adding 8473 employees since third quarter a year ago. The opening of the Park Meadows Mall this quarter in Douglas county was a shot in the arm for the slowing Retail industry. Annually, Eating & Drinking (58) supplied the largest employment increase up 3912, however, gains are considerably lower than has been typical in the past. General Merchandise (53) added 1151 employees. The opening of three large stores in Douglas county contributed to this gain. Auto Dealers-Service Stations (55) added 1135 employees. Expansions around the first half of 1996 for many new car dealerships accounted for the majority of the sector increase. Furniture Stores (57) added 606 employees over last year at this time. New stores in Radio, Television, Consumer Electronics & Music Stores (573) offset closures in second quarter 1996 in Household Appliance Stores (572).
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Third Quarter 1996
![[]](901e02a4.gif){kind=small}
![[]](90000211.gif){kind=small}
![[]](90000269.gif){kind=small}