Although Retail Trade reflected its usual pattern of employment growth due to Christmas sales, employment increases over third quarter were quite small in comparison to previous years. Only 1994 employees were added for a gain of 0.5%. General Merchandise (53) incurred the largest increase growing by 3835 employees due to hiring for the Christmas buying season. These gains are down from previous years’ when seasonal increases were at least 4000. Increases in Misc Retail (59) up 3476 and Apparel & Accessories (56) up 1738 were stronger than in most years. Four sectors lost employment over the quarter. The largest decline occurred in Eating & Drinking (58) down 6952. Losses were seasonal following the end of summer tourism and the closing of outside dining but about 700 lower than a year ago. Building Materials-Garden (52) dropped by 842 employees as gardening and outdoor home improvements slowed. Dealers-Service Stations (55) dropped by 557 employees. About half of the loss occurred in gas stations due to a merger and subsequent layoffs and some seasonal cutbacks.
ANNUAL
Retail Trade grew 2.3% over fourth quarter a year ago adding 8479 employees. Retail growth in Douglas County, one of the nations fastest growing counties by population, constituted 30% of the retail growth in the state of Colorado. Statewide Eating & Drinking added the largest number of new employees up 2868 followed by Misc Retail (59) up 2223. About 60% of the restaurant and Misc Retail growth occurred in Metro Denver. Almost half of the expansions in Misc Retail were found in Misc Shopping Goods Stores which includes sporting goods, book, stationery, toy and jewelry shops. Increases were the result of new store openings, higher staffing for Christmas sales and some expansions. Auto Dealers-Service Stations (55) added 1380 employees. Increased hiring at auto dealerships and auto parts and tire stores accounted for most of the increase. Data reporting by some firms in this category has been questionable. Despite a layoff this quarter, gas stations added 240 over the year assisted by SIC changes in January. Furniture Stores (57) added 894 employees. Home Furniture & Furnishings Stores (571) accounted for 610 of the increase.
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