RETAIL TRADE

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(52 - 59)

Employment change from last quarter	+ 1.3
Employment change from year ago	+ 3.3
Wage change from year ago	+ 9.3

QUARTERLY

Upward employment growth in the Retail industry was typical for the quarter affected by increased demand for holiday buying. Quarterly growth was 1.3% adding 4936 employees. Misc Retail (59) reported the greatest increase up 3668 employees. Seasonal Christmas hiring was particularly strong in Hobby, Toy & Game Shops up 800 followed by Sporting Goods & Bicycle Shops up 477. Book stores and gift shops also classified in this sector showed seasonal increases. Employment in General Merchandise Stores (53) rose by 3590 due to seasonal staffing and the opening of new stores. At least six stores opened during the quarter in the Balance of State adding 550 employees. Apparel & Accessories (56) also seasonally driven added 1647 employees and Furniture Stores (57) added 1274. Furniture Stores derived most of its increase from stores selling radios, televisions and consumer electronics. Eating & Drinking (58) fell by 4992 employees. Losses were typical as many restaurants cut back following summer tourist season. Building Materials-Garden dropped 521 employees at the end of the outdoor improvement and garden season.

ANNUAL

Since fourth quarter a year ago, Retail Trade grew 3.3% and added 12,552 employees. Employment in Eating & Drinking (58) establishments grew by 4258 constituting almost one third of the industry growth. The popularity of eating out continues to shape the industry. Food Stores (54) reported the second largest annual gain up 2069 employees. At least eight new grocery stores were opened over the course of the year adding over 1200 employees. Misc Retail (59) added 1678 employees. Misc Shopping Goods, which contains sporting goods, bicycle shops, toy shops and card and gift shops, contributed about 750 employees to the increase. Misc Retail Stores which contains sunglasses and candle shops contributed about 325 employees and used merchandise stores added 375. Employment in Auto Dealers-Service Stations (55) rose by 1275. Yearlong expansions in gas stations, many adding food service, along with the opening of a few new stations caused employment to grow by almost 500. A little more than 60% of the growth occurred along the Front Range with a strong increase in Pueblo County. Staff expansions and new stores contributed about 325 employees to the sector.

Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Fourth Quarter 1998