Overall employment growth in the U.S. faded in June, and it was another “meh” month for hiring in the retail sector.
That’s according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which showed the country’s total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 209,000 in June. That’s down from an average growth of 278,000 per month over the first 6 months of 2023, and much lower than the average of 399,000 per month in 2022.
In June, employment growth was concentrated in government, health care, social assistance and construction. But payrolls in retail trade “changed little in June (-11,000),” the bureau reports.
“Employment continued to decline in building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (-10,000) and in furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliance retailers (-5,000).” The lone bright spot in the sector: motor vehicle and parts dealers added 6,000 jobs.
“Overall, employment in retail trade has shown little net change over the year,” the report noted.
Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration
After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years."
Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations.
The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.
