Headlines

U.S. Jobs Market Unexpectedly Strong

But employment in retail sector remained stagnant in September.

Published

7 months ago

October 8, 2023

INSTORE Staff

While the overall U.S. job market grew strongly last month, retail payrolls remained unchanged. PHOTOGRAPHY: bernardbodo/iStock.com

Total nonfarm payroll employment in the U.S. rose by 336,000 in September, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.8 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. As a result, the job market – whose uptick was the largest since January – was variously characterized by major publications as “booming,” (USA Today); “surging,” (The Wall Street Journal); and “sizzling,” (Reuters).

The biggest gains occurred in leisure and hospitality; government; health care; professional, scientific and technical services; and social assistance. However, employment showed little change over the month in the following sectors: retail, mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, financial activities and other services.

“The U.S. labor market clearly still has some gas in the tank,” Nick Bunker, head of economic research for job site Indeed.com, told USA Today.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”