Here is the most recent Retail & Consumer job report as of Mar 7, 2025:
In February 2025, the U.S. private sector added 77,000 jobs, marking the smallest increase since July 2024. This slowdown is attributed to policy uncertainty and a decrease in consumer spending, leading to employer hesitancy in hiring.
Industry-Specific Insights:
• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (including Retail and Grocery): This sector experienced a decline of 33,000 jobs in February. The reduction reflects challenges such as evolving consumer preferences and supply chain disruptions.
• Leisure and Hospitality (including Travel, Leisure, Hospitality, and Food Service): Despite overall employment growth, certain segments within this sector are facing challenges. Notably, the restaurant industry witnessed significant financial struggles in 2024, leading to a series of bankruptcies among major chains. Factors such as rising food costs, increased labor expenses, and shifting consumer preferences towards cooking at home have contributed to these challenges.
• Other Services (including Consumer Services): This category added 17,000 jobs in February, indicating steady demand for personal and professional services, aligning with broader economic growth.
Additional Insights:
The grocery sector is undergoing significant changes, with key trends shaping 2025. Consumers are increasingly focusing on value and affordability, leading to a rise in private label product purchases. Sustainability also remains a priority, with 95% of consumers attempting to live sustainably.
In the retail industry, executives anticipate mid–single-digit growth in 2025, emphasizing the importance of loyalty programs, digital commerce, and enhancing the omnichannel experience to cater to value-seeking consumers.
Overall, the labor market demonstrates resilience, with consumer-facing industries adapting to evolving consumer behaviors and external economic factors.
Brought to you in collaboration by the teams at EVOA Digital, CPG Cloud Partners, and Red Stapler. This article was initiated using AI technology provided by Apple and OpenAI.
