the us governments november jobs report showed that the retail sector lost 20000 jobs last month after the sector had gained 91000 jobs in the previous two months the sectors job losses come as the overall report showed nonfarm payrolls increased by just 210000 in november well below expectations of 573000 new jobs the retail sectors job losses included a declines of 20000 jobs in general merchandise stores 18000 jobs in clothing and clothing accessories stores and 9000 jobs in sporting goods hobby book and music stores that was partially offset by increases of 9000 jobs in food and beverage stores and of 7000 jobs in building material and garden supply stores in november 2020 retail employment fell by 35000 and in november 2019 retail employment increased by 2000 retail trade employment is now 176000 less than it was in prepandemic february 2020 the spdr sp retail etf xrt  which was little changed in premarket trading friday has rocketed 130 since the end of february 2020 while the sp 500 spx has climbed 55