The exact number of jobs available in department/specialty retail stores can vary based on the store, the location, and the season. In the United States, there are over 483,000 department and specialty retail stores, employing millions of people. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4.1 million people employed in department and specialty retail stores in 2019.
Overall, the department and specialty retail industry has seen an increase in employment over the past 10 years. Employment in the sector was 2.8 million in 2009, and this number has grown steadily since. As the industry continues to add stores and expand, it is reasonable to assume the sector will maintain its trajectory of growth in terms of job opportunities.