Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed September as Careers in Retail Month for the third consecutive year.

Washington Retail began the promotion with Employment Security in recognition of the industry’s start of the busy holiday hiring period. It includes a spotlight page highlighting the variety of possible retail careers with links to hiring events across the state.

Retailers offer an expanding array of careers while making significant contributions to the state’s economy. The industry employs nearly 400,000 people across the state paying nearly $20 billion in annual wages.

Record-breaking taxable retail sales receipts account for about half of state government’s annual operating budget. The digital transformation in shopping has also created new career opportunities. Today, nearly half of all retail employees are working in non-sales positions that include training opportunities for advancement. More than 60% of retail store managers say their careers blossomed due to specialized retail training programs.

Gov. Inslee shared his sentiments in his proclamation.

“I encourage all people in our state to join me in celebrating this industry and its workers who help our state’s economy thrive,” said Inslee.

Washington Retail thanks Gov. Inslee for his continued recognition of the importance of retailers to families and communities across the state.