More than 2 million retail jobs disappeared in April, the latest in a series of bad news for the industry

Madeline StoneMay 9, 2020, 01:02 IST

Stores have begun reopening in certain states.AP Photo/LM Otero

The retail sector lost 2.1 million jobs in April, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Friday.
The job losses were just the latest in a series of bad news for the industry, which saw several retailers file for bankruptcy this week.
Meat shortages continue to be a concern for restaurants and grocery stores.
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This week proved to be an exceptionally difficult one for the already struggling retail industry.

2.1 million jobs were lost in the retail sector in April, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Friday.

While stores and malls started to tentatively reopen in certain states, limits on capacity are putting pressure on margins and differing state regulations are causing confusion.

And, the industry saw the first of what could be many coronavirus-related bankruptcies in J. Crew and Neiman Marcus. Nordstrom additionally said it would close 16 stores for good.

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Meat production has plunged, leading experts to warn about shortages and rising prices.

A shopper surveys the overflowing selection of packaged meat in a grocery early Monday, April 27, 2020, in southeast Denver. AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Restaurants in reopening states are also adapting to a new normal. Many are struggling.

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Stores reopened in certain states, albeit with strict new guidelines.

Store manager Natalie Hijazi temporarily closes off the entrance to a Pet Fair store inside The Woodlands Mall to help meet the current occupancy limits in place Tuesday, May 5, 2020, in The Woodlands, Texas. The mall reopened Tuesday with increased health and safety measures in place. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

The coronavirus bankruptcies began.

Katie Warren/Business Insider

Retail was one of the hardest-hit sectors in a dismal jobs report on Friday.

Mark Lennihan / AP Images

Neiman Marcus, J. Crew, and True Religion are among the first US retailers to file for bankruptcy as the pandemic takes its toll. Here's the full list so far.

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