Thousands of retail jobs came back in June, but the latest jobs numbers reveal the pandemic's devastating impact on the industry

• Retail jobs are making a comeback after the coronavirus pandemic devastated the industry this spring.
• Retail saw 740,000 new jobs posted in June.
• Even with the upswing, there's been a net loss of 1.3 million retail jobs since February.

The retail job market saw a positive upswing last month, but Thursday's numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics also emphasize the pandemic's devastating impact on the industry and its millions of workers.

Retail saw 740,000 new jobs posted in June, up from 372,000 in May. But the good news comes after a loss of 2.4 million in March and April, making for a net decrease of almost 1.3 million jobs since February.

With social distancing and stay-at-home policies affecting or even shuttering some retailers, the pandemic has hit the sector particularly hard. And that's meant job loss and financial struggles for some of the poorest Americans.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that clothing and clothing accessories stores posted 202,000 jobs, general merchandise stores reported 108,000 new positions, and both furniture outlets and motor vehicle dealers posted 84,000 roles each.

On the food and beverage services side of retail, restaurants and bars posted 3 million more jobs in May and June. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "employment in food services and drinking places is down by 3.1 million since February." That being said, the reopening process for eateries has been slow and filled with delays and false starts in many parts of the US, including New York City.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics credited "resumption of economic activity" with the uptick in employment. Retail is not the only industry to see gains either. Education, manufacturing, and professional services also saw a boost, resulting in a "total nonfarm payroll employment" increase of 4.8 million for June.