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Retail industry employment saw a modest decline in August, decreasing 900 jobs from July, the National Retail Federation said today. The number excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. The economy overall saw gains of 156,000 jobs in August.

According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average family with children in grades K-12 had completed only 45 percent of their shopping as of early August.

Boosted by continuing sales growth, August is expected to be the busiest month on record for imports and 2017 is on track to set a new annual high, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report released by NRF.

Retail industry employment declined slightly in July, decreasing 1,700 jobs from June, according to NRF.

A team of college students honored by the National Retail Federation last year in the NRF Foundation Student Challenge competition will get the chance to sell their winning product — a custom women’s handbag — on the HSN television shopping network.

Whether they sell through traditional stores, online or both, companies that provide unique offerings and experiences for consumers dominate the list of Hot 100 Retailers 2017.

NRF welcomed reports that the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association appear close to extending their existing contract at West Coast ports nearly two full years before it is set to expire.

NRF says retailers will remain committed to fixing Obamacare despite the failure of a "skinny" repeal bill in the Senate.

NRF welcomed legislation that would reverse an Obama era expansion of “joint employer” standards that has increased businesses’ exposure to lawsuits and unionization efforts.

NCCR welcomed legislation that would reverse expanded joint employer standards set by the NLRB that have increased businesses’ exposure to lawsuits and unionization efforts.