Chemical prices remain flat but some firms have been having a little more difficulty in finding skilled workers. The transportation industry is still growing, although somewhat less strongly than earlier in the year. Prices have been stable and there has been no more than the usual difficulty in hiring additional workers. District railroads are reporting a good recovery after the GM strike. Although sales tapered off slightly at the end of August, the retail sector continues to show strength.
National retailers indicate that spending in the Fourth District has exceeded U.S. averages.
Among the various retail categories, women's apparel, jewelry, housewares, and furniture have shown substantially improved sales growth. Sales of women's accessories, fragrances, and men's apparel, however, have been sluggish. Owing to sales strength and anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, retail outlets continue to add staff. Many are having trouble finding workers, however, and this may have begun to put upward pressure on wages in some cases. Auto dealers reported strong sales through August.