The retail sector is the nation’s largest employer (probably The Grove’s maybe after schools and health services). Nationally it accounts for 11% of the workforce including half of all workers between 15 and 19.
Retail staff spend a much higher proportion of their income with other retailers (not on mortgages or children). This in turn boosts the retail sector. But if retailers want to save money they reduce staff hours.
Consumers have become incredibly conservative looking for bargains before they’ll spend anything discretionary. Rampant discounting has not helped businesses but it has made consumers very savvy on price.