Watch CBS News

Retail Jobs Are In Abundance In Sacramento County

FOLSOM (CBS13) – From the Sierra down, the drought has cost the region thousands of jobs.

But in Sacramento County, a new Census Bureau report shows it's raining retail jobs.

This high school junior just got his first gig selling suits.

"It's really cool experience," Josh Lendaho said.

His is one of more than 22,000 non-government positions added from 2012 to 2013.

"It actually wasn't as hard as I thought it would be," Lendaho said.

A piece of cake, because Sacramento County is leading the nation for job growth.

"I believe it," said businessman Jim Snook.

Jim owns Snook Chocolate Factory in Old Folsom and says he has seen a steady growth in business for the last few years. Meaning: he's on roll with hiring.

"More people creates more demand. So, yeah it's spurring some growth," Snook said.

So what makes Sacramento so special? For many, it's location.

"I think people are discovering this is a great place to live. We're close to the ocean, we're close to the mountains," said businesswoman Anita Gray.

Gray owns The Bag Lady. She had the option of opening her art and fashion shop in any big city she wanted.

"I've been in New York. I got to LA. Totally different feel," Gray said.

But she chose Northern California, and more specifically the Folsom Historic District, for its atmosphere.

"This is more family, more friendly, more – you know – more homely," Gray said.

Economists also tell us the county is pulsing with new business and housing construction, despite this changing landscape.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.