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U.S. jobs report shows unexpected job gains despite surge in COVID cases

Small business owners in Charlotte are not surprised by the gains, because they've been able to sustain their workforce during the peak in cases.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In an unexpected turn, the U.S. economy gained a boost in jobs in January despite the omicron variant of COVID-19 spreading throughout the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the economy added 467,000 jobs last month. 

The leisure and hospitality industry saw some of the biggest gains in addition to retail. 

Small business owners in Charlotte are not surprised by the gains, because they've been able to sustain their workforce during the peak in cases.

Devin McDaniels, the co-owner of Derita Dairy Bar and Grill said the restaurant's walk-up style has helped keep business open in the Sugar Creek area of Charlotte. 

“It helps that we are a walk-up window," she said, "so, we are automatically COVID-friendly. Like, nobody's inside the building. We don't have to worry about people touching things or anything like that. It's all a window exchange.” 

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The setup has also helped her keep workers behind the scenes healthy and employed. 

"We haven't had anybody inside get sick. I'm fully vaccinated and boosted. So is everyone in my family and in my household. But every one of my cooks is as well," McDaniels said. 

Restaurants like hers have been hit the hardest by job losses due to COVID-19. But there's good news: the BLS reported restaurants gained more than 100,000 jobs during January—the peak of the omicron wave. 

Retail outlets also saw a boost: 61,000 jobs. 

Five13 Studio, a women’s clothing boutique in Charlotte's South End, said they’ve been able to keep their business open for several reasons. 

"Being semi-open-air has helped our patrons to be more comfortable shopping," said Jekia Benson, the boutique's owner. "We let our garage doors up whenever we can and it's really fun. It kind of invites people to come in and shop but even more on the safety aspect. It just makes people more comfortable as they kind of, you know, peruse in the store." 

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Benson employs three people and says they've stayed due to competitive pay and constant safety measures she's put in place. 

“We’re in a bustling area of South End," she said. "So, I'm thankful for that. And just our safety measures, we continue to just double down on what we've done. When we've seen past spikes, sanitizing in between trying on clothes you know clean the store regularly.”

Benson transitioned to a brick-and-mortar store in 2020 while most places were shutting down. With the economy continuing to add jobs she knows she made the right choice. 

Contact Shamarria Morrison at smorrison@wcnc.com and follow her on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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