According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry employment in the U.S. increased by 28,800 jobs seasonally adjusted in May over April and 100,000 jobs unadjusted year-over-year.

The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants. Overall, U.S. businesses added 223,000 jobs, the NRF said, citing U.S. Labor Department figures.

May’s retail employment follows an upwardly revised combined increase of 19,300 jobs for March and April. The three-month moving average in May increased by 19,000 jobs.

The sectors demonstrating the strongest employment growth were general merchandise stores, up 13,400 jobs; clothing and clothing accessory stores, up 6,500 jobs; and building and garden supplies, up 6,000 jobs. Employment declines occurred in health and personal care stores, down 800 jobs, and non-store including e-commerce, down 1,100 jobs.

“May’s rebound in jobs together with yesterday’s report of solid income growth and the rise in consumer confidence points to the economy functioning very well,” said Jack Kleinhenz, NRF chief economist. “Solid fundamentals in the job market are encouraging for retail spending, as employment gains generate additional income for consumers and consequently increase spending.”