Shop Talk

Check out the growing U.S. job security.

That’s not the same as growing employment, but if you have a job, you may be more likely to keep it.

Planned job cuts announced employers fell to 34,768 in August, down 17 percent from July and the lowest monthly total in more than a decade, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.

Persistently high unemployment has hurt retailer sales as consumers have been skittish about spending on anything but essential items.

But as those with jobs feel more comfortable that they will keep them, they are venturing out to make selected purchases. Higher end retailers like Nordstrom have seen some of the strongest sales gains in recent months.

A new snapshot of retail activity will come on Thursday as many retailers report monthly sales.

Also in the basket:

Burger King mulls sale: source

Brown-Forman 1st-quarter profit sales

Borders posts another loss as sales fall again

(Reuters photo)