In 2019, the retail sector employed just over 110,000 people, which is almost 10 percent of all jobs in the Austin MSA. The sector generates more than $37 billion in gross sales at about 20,000 different retail outlets. The sector accounts for about 5 percent of the Austin MSA's Gross Regional Product.
Nationally, retail sales declined 22% in April 2020 versus April 2019. While grocery stores saw sales increase by 13%, motor vehicle and parts dealers saw a decline of 33%, gasoline stations a decline of 43%, and clothing stores a decline of 89%.
Detailed data on retail sales is not yet available for the Austin region.
In 2019, food services and drinking places employed almost 105,000. The sector generates about $6.5 billion in gross sales at more than 9,000 different outlets. The sector accounts for about 3 percent of the Austin MSA's Gross Regional Product.
Although restaurants are still allowed to sell food and alcohol for delivery or carry-out, many establishments have closed temporarily or permanently, and the ones that are operating are selling a fraction of the volume that they do in a normal month. The data has not yet been released, but the decline for the industry could be as dramatic than that of the clothing stores.
The change in seated diners shows the flatlining of the industry in early March.
On March 17, Mayor Adler issued the order to limit restaurants to drive-thru and pick-up service. The changes went into place on March 19. Governor Abbott let the State's stay-at-home orders lapse on May 1, allowing for restaurants to open at 25% capacity. Under the second phase of reopening, which started May 18, restaurants are allowed to increase occupancy to 50% and later 75%. With the drop in cases, restaurants have gradually seen a rise in seated diners.
The number of seated diners in Austin is down, on average, about 40% from one year ago in September, although weekends and holidays bring more diners.