Retail and HospitalityRapid population growth is typically followed by rapid growth in retail and the Valley has proved no exception. The built-in market created by Mexico, coupled with the area’s tourist and “Winter Texan” population, generate additional retail demand above that of the existing population. While the retail and hospitality industries are dominated by low-wage jobs, they provide an important stepping stone to more skilled occupations. They can also serve as an important source of job growth in areas without a strong manufacturing presence, such as Starr and Willacy Counties. The increasing emphasis placed on quality of life in business and personal relocation decisions means that a vibrant retail sector plays a role in the retention and recruitment of workers across industries, making it a key component of the local economy. Furthermore, developing strong customer service skills can benefit a number of industries both directly and indirectly. These issues, coupled with the relatively short training horizon and the robust job growth forecast for the service sector, make retail and hospitality occupations good candidates for training. (Workforce Solutions TIP Strategies, 2004)
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