Retail Reporter

The Washington Post is looking for an aggressive, creative and enterprising reporter to cover the nation’s retail sector, a beat with enormous economic and cultural significance. Consumer spending patterns changed dramatically during the pandemic as Americans did far more shopping online and drove up demand for products and services centered on home – such as toys, electronics and athleisure. Meanwhile, retail workers drained from the pandemic quit their jobs in droves, disrupting the balance of power in the labor market. Companies scrambled amid staff shortages, supply chain bottlenecks and soaring inflation. As the nation emerges from the coronavirus crisis, consumer spending will shed light on the road ahead for the broader economy and the shape of society.