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. We’re looking for a reporter with the vision to seize this opportunity, cultivate a wide array of sources, spot trends and break news. The ideal candidate will have a strong sense for stories that resonate, either through revelatory reporting or fun observations. We want an aggressive beat reporter who is also an engaging storyteller, someone who can pivot nimbly from quick-turn dailies to deeply reported enterprise. A collaborative nature is a must: This reporter will work with colleagues from data, graphics, photo and other teams across the newsroom to tell stories of shifting industry and consumer behavior in innovative ways.