The national unemployment rate, which most recently peaked at 10.1% in October 2009,
was marked at 8.6% this past month, the lowest it has been since March 2009. According
to officials, over 120,000 jobs were added in November, which helped lower the rate.
Since August, there has been a significant growth in the retail sector, which added 50,000
jobs, as well as the luxury and hospitality sector, which has added 22,000. This is a
large increase, as these industries can be placed into the durable and semi-durable goods
category.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/2011/12/02/news/economy/jobs_report_unemployment/?
hpt=hp_t3&hpt=hp_c1