It’s barely fall, but you’ve probably heard rumblings of the holidays
already. Retailers are acutely aware of the coming season — and it’s no
secret why.
For many retailers, the final two months of the year can produce a
big chunk of their annual sales. Coresight Research predicts holiday
sales will be about 21% of retailers’ 2019 business, CNBC reports.
That’s down from 24% of all sales in the late 1990s, now that more
transactions happen online year around. But it’s still a big piece. To
handle this influx of business, retailers typically ramp up their staff
with part-time workers.
But with tensions over trade, and talk in
the media of a possible recession, you might wonder if there will be a
significant surge in employment this year.
It’s too early to know. What we do know from years past is that retail employment spikes in October through December. This year, as of Sept. 9, jobs marketplace Glassdoor had more than 755,000 open retail positions, a 4% increase from the same time last year.
If you’re looking for seasonal work, hustle to one of these retailers. They are taking applications for seasonal work now.
1. Amazon
Amazon plans to hire tens of thousands of people for seasonal roles in its operations network.
The
company apparently recognizes that a fluid operations network is vital
during the high-traffic holidays. It pays seasonal employees $15 per
hour.
2. Gap
are
on the table for Gap Inc. and Old Navy. But that’s not stopping the
stores from hiring holiday help. Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, Old Navy
and Janie and Jack stores launch their seasonal hiring spree Oct. 5.
Gap Inc. hopes to add up to 5,000 new hires for its stores during this one-day event, and job openings will be posted before and after.
For more information: Visit the company’s careers page to learn more about the Oct. 5 event or to search for jobs at a Gap Inc. store or distribution center near you.
3. Kohl’s
Kohl’s,
too, will host a hiring event Oct. 5. And Kohl’s also plans to hire
5,000 new associates on that day. In total, the department store wants
to bring on 90,000 seasonal employees.
Kohl’s started hiring for the holidays in July. Kohl’s executive Marc Chini says this early-bird strategy helps the company — and new employees — get a jump start on the season.
For more information: Check out Kohl’s seasonal careers page to find jobs at stores and distribution centers near you and to see the benefits for holiday staff.
4. Michael’s
With
more than 1,250 Michael’s locations in 49 states and Canada, the
chances are good that you can find work at the nation’s largest
specialty craft store.
Michael’s plans to fill approximately 15,000 seasonal positions in 2019.
Anyone
who makes the team this holiday will enjoy a 30% store discount. You
may even be able to turn the temp job into permanent employment. In
2018, Michael’s transferred more than 40% of its seasonal workforce into
regular positions.
For more information: Visit Michael’s jobs portal to search for jobs by ZIP code and view job descriptions.
5. Target
Target’s chief human resources officer, Melissa Kremer, notes in a company blog post that getting an early start on holiday hiring made a big difference last year. Target is repeating the strategy, with plans to hire more than 130,000 seasonal associates this year.About 125,000 of those positions are in stores. Another 8,000 jobs will be at Target distribution and fulfillment centers.
The red bull’s-eye retailer also is increasing its minimum starting wage to $13 per hour with a commitment to reach $15 per hour for the 2020 holidays.
For more information: Visit Target’s seasonal careers page to search for open positions and apply.
