This figures to be one of the most competitive holiday retail job markets in years, according to the most recent report from Challenger, Gray and Christmas Inc.
John Challenger, chief executive officer for the outplacement firm, owes that to a number of factors, including greater willingness among current staff to put in more hours, the return of former, experienced employees and the significant productivity gains being achieved throughout the economy.
With the recovery still relatively weak and no signs of a significant resurgence in consumer spending, Challenger is anticipating just a slight increase from Christmas hiring in 2002.
Retailers added about 555,000 workers in November and December of last year, according to employment figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was about 65,000 more than the 490,000 workers added during the same months in 2001. However, prior to 2001, retailers added an average of 655,000 per year in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
"Even if hiring approaches pre-2001 levels, competition for these jobs will be fierce. There are more than 13 million Americans out of work. Many are qualified and willing to accept part-time, temporary positions at the nation's retailers to generate some holiday income," Challenger said. "However, an anticipated increase in holiday sales by itself will probably not be enough boost hiring as much as some are probably hoping. Retailers, like other sectors of the economy, are proceeding cautiously when it comes to adding workers."
He said many stores are more likely to increase current workers' hours, a strategy that is easier to reverse if business does not surge.
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