Retailers are looking to follow a strong Back-to-School period with another positive (post Great Recession) Christmas selling season and that's good news for job seekers.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, total retail sales in August were up 4.7 percent over the same period in 2011. Retailers posted a 4.4 percent year-over-year increase in July.
A survey conducted in August and September by BDO USA found that chief financial officers at 100 top chains are forecasting a 3.6 percent increase in comparable store sales for the second half of 2012.
"Consumers proved resilient through back-to-school season, and that is fueling greater optimism for holiday sales results," said Doug Hart, partner in the retail and consumer product practice at BDO, in a statement.
Another study, this one published by Hay Group, found that 75 percent of retailers are forecasting an increase in sales for the holidays. As a result, 36 percent of retailers are planning to hire more seasonal staff this year, up from 10 percent in 2011. Fifty-seven percent are planning on hiring the same level of staff as last year.
"Retailers are betting big on the 2012 holiday season," said Craig Rowley, vice president and global practice leader at Hay, in a statement. "After four years of economic turbulence, they have figured out how to operate in an uncertain business environment, and are calm and cool, rather than concerned, as they head into the holidays."
Hay Group's research found that 74 percent of seasonal hires will be store-level associates and 12 percent will be in distribution centers. The firm was not expecting to see major changes in personnel numbers in fulfillment centers as retailers have gotten better managing e-commerce operations.
- Monthly Retail Trade Report - U.S. Department of Commerce
- Retailers Forecast 4.5 Percent Increase In Total 2012 Sales, BDO USA Study Finds - BDO USA
- Retailers' holiday sales projections and hiring plans indicate more confidence in economy, consumers, Hay Group survey finds - Hay Group
- Kohl's Department Stores to Hire More Than 52,700 Associates This Holiday Season - Kohl's Department Stores
- Walmart Increases Staffing Levels for the Christmas Season - Walmart Stores