Increased hiring projected for the holidays - Oct. 30, 2006

06-092

Media contacts: Evelina Tainer, 360-438-4812
Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376

Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audio/

OLYMPIA – Good economic times and retreating gas prices will lead department stores in Washington to hire more of Santa’s elves to help out this holiday season, according to the Employment Security Department. 

“We’ve seen several months of positive retail growth and a positive economy,” said Karen Lee, commissioner for the Employment Security Department.  “This puts us in a good position for the holidays.”  

Job seekers wanting to join in on the hiring festivities this holiday season can connect with employers through their local WorkSource office.  WorkSource is a partnership of business, government agencies, colleges and nonprofit organizations that offer free employment services for job seekers and business. Centers also offer free job listing and recruitment services to businesses seeking seasonal workers. 

Washington’s retail employment for October through December is expected to increase by approximately 4.1 percent over the first three quarters of 2006.  That equates to an increase of 15,000 retail jobs for the season and an increase of 1.7 percent over last year’s levels.

The annual growth rate for retail trade in all of 2006 is expected to be 2.7 percent, compared with 2.6 percent in 2005 and 1.1 percent in 2004.  

“Job growth tends to moderate a bit with a prolonged economic expansion,” said Evelina Tainer, chief economist for the department.  “However, Washington is still trending upward and that’s good news for job seekers and business.” 

Holiday sales nationally are expected to increase 5 percent over last year, representing some $435 billion.  According to the National Retail Federation, one-fifth of retail industry sales occur during the holiday season, making it the most important time of the year for the industry.  

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