Hiring outlook positive for the holiday season - Nov. 15, 2007

07-089

Media contact: Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376

Audio: /newsandinformation/releases/audio/holiday-hiring-positive.mp3

OLYMPIA – Washington retailers will add some 14,600 workers during November and December to help out with the upcoming holiday season, according to the Employment Security Department.

The projected number is down slightly from the 15,500 workers that were hired during the same period in 2006, but is comparable to the near-record hiring levels of the past three years.

"Our economy is still bucking national trends," said Karen Lee, commissioner of the Employment Security Department. "This is shaping up to be another good year for our retailers, and there are lots of opportunities for people who want to earn a little extra money during the holidays."

The bulk of seasonal retail hiring will be in general merchandise stores, adding some 7,700 workers, followed by clothing and clothing accessories stores, with each expected to add 4,500 workers.

Job seekers who want to take advantage of the holiday hiring trend should visit their local WorkSource center. WorkSource is a partnership of business, government agencies, community colleges and non-profit organizations that offer free employment services for job seekers and business. Centers also offer job listing and recruitment services to businesses seeking seasonal workers.

The average annual growth rate for retail trade in Washington during all of 2007 is expected to be 2.7 percent, compared with 1.4 percent in 2006 and 2.4 percent in 2005. The strongest growth has been in clothing and clothing-accessories stores, up 7 percent in 2007.

Evelina Tainer, chief economist for Employment Security, has projected slower but continued economic growth in Washington for 2008.

Holiday sales nationally are expected to increase 4 percent over last year, representing some $474 billion. The holiday sales increase is expected to fall below the 10-year national average of 4.8 percent, representing the slowest sales growth since 2002.

Web Links
Location of WorkSource Offices

Resources for job seekers and businesses, including a searchable database of job listings

Information on occupations, wages and other economic trends