Orange County Register

By Bill Quinnan
For O.C. Register Special Sections

It may seem too early in the year to think about the holiday season, but if you’re hoping to take advantage of the boost in jobs that occurs in the retail sector, it’s time to start looking. An estimated 38 percent of consumers plan to begin their holiday shopping in November this year, and 40 percent have already started, according to the National Retail Federation.

Retailers often refer to the holiday-sales season beginning on Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving, which is reportedly the busiest shopping day of the year and the day on which many retailers supposedly go from being “in the red” (in debt) to being “in the black” (making a profit). However, employers start preparing for Black Friday well in advance, finding and training workers to be ready for the holiday rush.

According to the National Retail Federation, the holiday season generates anywhere from 25 to 40 percent of annual retail sales for many retailers. In 2008, holiday sales accounted for 18.5 percent of total retail industry sales, according to the NRF. Jewelry stores were impacted most significantly, generating 25.5 percent of their annual sales in November and December.

Workers in demand
Understandably, this boost in sales creates a need for additional workers. The NRF estimates that retailers increased their employment by 1.5 percent during the holiday season in 2008, adding 231,000 workers.

Last year, average employment at general merchandise stores in Orange County was 4.7 percent higher in November and December than in the remainder of the year, an increase of about 1,170 jobs, according to the California Employment Development Department. General merchandise stores include department stores as well as warehouse clubs and superstores. Also included in the category are “dollar stores” selling a wide array of products.

Employment at clothing and clothing-accessory stores was 1.9 percent higher, about 400 jobs, and employment at sporting-goods, hobby, book and music stores (a category that includes toy stores) was 3.9 percent higher, about 330 jobs.

Bill Quinnan is a freelance writer who lives in Orange County. Readers can send e-mail to him at bquinnan@sbcglobal.net. Bill cannot provide job leads.

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