Dive Brief:​

• CBS affiliate WLFI-TV reports that retail and distribution jobs are up this holiday season and might set a 20-year record. About 770,000 seasonal workers are expected to get hired, which is equivalent to the mid-to-late 1990s levels, according to retail management expert Richard Feinberg. Seasonal hiring began in early November and continues through mid-January.
• Feinberg said that retailers and distribution centers know they must compete with other companies; therefore they will need workers who can help consumers. He adds that sales are not always based on products alone but also on customer relationships and experience.
• Although Feinberg didn’t give specific wage rates for seasonal workers, he did say that hourly wages for retail workers generally are above minimum and that distribution workers can expect even higher earnings. However, retail workers have the advantage of receiving discounts on in-store purchases.

Dive Insight:

Companies that rely on seasonal workers to get through the busy holidays shouldn’t have trouble filling vacancies this year, based on Feinberg’s prediction. And if large company hiring is any indication, there are plenty of open positions to fill.

However, companies must still take the necessary precautions, lest their job postings be misidentified as scams. That means doing background checks, checking work permits, communicating policies and providing training when needed. Companies should hire seasonal workers who they believe can work well with customers as well as permanent staff. The season is short with little time for costly rehiring and retraining.