KSWO, Lawton, OK- Wichita Falls, TX: News, Weather, Sports. ABC, 24/7, Telemundo - Local stores look to beef up staff for holidays
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LAWTON, Okla. – Despite the down economy, retailers are gearing up for the holidays just as they have in years past, by beefing up their sales staffs.
The National Retail federation predicts that holiday sales will decline 1% this year, but Lawton merchants are optimistic this Christmas still will be a merry one.
Whether it is discount, department, or even specialty stores, they all seem to get busier when the holidays hit. Even though the economy still is not 100% and there may not be as many people shopping this year, they say they would rather be safe than sorry.
Black Friday can only be described as controlled chaos for most retailers. With the holidays right around the corner and with longer hours and more people in the stores, retailers want to make sure they have the right amount of staff.
"The customer is first, middle, and last always with us. We're going to have the same amount of people here to take care of all the customers' needs," said retail supervisor Cyndi Liszeski.
And they have to work fast as the dreaded Black Friday is just one week away.
"We're at 60% and counting. We're interviewing daily, all day everyday," said Liszeski.
But if dealing with people is not up your alley, pet stores are hiring, too.
"We've already seen an increase in sales as opposed to last year at this time so we anticipate it is going to be pretty busy," said Liszeski.
That is right. Even pet stores have their busy time during the holidays.
"Even though with the economy has been on a downturn it still hasn't affected people spending money on their animals," said retail assistant manager Vernon Kemper.
If you are a little reluctant to apply for a temporary holiday job, ask about the potential for full-time work.
"If they do an outstanding job we will notice and the customer will notice and the customer will notice and we will keep them on past the holiday season," said Kemper.
"We don't believe in seasonal. Once you are hired, you are hired. There is no such thing as seasonal in our business or with our company at least," said Liszeski.
Retailers say they have already started seeing people coming into their stores to shop for the holidays. Some have already seen an influx of 2% to 4% as compared to this time last year. To boost sales even further this Black Friday, some retailers plan to open as early as 4 a.m.
