HispanicBusiness

Local retailers are starting their temporary holiday hiring, a good time to find some extra cash or possibly a future job.

Joy Hudson, manager of the Employment Security Commission in New Bern, said several places are now hiring for holiday workers. The majority of work is in retail and fast food restaurants, she said.

There hasn't been any demand yet from downtown shops, but Hudson said she thinks that will change soon with the holidays approaching. Lowe's is now hiring through the ESC, she said.

Some holiday jobs last into the new year as people return presents after Christmas, Hudson said,

"It is a busy time of year at Christmas time," Hudson said. "It is definitely a time for people to pick up part-time work. We always try to encourage that. It could lead to full-time work. You never know who you will meet."

Chad Hall, a shift manager at Walmart, said that store hopes to temporarily hire about 30 people. But that could change depending on the volume of sales, he said.

The seasonal hires are for 90 days of employment, Hall said.

"Typically, after 90 days, if we still have hiring needs and are impressed with a worker we offer them to come back on a part-time basis," he said. "We like to keep good quality people."

The percentage of temporary hires offered a part-time job varies depending on the economy and need, Hall said.

This year Hall said he expects a good sales season.

"It is not uncommon for retailers to start ramping up in October," he said.

Big brand stores will hire extra workers but local, smaller stores may also hire more people for the holidays to make sure there are enough employees on the floor, Hall said.

"I think this year will be a very exciting holiday season at Walmart," he said. "We have a lot of good things coming up that people don't expect."

Walmart is also offering earlier layaway plans this year, Hall said.

"People are preparing for the holidays now, so by December 14 they can pick up their lay-away products," he said.

Anyone wishing to apply for a temporary holiday job can apply online at Walmart.com or go to the store to apply on a computer. The application takes about 45 minutes and there is a small test at the end, Hall said.

Walmart in New Bern is looking for overnight stocking employees and cashiers, he said.

Carisa Bennett, assistant manager, at T.J. Maxx at New Bern Mall, said that store is also accepting applications and hired some holiday help a couple of weeks ago.

"It's possible we will hire more during the holidays," she said.