(The Wall Street Journal) — The outlook is dimmer than it has been in several years for workers hoping to get a part-time retailing job for the holiday shopping season, according to a survey of 21 store chains.  About two-thirds of the chains polled by consulting firm Hay Group said they would add the same number of workers for their busiest sales period as they did last year, even though many said they expect better holiday sales this year. About 25% said they planned to hire fewer seasonal employees than last year.  The participants ranged from Macy’s Inc. to crafts chain Michaels Stores Inc. and home-furnishings retailer Pier 1 Imports Inc. to Coldwater Creek Inc., which sells women’s apparel.  The consultants who conducted the survey said they were surprised by the results. “We keep hearing that retailers want to create a more engaging environment for customers,” said Maryam Morse, retail practice leader with the Hay Group. “That seems inconsistent with hiring fewer seasonal workers.”

Read More…

(CNNMoney.com) — Holding on to a seasonal job past New Year’s Eve is almost as difficult as keeping all your resolutions.  But Donna Marholz is hoping she will be among those who are lucky enough to land a permanent position next year. After losing her job two years ago, she has been looking for work ever since. She applied for a temporary position at Kohl’s and was hired just for the holiday season. “I was hoping for a full-time, permanent position,” she said. “I took it because I needed money.” Marholz lost her home after her unemployment benefits ran out and she could no longer afford the rent. Now Marholz, her husband and three children are staying with a friend in Port Richey, Fla.

Read More…