Retailers are using a variety of means to reach out to new and existing customers to boost business, improve loyalty and hone their retail merchandising strategies.

For example, California retailers have begun increasing their number of bilingual employees to keep up with customers whose first language is not English, the Contra Costa Times reports.

Companies such as Safeway, Home Depot, Sears, Kmart and a variety of local chains and stores are seeking bilingual candidates in the interview process. Those retailers that run more technically oriented stores such as hardware or home improvement stories find bilingual employees exceptionally helpful.

"A lot of retailers are very much focused on providing a diverse workforce for diverse customers that are coming into their stores. They recognize that a lot of people that come into their stores don't always speak the language," Jackie Fernandez, retail partner with Deloitte's Los Angeles practice, told the paper.

Retailers aren't the only sectors seeking bilingual employees. Local, regional and federal governments as well as political campaigns are also seeking people who speak more than one language to better connect with their target audiences and visitors.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 at 9:00 am .