As retailers boost their hiring, attention turns to retaining talented employees
Merchants are gearing up for back-to-school sales and the accompanying fall shopping season in a variety of ways, including stocking their shelves with sought-after merchandise, ramping up their marketing efforts and offering discounts and coupons. Another way in which retailers are preparing for increased sales is by hiring new employees.
According to data from the National Retail Federation (NRF), the retail industry added an approximate total of 37,000 jobs throughout July, Gourmet Retailer reported. This was part of the 162,000 positions created last month, which brought the nation's unemployment rate down to 7.4 percent from June's figure of 7.6 percent. NRF analysts stated that these gains, while not significant, are a step in the right direction as the economy – and the retail sector – continues to recover.
"While unemployment remains stubbornly high, with millions of Americans jobless or underemployed, retailers are adding to their ranks and payrolls," said NRF CEO Matthew Shay.
As merchants hire new workers, they will want to ensure they are doing everything they can to retain their top talent. To do this, Retail Digital suggested that brands offer rewards and recognition not only for staff members' sales efforts, but also for the high levels of customer service they provide. Keeping lines of communication open at all times is another way to retain skilled retail workers, the source explained.
