Walmart, Kohl’s set to hire thousands nationally

PHOENIX — Walmart and Kohl’s department stores are each planning to hire about 50,000 seasonal workers nationally during the holidays.

The number of Walmart jobs that will be available in Arizona is unclear. Kohl’s will hire about 1,000 people locally.

“They’re not going to be high-paying jobs — just the typical seasonal jobs,” said economist Jim Rounds with Elliott D. Pollack and Company.

And few benefits to boot.

But Rounds said with unemployment still above 8 percent nationally and in Arizona, the retail giants should have no problem filling the jobs.

“They’re not permanent jobs but if you can feed your family for a few months that’s a good thing.”

Seasonal jobs are an opportunity to get a foot in the door for a fulltime job down the road but there’s no guarantee, he added.

Beefing up the staff is an indication that retailers expect a good holiday sales season. Right now Rounds said that’s up in the air.

“Right now the uncertainty in Washington D.C. is dampening business investment and consumer spending. Not a lot but a little bit. You’ll see holiday sales growth but it may be more mediocre than retailers were hoping for.”

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