Kohl's to Hire 40,000 Temp Workers This Holiday Season

Retailer Kohl's Corps (KSS) said on Wednesday that it plans to hire 40,000 temporary workers during this year's holiday season at stores, distribution centers and credit operations nationwide -- 7,000 more than last year. The 21% increase in hiring comes in anticipation of a stronger holiday season.

"This holiday, we're pleased to create tens of thousands of jobs across the country to serve our customers during this exciting time of year," said Senior Vice President John Worthington.

The department store operator anticipates hiring an average of 35 associates per store to support 1,089 stores that Kohl's operates in 49 states. In addition, the company anticipates hiring 2,200 people at its distribution centers, and 60 associates at its credit operations, for a total of 40,375 associates.

Seasonal associates can work anywhere from a few hours to more than 20 hours per week, Kohl's added. Hiring began this month, and most jobs will be filled by mid-November.

The increase should come as no surprise, as the shopping season this year has been forecast to be stronger than in 2009. Comparable chain stores sales should increase between 3% and 3.5% during the key period for retailers, the International Council of Shopping Centers predicted Tuesday, according to the Dow Jones.

In recent weeks, Toys R Us, Macy's (M), Pier 1, American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) and Borders Group (BGP) said they plan to hire more temporary holiday workers this year than they did in 2009. Overall, the Associated Press reported that retailers will hire between 550,000 and 650,000 jobs this holiday season, according to Challenger, Gray and Christmas -- more than last year, when retailers added 501,400 temporary workers, but far less than 2007, when retailers added a whopping 720,800 temp positions.