According to ibtimes.com, a survey by Hay Group showed that 64 percent of retailers expect holiday sales will increase over the 2009 holiday season. This optimism is even better then last year when only 28 percent planned on a sales increase over the previous year. A large percentage of businesses plan on hiring seasonal workers with 83 percent saying they have plans to do so. Forty-three percent expected to see more applicants in the coming year. It will still be a bit of a fight to get a job this holiday season but at least there is a chance this year to get one.

Consumers do not have the same mindset about Christmas purchases as they once did. The 'Great Recession' has change the perception on goods, debt and purchasing priorities. While I believe Christmas purchases may be a little better than last year, I don't think consumers will be flocking to stores to buy large quantities of goods. Stores perceptions on Christmas have also changed. Most store are not stocking their stores with as many good as they did in the past. They do not want to risk having to place extreme discounts on their produces at a loss, just to move the goods. The combination of tight-fisted consumers and lower goods for sale will not justify a huge surge in temporary retail workers this year. I do believe customers will start to open their wallets more for experiences such as eating out at restaurants, travel and other activities. If you are looking for an extra job, maybe look to the food industry for temporary work. Best of luck!