Seasonal Work: Silver Bells and Holiday Help

It's known as "the most wonderful time of the year."

But more often, we're stuck with jam-packed stores, hour-long lines and parking conditions that make UB's parking problems seem benign.

As difficult as it is to find a Tickle-Me-Elmo or Furby or whatever the "it" toy will be this year, employers say it's even more difficult to find employees willing to serve the holiday-crazed masses.

"Being that this is the busiest time of the year, seasonal employees give us a lot (of) extra help," said Michele Kiescwetter, general manager of Victoria's Secret at the Boulevard Mall. "But it's sometimes difficult to find potential employees that are qualified and available."

Seasonal retail positions may be a good way for a student to make a little extra cash, if he or she doesn't mind dealing with stressed-out parents trying to be first in line at the cash register.

Employers are not ignorant to the added stress piling on their employees during the holidays. Most seasonal retail positions pay around $5.75 per hour and offer employees store discounts.

According to Kiescwetter, Limited Brand Corporation offers a 30 percent discount to an employee at his or her home store, as well as a "cross-brand" discount of 20 percent. Stores falling under the Limited Brand Corporation umbrella include The Limited, Express, Express Men, Bath and Body Works, White Barn Candle, and Victoria's Secret.

"The discounts we get are really good, and help me save money when I'm doing my own holiday shopping," said Cassi Rintoul, a student who works seasonally at The Gap.

Many stores in the Boulevard Mall on Niagara Falls Boulevard are hiring employees willing to work seasonal hours. Most of the stores hiring are big chain retail stores, featuring mainly apparel. Some include The Gap, Express, Express Men, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bath and Body Works, and Victoria's Secret.

According to employers, availability is a big factor in hiring because retailers need employees that are willing to work through the whole holiday season, including days close to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"Getting hired is largely based on your availability," said Kiescwetter. "A potential employee has to be available from now right up to Christmas Eve."

With the high volume of shoppers stampeding through the doors, many companies extend their hours of operation to receive maximum business. Stores in the Boulevard Mall will be open from as early as 7 a.m. to as late as 11 p.m., replacing normal business hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The combination of long hours and high business volume requires more than the usual number of employees to help ease the workload. This might prove advantageous for a student who has just finished exams and needs some extra money, but doesn't want a full time job during school.

"It gets so busy that I'm glad it's just a couple weeks long. I work for like three weeks and I have enough money to buy my books for next semester," said Rintoul.

Justin Blair, a senior communication major, works at the production center at a Wegmans during breaks, and said he has noticed that things get busier during the holidays. He said he is on the side of those who prefer to focus on the vacation portion of the holiday season and less on the money-making potential.

"I work my regular hours, the same as I do during the summer or any other break," said Blair. "I don't want to work extra hours during Christmas time. Yeah, you might make more money but you also want time to enjoy the holidays."