Retail holiday hiring in 2012 reached highest level since 2006

New York -- Hiring by the nation’s retailers this past holiday season was at the highest level in six years despite the uncertain economy, Superstorm Sandy and the presidential election, according to an analysis of government job data by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Chicago, a leading outplacement consultancy.



Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 retailers added 728,300 jobs, which was 10.3% more than the same-three month period in 2011. The retail jobs added for the holiday 2012 season were the strongest year-end hiring surge since 2006, when employment in the retail sector increased by 746,900.



Much of the holiday hiring occurred in October and November when retailers added 149,600 jobs and 490,400 workers, respectively. Merchants hired 88,300 workers in December, down from the 147,600 hired in December 2011.