Hirings and job openings in retail and its related transportation industries are down, despite such employers preparing for what is historically their busiest season of the year, a new study has found. The new data, compiled by talent-acquisition technology provider iCIMS, found that hires and openings in retail have decreased by 12 percent and 25 percent, respectively, from this time last year, while the transportation sector saw declines of 22 percent and 2 percent.
“In two years, we’ve seen a shift in these industries from hiring teams looking for warm bodies to fill roles to an influx in applicants,” said Rhea Moss, iCIMS’s Global Head of Workforce and Customer Insights. “There’s a lot less pressure now to hire just anyone and teams have the chance to be a little more tactical in their hiring as they approach their busy season.”
The report notes that job seekers pay attention to headlines. From negative coverage on the rise of retail theft across the country to the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, candidates are reconsidering where and when they apply.
Overall, employers “have a stocking full of applicants,” the report notes. While hiring and openings are down across retail and transportation, application volume remains robust at a 13% increase for the transportation sector and 46% increase for retail from September 2022.
Click here for more from the iCIMS study.
Closing With Confidence: How Bailey's Fine Jewelry Achieved Outstanding Results With Wilkerson
When Trey Bailey, President and CEO of Bailey's Fine Jewelry, decided to close the Crabtree location in Raleigh, North Carolina after 15 years, he knew the decision needed to be handled with intention and professionalism. The goal was clear: exit the location while maintaining financial strength and honoring the store's legacy.
Having worked with Wilkerson successfully in the past, Bailey understood the value of their comprehensive approach. "They understood both the emotional and financial sides of the store closing sale," Trey explains. "Their reputation for professionalism, results and care made it a very easy decision."
The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson helped Bailey's sell through significant inventory while maintaining the dignity of the closing process. "They don't just run a sale, they help close a chapter in the best way possible," Bailey says, strongly recommending Wilkerson to any jeweler facing a similar transition.
