IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
MajorsOct 10, 2017
What Holiday Hiring Says About the Season Ahead
Plus, five tips for independent jewelers looking to add help this holiday season.
Macy’s said it would hire 80,000 holiday workers this year, down from the 83,000 it employed seasonally in 2016, but would allocate a larger number to direct-to-consumer fulfillment facilities. Pictured here is the Macy’s store in West Palm Beach, Florida.
New York--Predictions for the 2017 holiday season are rolling in, giving some indication of how much consumers are expected to spend in November and December.
Deloitte is predicting retail holiday sales to increase by between 4 to 4. 5 percent over last year, while its forecast for e-commerce growth is an increase in the range of 18 to 21 percent.
Meanwhile, the NRF said last week that it expects holiday retail sales in November and December, excluding automobiles, gasoline and restaurants, to increase between 3.6 and 4 percent.
Aside from predictions, one of the most telling signs of holiday success (or failure) to come is the major retailers’ holiday hiring plans: how many seasonal workers they plan to add, and how that compares with last year.
Global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. said that seasonal retail employment during the last three months of 2016 was up by 641,000, the lowest number since 2009 and almost 10 percent lower than the prior year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But Challenger, Gray & Christmas said that there could be high demand for seasonal jobs this year: “The competition among major big-box retailers will incentivize consumers to spend more this holiday season. These stores will need to add staff in order to meet demand,” CEO John Challenger said in a press release.
The NRF said during its holiday conference call last week that it expects retailers to hire between 500,000 and 550,000 temporary workers this holiday season, down from last year’s 575,000.
(The NRF did note, however, that it relies on data from government sources, which covers primarily hires for physical stores and hasn’t been updated to reflect the changes in the industry, especially in regards to hires for distribution, warehousing, logistics and more.)
Meanwhile, announcements from the majors on their holiday plans are coming in, offering a look at how they’re actually feeling about the upcoming season, and it’s a mixed bag.
Here’s what a few of them are doing this year.
Target is hiring 100,000 new employees for the 2017 holiday season to fulfill a variety of roles, including in-store help and fulfilling online orders at stores as it expands order pick-up and ship-from-store capabilities, a large jump from the 70,000 it hired last year.
The retailer also specified that 4,500 of the open positions would be reserved for the distribution and fulfillment centers, which is down
from the 7,500 positions it dedicated to such roles in 2016.
Macy’s announced plans to hire 80,000 seasonal employees for positions at its Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores, call centers, distribution centers and online fulfillment centers across the country, slightly less than the 83,000 it hired last year.
The retailer specified that 18,000 of those seasonal positions will be based in direct-to-consumer fulfillment facilities to support sales generated by the company’s omnichannel business (an increase of 3,000 compared with last year) and approximately 1,000 hired for customer service roles via phone, email and chat.
JC Penney is planning to hire more than 40,000 seasonal workers this year, which is comparable to what it did last year. The positions will be available in stores, at JCPenney.com facilities and customer care centers across the country.
Walmart, meanwhile, said it is taking the same approach as last year. Rather than hiring new seasonal workers, it instead will offer the extra hours to its current associates.
The extra hours will staff traditional roles for the retailer, like cashier and stocker, as well as newly created “technology-powered positions,” like personal shoppers and pickup associates. Walmart also will bringing back the Holiday Helper program to help customers get through stores faster and will be increasing the number of helpers in each store this year.
Kohl’s is not releasing any specific numbers on its holiday hiring, saying only that it will vary by location and that it expects hiring to be at similar levels as in recent years. In 2016, the company hired about 69,000 and the year before that it was 67,000.
A spokesperson for Sears Holdings told National Jeweler the same thing, noting that each Sears and Kmart store bases its hiring on its own needs and that they can’t provide specific projections on hiring for 2017.
Amazon has not yet announced its plans for the holidays.
Independent Hiring
As independent jewelry retailers also start looking to add seasonal help, Jewelers Mutual offered the following tips to make sure the right people are employed.
1. Check with the U.S. Department of Labor to determine any specific laws that might apply in each individual state. Also, remember that seasonal employees still fall under many federal laws, and business owners must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act, which includes things like requirements for overtime pay, ADA laws and anti-discrimination.
2. Keep appropriate records of wages and hours at all times. Written company policies, include break policies, work hours and pay, should be provided to all seasonal employees.
3. Take the same steps as when hiring a full-time employee; if there is a formal vetting policy, that shouldn’t change when hiring a seasonal employee.
4. Make sure the store and the employee mutually agrees upon the term of this employment, and communicate the relationship is “at-will.” This should be in writing, and the employee needs to sign the document.
5. Make time to train all new employees on the ins and outs of the business. Even though they might be seasonal, the store wants to put its best foot forward when dealing with every customer.
Macy’s announced plans to hire 80,000 seasonal employees for positions at its Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores, call centers, distribution centers and online fulfillment centers across the country, slightly less than the 83,000 it hired last year.
The retailer specified that 18,000 of those seasonal positions will be based in direct-to-consumer fulfillment facilities to support sales generated by the company’s omnichannel business (an increase of 3,000 compared with last year) and approximately 1,000 hired for customer service roles via phone, email and chat.
JC Penney is planning to hire more than 40,000 seasonal workers this year, which is comparable to what it did last year. The positions will be available in stores, at JCPenney.com facilities and customer care centers across the country.
Walmart, meanwhile, said it is taking the same approach as last year. Rather than hiring new seasonal workers, it instead will offer the extra hours to its current associates.
The extra hours will staff traditional roles for the retailer, like cashier and stocker, as well as newly created “technology-powered positions,” like personal shoppers and pickup associates. Walmart also will bringing back the Holiday Helper program to help customers get through stores faster and will be increasing the number of helpers in each store this year.
Kohl’s is not releasing any specific numbers on its holiday hiring, saying only that it will vary by location and that it expects hiring to be at similar levels as in recent years. In 2016, the company hired about 69,000 and the year before that it was 67,000.
A spokesperson for Sears Holdings told National Jeweler the same thing, noting that each Sears and Kmart store bases its hiring on its own needs and that they can’t provide specific projections on hiring for 2017.
Amazon has not yet announced its plans for the holidays.
Independent Hiring
As independent jewelry retailers also start looking to add seasonal help, Jewelers Mutual offered the following tips to make sure the right people are employed.
1. Check with the U.S. Department of Labor to determine any specific laws that might apply in each individual state. Also, remember that seasonal employees still fall under many federal laws, and business owners must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act, which includes things like requirements for overtime pay, ADA laws and anti-discrimination.
2. Keep appropriate records of wages and hours at all times. Written company policies, include break policies, work hours and pay, should be provided to all seasonal employees.
3. Take the same steps as when hiring a full-time employee; if there is a formal vetting policy, that shouldn’t change when hiring a seasonal employee.
4. Make sure the store and the employee mutually agrees upon the term of this employment, and communicate the relationship is “at-will.” This should be in writing, and the employee needs to sign the document.
5. Make time to train all new employees on the ins and outs of the business. Even though they might be seasonal, the store wants to put its best foot forward when dealing with every customer.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
