With a slight surge in the economy, The popular retailer Home Depot will be recruiting people across the country to fill vacant jobs. The chain store has more than 300,000 associates, will also add some permanent part-time and full-time jobs, but it did not specify how many.
The Atlanta-based company calls spring its Christmas, and it is preparing for the seasonal rush by adding workers in February and March. Spokesman Stephen Holmes said the figure is similar to previous years.
The positions usually last about 90 days but could go longer depending on the needs of individual stores.
Home Depot, which has more than 300,000 associates, will also add some permanent part-time and full-time jobs, but it did not specify how many.
The company would not comment on whether its seasonal requirements indicate an improving economy for the retailer, but during a December analyst conference, Home Depot’s executive vice president of U.S. stores, Marvin Ellison, said the company expects to “reap the benefits” of a changing strategy for its professional customers during the “very busy” spring season.
Ellison said then that the economy is continuing to get better.
“We don’t see a big full recovery, but we do see improvement,” he said.
Home Depot in December also improved its 2010 outlook coming off of a strong November. The company expects sales to be up 2.3 percent for the year; it reports its earnings next week.
In 2011, the company has said it expects sales growth between 2 percent and 2.5 percent.
In addition to its hiring news, the company also announced that it will offer “Black Friday” deals for the second spring in a row. The sales events will take place over four weekends.
Prices will be reduced in four categories: live goods and lawn care, patios and grills, outdoor power, and eco-friendly gardening products.
“Hiring seasonal associates and offering door-busting deals will ensure our customers have all of the service, know-how and value they need as they look to take on outdoor projects to improve the appearance of their home,” Craig Menear, executive vice president for merchandising for the company, said in a statement.
Prospective employees can apply at careers.homedepot.com.
