Matalan is to more than double the number of temporary store staff it takes on this Christmas as it seeks to capitalise on increased demand during the crucial trading period.
The 212-shop fashion and homewares chain is hiring more than 5000 additional staff, compared with 2300 last year, in a bid to improve customer service in its out-of-town shops.
All the big chains ramp up their staff numbers over the “golden quarter” — the final three months of the year — when many retailers can make about 40% of their annual profits. Online giant Amazon is taking on 10,000 staff for Christmas, Sainsbury’s is hiring 15,000 additional workers, Poundland is taking on 2000 and Argos is recruiting 12,000.
Matalan said that “wherever possible” it will offer the temporary staff permanent contracts.
The festive recruitment comes at a tricky time for Matalan. Underlying earnings fell by 15% to £23.6 million in the 13 weeks to May 26.
