It's only mid September, but area retailers have already begun putting out the 'help wanted' sign for the holidays, a task which will be even harder due to the state's strong employment economy, and the new normal facing retail, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Steve Lee, an economist at SMU, tells News Radio 1200 WOAI that it is wise for larger retailers to start nailing down temporary holiday help early, because those workers are few and far between.
"I think because of better unemployment figures, we are seeing big retailers who are going to need large numbers of Texas workers jumping into the fray at least a month early," he said.
The strong economy means predictions are for a strong retail shopping season this holiday, which is good news for retailers.
But an additional problem they face is the fact that many retailers have cut their permanent staff, to try to reduce costs and remain competitive with Amazon and other on line retailers.
Lee says many retailers may want to be creative in looking for part time help, seeking out, for example, college students who will be on holiday break.
"If the employers get to them early enough, before they have made plans to go on vacation or go away, college students may benefit a lot from seasonal hiring this year," he said.