Three-quarters of retailers are forecasting an increase in sales this holiday season, according to a survey by Hay Group.
The survey, released Sept. 10, also reports retailers plan to hire more temporary workers for the holidays this year. While 57 percent of retailers plan to hire seasonal workers at the same level as 2011, 36 percent say they will be hiring more, a increase from 2011 when just 10 percent planned to hire more seasonal workers than the year prior.
Now in its sixth year, the survey analyzed responses from 14 major U.S. retailers including Ann Inc., Hot Topic, Inc., and David’s Bridal.
Retailers are also  focusing on their permanent staff this year, too, with 43 percent of respondents saying they will have more permanent workers and fewer seasonal workers this year.
“After four years of economic turbulence, (retailers) have figured out how to operate in an uncertain business environment, and are calm and cool, rather than concerned, as they head into the holidays,” said Craig Rowley, vice president and global practice leader for Hay Group’s Retail practice, in a prepared statement.
Promotional and inventory strategies are fine-tuned this year as well, with 31 percent of respondents saying they will start promotions even earlier this year. Forty-two percent report they will start promotions in October, which is well before Black Friday. These promotional plans indicate retailers have more confidence in the consumer, reports Hay Group.
