How Many Hours Do Retail Workers Get After the Holiday Season?
Post-holiday season, the number of hours for retail workers can vary widely. Typically, you can expect to work around 20 to 30 hours per week, depending on the performance and availability of the employees. If a retail manager consistently gives you 40 hours per week, they may be liable to pay benefits, such as paid holidays and vacation days, as well as cover some health care premium costs.
January in Retail: A Ghost Town?
When January arrives, expect a significant drop in customer traffic and employee presence. Many stores feel like a ghost town, with people seen only once a week. However, this varies depending on the worker's performance. High-performing employees may receive more hours from managers to help them reach their desired work schedule.
Cashiers and Light Workload
Cashiers, in particular, may only work 2 to 3 times per week, with only 3 to 4 cashiers on duty each day. In a store with 12 registers, this usually means the cashiers will have fewer tasks and more downtime. Nonetheless, this depends heavily on the store's performance and management strategy.
Post-Holiday Retail Work Schedules
The management at Advance Auto Parts I worked at had an 11-hour day as a manager. However, this is more the exception rather than the norm. Mostly, retail establishments aim to hire people with stable jobs and retail is just a part-time or supplemental source of income. The downside to this strategy is that if these employees get the chance to work overtime on a regular job, they may choose to do so, causing scheduling disruptions.
Full-Time Managers on Salary
Full-time managers typically work on a salary and should cover for shifts when needed. However, this rarely happens in practice. Instead, part-time employees are often left to fill in for shortages, which can be challenging and inconsistent.
Hours and Expectations
Part-time employees hired specifically for the holiday season should not expect any hours after the holidays are over. After the holiday rush, most retail establishments operate with reduced staffing needs. However, as the weather warms and sales increase, part-time and full-time employees may see an increase in hours.
Unexpected Changes
In my case, I still get close to 40 hours as a manager, but I now see a trend of cutting hours for employees as we transition from the colder months. These fluctuating schedules are expected, and employees should be prepared for changes as the season progresses.
When the weather warms and sales increase, the hours for part-time and full-time employees may also rise. Retail experiences a rise in customer traffic and, consequently, a bump in work hours, especially when the weather becomes more favorable.
Understanding the dynamics of retail work post-holiday can help employees plan their schedules and expect the changes that come with the seasons. Whether you're a manager or just starting out, staying informed about the work environment and changes can help you navigate the retail landscape more effectively.