Retail Industry Leaders

If you’re considering a job in the retail industry, look to the stores in your own neighborhood.

Chances are that almost every store in your area is hiring! There are, however, a few “big names” in the retail industry that always have jobs available, both on the floor and in management. Start your search for a job with these industry leaders:

• Wal-Mart: According to the U.S Department of Labor, Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer, employing over 1.3 million associates in the U.S. alone and tons more internationally. As Wal-Mart is a discount department store, there are opportunities available no matter what your interests.
• Home Depot: Second in the United State only to Wal-Mart, Home Depot saw sales of over $64 billion in 2003. That means they’re looking for hundreds of thousands of employees every year! Of course, Home Depot is a specialty store, so this job isn’t for everyone, but even if you do not like tools, don’t forget that Home Depot also hires cashiers, cleaning crews, and administrative personnel.
• Walgreen: A leader in drug stores, Walgreen held the 9th overall position in 2003 for company profits. They employ people to run cash registers and stock shelves, but also to work in the pharmacy and photo centers.
• Safeway: Along with Kroger and Albertsons, Safeway is a leader in the grocery store sector of the retail industry. However, you may also have luck looking for chain grocery stores available in your state – Food Lion, Giant, Price Chopper, and so forth are all good choices.

Other big names in the retail industry include Target, Sears, Costco, Kmart, J.C. Penney, Lowe’s, CVS, Best Buy, and SuperValu Retail. You may also be interested in finding a job at some of the fastest growing companies in the country. According to STORES, the fastest growing companies of 2006 were The Bon-Ton, GameStop, Triarc, Zumiez, The Pantry, Coldwater Creek, and Charlotte Russe. (BJ’s Restaurants was also listed in their top eight).