Halloween is one of the top selling holidays in the U.S., in sales of costumes, candy, party supplies and decorations. Party City is hiring more than 14,000 seasonal workers for Halloween. Spirit Halloween, Halloween USA, Halloween Express, Halloween City and other vendors are looking for help in hundreds of stores in Michigan.
Michigan has been hard hit by unemployment. In July, unemployment in Michigan rose to 10.9 percent. It rose in June, too. In many counties, especially the larger ones near Detroit, unemployment is as high as 15 percent. Oakland, St. Clair, Genesee, Wayne, Lapeer, Macomb and Livingston have high jobless rates. Many specialty Halloween costume and supplies stores are opening in those areas. Hopefully, these stores can pick up some of the summer slacks in employment.
Other larger cities in Michigan have Halloween-themed stores opening, too. Battle Creek, Saginaw, Grand Rapids, Warren, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Jackson and Muskegon all have seasonal Halloween stores venues. Seasonal stores generally open near large malls and shopping complexes. Here are Halloween stores located in Michigan:
Party City: This is a year-round venue, but it is hiring additional staff for the Halloween season. There are 27 Party City outlets in Michigan.
Halloween City: This is a seasonal Halloween chain with 39 locations in Michigan. Halloween City has a job postings board with several thousand openings listed (not all in Michigan).
Spirit Halloween: This is a seasonal Halloween costume and party supplies store chain. There are at least 23 Spirit Halloween locations in Michigan. Some are open and some will be opening soon. More may open as the season nears and franchises become available.
Toys R Us: The largest children's toy store, Toys R Us caters to Halloween shoppers. It has a huge costume and party supplies section. Toys R Us hires seasonal employees beginning in late summer or early fall. A job with Toys R Us will likely last at least through the Christmas holiday rush. Toys R Us has over 35 locations in lower Michigan.
Hobby Lobby: Seasonal and holiday themes, including Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are big selling times for craft stores. Hobby Lobby hires seasonal help. There are over Hobby Lobby locations in Michigan.
Spencer's: This is a permanent novelties store that specializes in Halloween items. Spencer's is the affiliate that sponsors some of the off-shoot Halloween stores. There are at least 13 outlets in southern lower Michigan.
Disney Stores This is a permanent venue; they will likely be adding seasonal help which could last through the holidays.
Job seekers are encouraged to watch for other stores that add seasonal and holiday help. For seasonal employment, especially for Halloween, consider book stores, toy stores, craft and fabric suppliers, hobby and decor shops and bargain outlets.
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about people, places, events and issues in the Great Lakes State.
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