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Local Businesses Hiring for the Holidays

By: Tyler Thomason

Updated: October 24, 2012

"People do come in this time of year because they know that you're hiring for extra help."

Searching for a way to make some extra Christmas cash?

Look no further than Northwest Arkansas.

"We've started hiring for our seasonal help already," says Pam Smith, owner of Impressions Boutique and Gifts in Fayetteville.

Smith says, in her store, the end of October means it's time to start playing Santa.

"I mean we've been wrapping Christmas gifts all day today," Smith says.

With demand increasing as December 25th approaches, Smith plans to nearly double her staff.

And college student Cassie May is one of her latest additions.

"It helps me a lot, it keeps me busy and helps with paying for gifts," May says. "I think stores prepare pretty early for holidays because they know how hectic it can be."

A kind of chaos that becomes contagious, from retailers to restaurants.

"Christmas stuff hits, people are wanting to get their Christmas parties booked," Nickki Golden, owner of Mermaid's Restaurant, also in Fayetteville.

And she's looking for some shifts to fill as well.

"Yesterday, I probably had five people apply with me," Golden says. "I guess everyone else is looking for that extra cash, which is good, it's a win-win for us because they win because they need the money and we win because we need the labor at that time you know."

And for some, the part-time work can turn into a gift that keeps on giving.

"If they do a great job, you know we'll reward them more than likely by keeping them after Christmas," Smith says.

"I think employees either shine or they don't during Christmas."

Other employers looking to hire include:

Wal-Mart
Target
Kohl's
Pier 1 Imports
Hastings
Toys 'R' Us
Big Lots
Hobby Lobby
Mason's

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