2010 Olympic corridor hit by 21% retail labour shortage
Vancouver (December 14th 2006) - Retailers along the Olympic corridor from Vancouver to Whistler face a 21% shortfall in qualified labour, according a recent survey released by Retail BC Zata. The acute labour shortage represents a serious concern to retailers preparing for an up tick in tourism over the next few years leading up to and during the Winter Olympics.
“Retailers are facing an immensely challenging task in finding and keeping their employees and it’s only going to get more difficult in the lead up to the Olympics” said Mark Startup, President and CEO of Retail BC. “We need to be ready when the world comes to visit in 2010, and we all know that people on vacation shop. Right now business owners are making due, but the labour shortage is real and it’s here now.”
What has been happening east of the BC border is now a reality in our province as well with more than 60% of the survey respondents indicating that they are working more hours personally. In addition, some retailers have reduced the hours of operation or simply decided to close their store on certain days.
The challenge is not limited to the lower mainland as respondents in other parts of the province reported an average 9% retail labour shortage.
Retail BC is the voice of over 3,000 retail companies within British Columbia. BC’s retail industry generates over $50 billion in sales and employs over 250,000 British Columbians.
Zata provides sales benchmarking and survey information as a service of Retail BC.Participating retailers can gauge their sales strength every week through Zata.
—30—
For further information, contact:
Mark Startup
T: 604-730-5252