Houston businesses are hiring for the holidays

List of pay, employee benefits

HOUSTON – Christmas is 70 days away, but the holiday season has already started for local retailers and businesses. Employers are hiring thousands of seasonal employees.

Consumer expert Amy Davis found dozens of places where you can earn extra cash and score some nice discounts over the next few weeks. 

The number of packages at UPS increase by tens of thousands every day during the holidays. It's why they're hiring 2,000 seasonal package handlers and 2,000 driver helpers in the Houston area, almost doubling the number of regular employees. The starting pay is $10.15 an hour.

"It's a great opportunity to not look at UPS as just a seasonal opportunity, but also the majority of seasonal employees also come back and work as permanent employees once the holidays are over," UPS' Aaron Times said.  

For the last three years, the company has hired about 35 percent of its seasonal employees as permanent part-time workers after the holidays. Permanent employees are offered $5,250 every year to help pay for college. Part-time employees are eligible for health benefits after one year.  To apply visit www.ups-jobs.com.

Looking for something more glamorous? Tiffany and Company in the Galleria is hiring. Apply online and they'll call you to set up an interview Wednesday or Thursday. 

At the Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta, seasonal jobs start at $9.50 an hour. The biggest perk is the employee discount: half off all full price items. 

Crate and Barrel is offering $10 an hour to seasonal employees with a 30 percent employee discount. This doesn't include furniture. 

Retail not your thing? Honey Baked Ham is hiring seasonal drivers paying $10 to $12 dollars an hour. Sales associates get $8 an hour. Expect to work only one to two days the week of Thanksgiving and the week leading up to Christmas. 

Houston Amazon warehouse positions pay $12 an hour, for those who work Thursday through Saturday evenings, pay is bumped to $14.50 an hour. Employees who stay with the company after the holidays, can get 95 percent of their tuition paid for courses related to in-demand fields. 

To snag one of the 100,000 holiday positions at Target, go to www.targetseasonaljobs.com. Starting pay is $11 an hour with a 10 percent employee discount. 

Orvis, the outdoors store, pays $12 an hour and employees get a 50 percent discount. 

Macys is hiring at stores all over the Houston area. Sales associates start at $8.75 an hour and get a 20 percent discount on merchandise. 

Stage Stores is hiring for Seasonal holiday call center specialists.  

Kendra Scott stores are hiring seasonal employees. Representatives did not disclose pay or employee benefits. 

Dick's Sporting Goods in the Galleria is hiring seasonal sales associates starting at $9 an hour. 

Toys R Us is hiring. The company didn't reveal the starting pay, but said employees receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases. 

Starbucks is hiring baristas starting at $9 an hour with a 25 percent employee discount. 

American Greetings Corporation is hiring seasonal employees. Pay starts at $8.15 an hour.

Lakewood Church is hosting a job fair Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. where more than 100 employers will be looking for employees. 

Francesca's is hiring now for several different positions. The boutique said there is opportunity for career growth in the company. 

At Home, The Home Décor Store in Katy is looking for holiday help. You must be 18-year-old and able to lift 50 pounds. 

Plant Interscapes is hiring people to put up Christmas decor and lights. 

JC Penney stores in Memorial City, Meyerland, Willowbrook, Humble and Pearland are hiring for the holidays.


About the Author:

Passionate consumer advocate, mom of 3, addicted to coffee, hairspray and pastries.