US party and costume retailer Party City is opening just 25 Halloween pop-up stores across America for this year, a 90% reduction on last year’s 275 stores.
The company still plans to hire approximately 20,000 temporary employees for the Halloween season as it sets out to support consumers’ needs, regardless of how they choose to celebrate and shop this year.
Each permanent store will have more seasonal workers to help handle deliveries and in-store pickup orders, including an extra four or five workers at the pop-up Halloween City stores. Party City expects to retain about 10% of these employees following the Halloween season.
The dramatic drop in numbers comes as the coronavirus pandemic is expected to put a stop to many traditional Halloween celebrations, particularly in the US where the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended avoiding trick-or-treating, indoor parties or haunted houses.
“We are always thrilled to welcome a new group of talented team members to the Party City family for the Halloween season, and we’re proud to be able to offer these job opportunities at a time when they’re needed the most,” said Party City ceo Brad Weston.
“Despite the pandemic, we know that consumers are looking to celebrate and capture the special holiday spirit, even if it looks a little different this year.”
