Retail BC, in partnership with TheJobMagnet, is announcing the launch of this innovative social networking tool as a modern way to assist Retail BC members in recruiting employees in the face of labour shortages.

TheJobMagnet attracts applicants using websites like Facebook, MySpace and Google; sites that are popular with the younger generations that retailers are likely to be hiring at this time of year. In fact, over 29% of Canadians use Facebook and 41% of these users are between the ages of 16 to 24.

“While statistics are showing that consumers may not be purchasing as many high ticket items compared to last year, we are still anticipating that the holiday shopping season will be the highest sales-generating time of the retail year”, says Mark Startup, President & CEO of Retail BC.

According to Startup, retailers are still looking to hire seasonal staff that believe in providing great service, value and experience to consumers. “Amidst economic uncertainty, our members are looking for ways to provide customer experience, while saving money on their operational costs, so that they may pass savings on to consumers as well. Labour costs represent 50 to 60 percent of total expenses for retailers. The higher the employee turnover, the higher the expense. Retailers want to be hiring and training effectively and efficiently to keep costs down, especially in times like these. That’s one reason Retail BC is excited to be offering our members TheJobMagnet; it’s a cost-effective recruiting tool that will provide them an alternative way to find qualified employees and save them money doing it”.

TheJobMagnet is a recruitment tool that will not only provide qualified applicants but saves retailers up to 50% off their current recruiting methods. TheJobMagnet is cost-effective, since employers only pay for applicants they receive based on matching criteria. There is no upfront expense to the employer and they can control the budget. Candidates are matched based on location, preference, experience and availability.

Retail BC shares in the Passion for Retail Excellence and is the voice of over 3000 retailers within British Columbia. BC’s retail industry generates over $56 billion in sales and employs over 280,000 British Columbians.