A national retail and service center in the recreation industry faced the challenge of hiring 125 associates for a new location with no prior presence while undergoing cost-cutting. A two-pronged approach combining an awareness campaign and personalized candidate experiences successfully filled all positions weeks early, created a talent pool of over 700 candidates, and maintained budget efficiency. This case study exemplifies effective recruitment strategies amid organizational constraints.

1. case study
Surge Hiring: Retail and Service Center
CHALLENGE
A national retail, repair and services company in the recreation industry was opening
a new retail and servicing center in a market where they had no presence. To meet the
opening-day deadline, they needed to hire 125 associates, including retail sales, customer
service, mechanics and mid-level managers. An additional challenge was that the company
was in the middle of an organization-wide cost-cutting initiative.
SOLUTION
We developed a two-pronged approach: raise awareness of the employer, our client, as a
new and exciting place to work, and create a highly personalized candidate experience to
secure candidates on the spot.
Tactics included:
• A three-month employer brand PR campaign that included radio, print and
digital advertising, web promotion and media PR placements
• A regional job fair
IMPACT
• Filled all 125 positions weeks ahead of the store opening
• Allowed time for full on-boarding and deeper customer service training
• Created a regional talent pool of 700+ candidates
• Came in under budget
• Created a new process for future store openings
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