Cherry Republic to hire 200 additional holiday workers

Hiring event set for Nov. 2 at company’s Empire facility

From staff reports

Cherry Republic plans to hire as many as 200 additional “elves” to help meet the anticipated gift-giving demand at its Empire Distribution & Fulfillment Center this holiday season. The workers yet to be hired are in addition to the seasonal retail staff and mail order phone representatives already lined up for this busy time of year.

Pickers, packers and fillers are needed for approximately six weeks, starting in early-to mid-November and running through the end of December. Wages will start at $11/hour, and most shifts run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Weekend shifts are also a possibility, but scheduling is flexible, according to Human Resources manager Kelli Stepka, who points out that family members often like to work together and carpool.

“It’s so much fun to see those who have worked for us in the past return each holiday season,”Stepka says. “Our seasonal employees have a great sense of pride in what they are doing and share their belief in our products with others in and outside of Cherry Republic.” She adds that students, retirees, or anyone interested in making some extra holiday cash are ideal candidates and notes that all employees receive 25% off Cherry Republic products.

“Interviews will be conducted on the spot, and we’ll offer refreshments and tours of the facility to make it a really fun experience.”

While the holiday season is always a major bottom-line contributor for the cherry retailer, President Bob Sutherland is anticipating the 2017 holiday season may be bigger than ever based on what was a record-breaking summer season, and he counts on local manpower to be successful.

“Each year, the Glen Lake community helps us get through the most challenging time of our year,” Sutherland says. “We have 100,000 gifts to get out in six weeks, and each and every retiree, college student, and person between jobs makes a huge difference in our success.

“Plus, it’s a great time to get in the holiday and community spirit, to meet more of your neighbors, and to make some extra cash to spend on your family at Christmas,” he adds.

Cherry Republic Holiday Hiring Event
2 to 6 p.m., Thursday, November 2, 2017 Cherry Republic DFC, 9876 Fisher Street, Empire

Founded in 1989, Cherry Republic employs approximately 100 year-round workers and has retail stores in Glen Arbor, Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Holland, Frankenmuth and Charlevoix.