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Home Depot Hiring For Busy Spring

Home Depot
Gainesville Home Depot stores will be adding about 50 jobs to prepare for the spring rush of customers.

Home Depot is planning to hire 80,000 employees nationwide in preparation for spring, and the Gainesville Home Depot stores are following suit.

"There's no better time to join our team than spring, whether you're a college student, recent grad or a veteran hoping to build a career, a retiree who wants a fun job, or anyone who simply enjoys home improvement," said Tim Crow, executive vice president of human resources for Home Depot, in a press release.

Andrew Rooplal, store manager of the Home Depot on 5150 NW 13th St., is looking to add another 25 jobs to his store.

“We started adding jobs in November,” Roopal said.

The store hired 25 workers and needs to hire more in preparation for spring the store's busiest season. According to the press release, the Home Depot is filling positions across all departments including operations, cashiers and sales.

Roopal said that spring tends to be their busiest season due to the number of customers who come in for gardening. He said that other sections of the store are also doing well, such as home and flooring.

“Once we hire our 50 [workers], we’ll be right on task,” Roopal said. He said that most of the workers he hires become permanent. The store mainly hires college students, but it is looking for veterans or anyone else willing to work there.

“It’s like a family atmosphere,” said Bryana Tianga, a Home Depot store associate. Tianga, a junior in advertising, said the store gives her time to study and work.

“Everyone’s really welcoming,” Tianga said of the store’s reaction to incoming workers. She said everyone is willing to help the new people out if needed.

Home Depot is helping to decrease the unemployment rate in Gainesville. In December 2015, the local unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, compared to the state and national rates, both of which are 5 percent for the same time period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Mike Loosli, a frequent shopper at Home Depot, said he looks forward to the new workers.

“There’s nothing more frustrating than coming in when you’re looking for something specifically and you can’t find anyone to help with that,” Loosli said.

Home Depot isn't the only business looking to hire this season. Frank Avery, director of communications at Career Source North Central Florida, said the software, IT and advanced manufacturing sectors are also looking for workers.

Taylor is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.