South Dakota's unemployment rate is below 3 percent. But employers still need workers. There are almost 40,000 advertised job openings in the state, and about 13,000 of those are in Minnehaha County.
That includes the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls.
More than 30 stores and restaurants at the Empire Mall are participating in a job fair to look for employees. With summer months drawing near, customers will flood the mall. And businesses need staff to help with the busy season.
The Empire Mall’s Business and Marketing Development Director, James Payer, says the mall is flourishing. That’s despite a temporary closure during the pandemic last year.
“We’ve remained very strong. Our numbers are actually beating numbers from 2019. So our traffic, our shopping trends, you know, South Dakota has been open and we’ve been very lucky to have some of our retailers provide their products and services.”
Because of the increase in mall traffic and the need for employees, Francesca’s boutique manager Michele Duinkerken appreciates the opportunity to participate in the job fair.
“So it gives us more exposure. We’re able to get some marketing out in front of our boutique to let people aware of what’s going on right now.”
Throughout the mall, stores have tables set up with information on how to apply. Some businesses are holding walk-in interviews.