Retail Presents 2nd-Career Opportunities for the Older Set

The Washington Post reports:

When today's snowbirds pack their bags to head south for the winter, they throw in their beach towels, golf clubs and tennis rackets -- right alongside their orange Home Depot aprons.

Snaring those northern residents who spend winters in the South is the latest recruitment tactic being employed by large companies such as Home Depot Inc. and CVS Corp., which rely heavily on part-time employees willing to work flexible hours.

While some industries try to thin their ranks with early retirement offers, others, particularly in the high-turnover retail industry, have been bracing for a labor shortage as the baby boomers head toward retirement. Looking for new ways to recruit and keep older workers, Home Depot and CVS are now offering retirees jobs that move with them, from summer home to winter home and back again.

Edward Wright, 72, an electrical contractor for 50 years, started working for Home Depot in Lake Wales, Fla., because he was restless after retiring from his business in Burlington, N.J. The company hired him to work in its electrical department four days a week from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., showing customers and co-workers wiring and other electrical do-it-yourself skills.

A rather big trend.