EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- After years of having a call center in Eugene, Harry & David was forced to close it for financial reasons. They're pleased to announce it's back and seeking about 750 people for the holidays.
The call center is located at 180 West 8th Avenue in Eugene, the same place as previous years. Staff started moving into the space in July, slowly accumulating the tables, computers and phones needed. On October 3, the company started the hiring process and it's clear everyone's excited the call center is back.
“They have been probably the most successful center every year,” says Pat Boydston, the Eugene Call Center Manager. “They [Harry & David management] looked at it and said, 'Oh my gosh, why don't we have Eugene open?' and they decided to go ahead and re-open it again.”
Allison Walton has worked for Harry & David for many holiday seasons. She says she was crushed when the call center closed. The extra income got her family through the holidays.
“This is the only way my kids get Christmas because in our house, we live on a very limited budget,” said Walton. “So, Harry & David provides Christmas for my kids. It's the only way we do Christmas.”
If you're interested, you need to be able to work at least 25 hours per week, from the week after Thanksgiving to just before Christmas. Harry & David hope to fill positions at the call center by mid November.
The manager says an ideal candidate has great people skills and can be both friendly and business-like over the phone. You can apply in person or online.
