But the Salt Lake bookseller still needs extra help during busy shopping times and usually brings in a dozen or so gift wrappers to work at the height of the season.

"We usually have two or three going," Holman said. "We wrap like crazy between Thanksgiving and Christmas."

Gift wrappers make up the bulk of the temporary help at Kirkham's Outdoor Products, too. The State Street shop has hired one cashier to work behind the counter beginning in early December.

As far as actual sales staff go, the store relies on its rank of loyal "alumni" to step back in and assist holiday shoppers, said Todd Schultz, who oversees operations for the 63-year-old specialty store.

"They know the gear, they've worked here before, they know the routine," Schultz said. "We've been doing it for years and it's worked out pretty well."

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E-mail: awelling@desnews.com