By 7:30 AM, most of the vendors had set up their booths to accept applicants for restaurants and retailers at the new Shoppes at Chino Hills. The grand opening is coming up in May and retailers want to be ready.
Fortunately, Chino Hills and the surrounding area showed up with a massive crowd of eager and enthusiastic applicants. Some estimated the crowd to be close to 3000 people. The City of Chino Hills and Opus West, the builder of the Center have stated that the Shoppes will bring about 2000 new jobs to the area.
Dignitaries and organizers from the both the city and County of San Bernardino greeted vendors before opening the door to the public. By 9:00 AM, when the fair officially opened there was a standing only crowd in the McCoy facility. Ayala and Chino Hills High Schools, together with the City, had prepared students ahead of time by offering interview training and some early entry passes to give them a head start on the crowds. They sure came in handy as the crowd became quite large.
Patricia Carlson of Chaffey College conducted classes for applicants througout the morning. Classes included informaiton on "Positive Attitude", Communications, and Sales Techniques.
Applicants had a wide variety of backgrounds including local moms (and dads) who wanted to work closer to home, but the majority of applicants were students, many who were applying for their first jobs. Most of them were well dressed and well prepared for their interviews. I got the impression that interviewers are going to have a tough time choosing.
The following employers were invited to conduct interviews:
Active Ride Shop, American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Barnes and Noble, Bath & Body Works, Beachworks, Bella's Boutique, Brighton Collectibles, Buckle, California Pizza Kitchen, Chico's Chipotle Mexican Grill, Claire's, Coldwater Creek, Comerica Bank, Dali Boutique, Fuzziwig's Candy Factory, Gymboree, H & M, Haagen Dazs, Hollister, J. Jill, Jade / Avenida Salon Spa, Johnny Rockets, Jos A Banks, L.A. Fairchild Denim Bar, Lane Bryant / Cacique, Limited Too, Lululemon Athletica, Mint Footwear, Momotree, New York & Company, Pac Sun, Pacific Fish Grill, Panera Bread, Peet's Coffee & Tea, PF Chang's China Bistro, Pinkberry, RA Sushi, Rebel Sport, Reflection Shoes, Sanrio, Sunglass Hut, Solstice Sunglass Boutique, The Children's Place, The Den at Dexterous, The Walking Company, Trader Joe's, Wictoria's Secret, White House/Black Market, Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, Yard House Bar & Grill.
Sponsors of the event included The City of Chino Hills, The Shoppes at Chino Hills, Opus West, Chaffey College, and The County of San Bernardino.
and is not a part of nor affiliated with the City of Chino Hills.