Use multiple sources of data $($and cite them$)$ to describe the current and future labor market for retail salespeople with a focus on highlighting Chern$$s $($info below$).$ If you forecast a gap, determine whether the gap is temporary or permanent. Make some recommendations in first$-$person to address the gap.

Info: Based on the information provided by Chern$$s$,$ Chern's employs $140$ full$-$time sales associates $($FTSAs$)$ at its flagship store. Analyzing the transition probability matrix in Table A$-5$ over the past three years, we can predict internal movements and exits of FTSAs that $50\%$ stay in their positions, $15\%$ become part$-$time sales associates $($PTSAs$),5\%$ move up to department managers $($DEPs$),5\%$ advance to buyers $($BUYs$),5\%$ advance to merchandising managers $($MERs$),$ and $20\%$ exit the company. This means about $28$ FTSAs are expected to leave annually. Given Chern's hiring metrics, where $25\%$ of applicants become candidates, $20\%$ of those candidates receive job offers, and $75\%$ of the offers are accepted, Chern's will need around $746$ applicants each year to hire $28$ new FTSAs. This calculation ensures that Chern's can maintain its goal of $140$ FTSAs.