Where are you applying? Have you been told, specifically, by prospective employers that your misdemeanor is the reason they won't hire you? We are in a recession, after all - lots of companies haven't been hiring for a while.
However - most job applications only ask for felonies and some only if the felony was a violent crime. I worked as a hiring manager for YEARS in retail and this is not something that any retail organization would probably look at. I doubt you would have to even list it on the application.
Some run a background check - but mostly they look for credit - which if it's on your credit report might adversely affect you, but only if you haven't been good about other financial responsibilities since then.
I think you can also write a personal statement and include it with your job application if you have had to list misdemeanors. Simply explain the situation.
MANY companies are getting ready to hire extra help for Christmas. They will keep the good employees after the holidays, so you may have to work part time and then prove yourself to the organization.
Also - look at a temp agency. Again, you don't have to list anything except felonies and I don't think they do a background check.
Good luck.