Retailers Announce Holiday Hiring Plans Equal to Last Year

Three large retailers’ hiring plans for the upcoming holiday season are similar to those they announced last year.

A fourth retailer, Macy’s plans to hire 3,000 fewer workers for seasonal positions than last year, Reuters reported Tuesday (Sept. 19).

The three retailers that have announced plans that are in line with last year include Target, which plans to hire 100,000; 1-800-Flowers.com, which plans to hire 8,000; and Kroger, which plans to hire “thousands of associates,” according to the report. Each of these goals is identical to last year’s.

Macy’s is looking to hire 38,000 workers for this holiday shopping season, down from 41,000 last year, the report said.

Bath & Body Works aims to add 2,500 workers this year. The retailer didn’t announce its hiring plans in 2022, per the report.

Industry-wide, the number of seasonal workers hired this year is expected to be the lowest since 2008, the report said, citing Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Target said in a Tuesday (Sept. 19) blog post that in addition to adding nearly 100,000 seasonal team members, the company will be offering its existing team members the opportunity to work more hours.

“The number of seasonal team members Target plans to hire is based on several factors and supplements hiring we’ve done throughout the year across our stores and supply chain facilities,” the company said in the post. “This year, we are starting the season with stability in our workforce and a continued commitment to scheduling flexibility for our team, which has helped us retain team members and create a more experienced workforce.”

When announcing its plans to add 8,000 workers ahead of “the busiest gifting season of the year,” 1-800-Flowers.com said it is adding roles in production and gift assembly, contact centers, distribution and fulfillment centers.

“As a company, we’ll deliver millions of gifts for the holiday season and we can’t do that without the support of our seasonal associates,” the company said in a Thursday (Sept. 14) press release. “To ensure a seamless customer experience for both shoppers and gift recipients, we’re expanding our workforce and offering competitive wages, flexible schedules, employee discounts and other incentive programs to help us attract enthusiastic and motivated team members.”

The third retailer whose hiring plans match those of last year, Kroger, said it is filling roles in retail, eCommerce, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, fulfillment, pharmacy and healthcare.

“We invite future associates to make a home at Kroger, not just for the holidays,” the company said in a Sept. 12 press release. “Discover a fresh opportunity with competitive pay and benefits, flexible schedules and a promise to invest in your future.”

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