Holiday hiring boom: US companies set to bring on 400,000 seasonal workers; Here's who's hiring

Major U.S. retailers are gearing up for the 2024 holiday season by announcing their plans to hire thousands of seasonal workers. Companies like Amazon, Target, and Macy’s are among those leading the effort to fill positions ahead of the busy shopping period. However, this year’s hiring outlook is expected to be somewhat subdued compared to previous years due to a softer labor market and reduced consumer spending.

In a report by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, it was noted that the demand for seasonal workers has decreased compared to 2023. The report indicated that tighter consumer budgets and a weaker labor market are influencing hiring decisions across the retail sector this holiday season.

Retailers’ Hiring Numbers for 2024
As reported by Reuters, this is a summary of the hiring plans from several key retailers for the holiday season:

• Amazon: 250,000 seasonal, full-time, and part-time workers (same as 2023)
• Target: 100,000 seasonal workers (same as last year)
• Macy’s: 31,500 full-time and part-time seasonal workers (down from 38,000 in 2023)
• Bath & Body Works: 32,700 workers (a slight increase from last year’s 32,500)
• UPS: 125,000 workers (up from 100,000 in 2023)
• 1-800-Flowers.com: 8,000 workers (unchanged from 2023)
• Dick’s Sporting Goods: 8,000 seasonal workers (a decrease from last year’s 8,600)
• Kroger: “Seeking to hire thousands of associates” (specific numbers not provided)

Some retailers, such as Walmart and Kohl’s, have yet to announce specific hiring figures for this year. Instead, Walmart has opted to offer additional hours to existing employees rather than launching a major seasonal hiring push. This marks the second consecutive year that Walmart has not announced a significant holiday hiring initiative.

Amazon Leads with Seasonal Hiring
Amazon has once again taken the lead in holiday hiring, announcing that it plans to hire 250,000 seasonal, full-time, and part-time workers for its customer fulfillment and transportation operations. This mirrors the hiring numbers from 2023, indicating a steady demand for employees during the holiday rush. Amazon's statement on the matter emphasized the importance of these roles: “The holiday season is always exciting for Amazon and our customers, and it’s a time when we create a lot of new jobs for people who want to earn extra money for a few months or kick off a career at Amazon.”

Amazon is also investing $2.2 billion in additional pay for fulfillment and transportation workers, with seasonal employees earning at least $18 per hour. In addition to competitive wages, those in full-time roles will have access to healthcare from the first day of employment, along with other benefits such as vision and dental insurance, 401(k) matching, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave for birth parents.

Career Growth Opportunities at Amazon
Amazon is positioning its seasonal jobs as more than just short-term employment. The company views these roles as gateways to long-term career growth. “Seasonal employees who stay at the company can see an average pay increase of 15% over their first three years with us,” the company said in a news release. Moreover, Amazon has reported that a significant portion of its seasonal workforce returns year after year, with one-third of employees having worked during previous holiday seasons.

The e-commerce giant also highlighted that its seasonal positions offer flexibility, allowing employees to choose schedules that suit their needs. “The details vary depending on the role, but all of our jobs offer great pay, flexible schedules, and access to a range of benefits,” Amazon stated. Job seekers interested in applying for positions can visit amazon.com/localjobs or text NEWJOB to 31432 to receive job alerts.

Target Maintains Steady Hiring Strategy
Target has announced that it will be hiring 100,000 seasonal workers for its stores and supply chain centers, matching the numbers it reported last year. The retailer’s hourly pay for these positions will range from $15 to $24, depending on the location. Target’s hiring approach has remained consistent for several years, and many of its seasonal employees have the opportunity to transition into permanent roles after the holiday season. According to the company, over half of its seasonal hires in previous years have been offered permanent positions.

In addition to hiring new workers, Target is also offering its current employees extra shifts to help manage the expected surge in demand during the holiday shopping season.

Other Retailers Preparing for Holiday Demand
Bath & Body Works is hiring 32,700 seasonal workers for its retail stores and distribution centers across North America. This includes roles such as part-time seasonal sales associates, full-time merchandise handlers, and high-lift operators.

UPS has significantly increased its holiday hiring goal, seeking 125,000 workers compared to 100,000 last year. The package delivery giant is preparing for an influx in shipping demand as consumers continue to shift toward online shopping.

Kohl’s has not yet provided a specific number of seasonal hires but has emphasized flexible schedules and health and wellness benefits for its staff. The company is recruiting workers for its 1,100 U.S. locations.

Why are seasonal jobs important for workers?
For many, seasonal jobs offer a way to earn extra income during the holidays. However, companies like Amazon and Target also highlight the potential for these roles to lead to permanent employment and career advancement. With consumer spending expected to remain strong despite economic uncertainties, retailers are preparing for a busy holiday season.

Despite a softer labor market, seasonal hiring remains an attractive option for those looking to supplement their income or start new careers. According to data from September, 5.3% of people held multiple jobs, the highest rate since early 2008, which suggests that many individuals are turning to short-term positions to manage rising costs of living.