What: Target announces seasonal hiring strategy, aiming to add 100,000 employees across stores and supply chain facilities for the upcoming holiday season

Why it is important: Target's substantial seasonal hiring reflects retailers' anticipation of a strong holiday shopping season, signalling confidence in consumer spending despite economic uncertainties.

With 100 days remaining until the winter holidays, Target Corp. has unveiled its seasonal hiring strategy and holiday plans. The retailer aims to hire approximately 100,000 seasonal team members across its stores and supply chain facilities. This initiative begins with offering current employees additional hours and leveraging their On Demand team for flexible shifts. The new hires will fill various roles, including guest advocate, front-of-store attendant, fulfilment expert, and style consultant. These positions will support services such as Order Pickup and Drive-up, stock products, and assist with other tasks. Target is offering competitive starting pay ranging from $15 to $24 per hour. In addition to its hiring plans, Target has announced its Circle Week promotional event from October 6-12 and daily deals starting November 1. The company is also introducing its largest-ever holiday assortment, featuring thousands of items priced at $5 and $10, aiming to provide value and a unique shopping experience for consumers.

IADS Notes: Target's plan to hire 100,000 seasonal workers aligns with its consistent large-scale hiring strategy observed in recent years. This move is particularly noteworthy given the challenges the retail sector has faced in attracting talent, especially among younger generations like Gen Z . While the industry has experienced fluctuations in retail jobs during holiday seasons, major retailers continue to invest heavily in seasonal hiring to meet increased demand. Target's maintained hiring numbers are especially significant in light of forecasts suggesting slower overall U.S. holiday sales growth this year , potentially indicating the company's optimism or strategic focus on in-store and omnichannel experiences during the crucial holiday period.

Target plans to hire 100,000 additional staff for the holidays