Target makes plans to hire 100K seasonal workers

A day after retail rival Walmart said it plans to hire 40,000 workers for the holiday season and beyond, Target announced its plans to hire 100,000 seasonal workers.

That’s the same number the Minneapolis-based retailer enlisted for its stores and supply chain facilities during the 2021 holiday season. Walmart last year, however, hired 150,000 workers.

Target also announced Thursday it would launch its holiday deals earlier than ever, with hundreds of thousands of on-sale items during Target Deal Days Oct. 6-8. The retailer will begin its holiday price-match program the same day its deal days debut and will run it through Dec. 24, which the retailer said was the longest period in which it had offered the guarantee.

“The holidays are a treasured time when our guests come together to celebrate the joy of the season, and we’re here to make that as easy as possible for them to enjoy,” Target EVP and Chief Growth Officer Christina Hennington said in a statement. “That’s why we’re rolling out deals earlier than ever and ensuring our team is ready to help our guests shop when and how they want.”

Retailers this holiday season will be competing for shoppers during a period of soaring inflation in which studies have said many consumers are trading down, buying less and scouting for bargains.

“Throughout the season, guests will discover new and differentiated items for gifting and gathering, including only-at-Target owned brands and must-have national brands, and they can expect great deals and everyday low prices …,” Hennington said.

As it competes for workers in a tight labor market, Target reiterated its recently increased starting wage range of $15 to $24 an hour, along with flexible scheduling, health benefits, store discounts and more.

The retailer said more than 30% of workers who start as seasonal employees continue with the company after the holidays.

Target, which has nearly 2,000 stores, reported strong grocery sales last month despite softening in non-essential merchandise.

For the holidays, Target on Thursday played up its “new festive food and beverage items” as options to bring to holiday gatherings.