Retailers on hiring spree as the holidays approach
A low jobless rate means workers will have an edge this year
The holiday hiring season is here, and it may come with a gift for employees this year: the potential for extra hours.
A low unemployment rate means both potential and existing employees have a competitive edge this year among an array of seasonal job opportunities. Here’s a list of who’s hiring around the U.S., who has more hours, how to apply and perks that come with some of the jobs.
MACY’S
The retailer plans to hire approximately 80,000 temporary workers for Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores nationwide. This includes both in-store jobs and associates to work by phone, email and online chat, as well as 18,000 positions in direct-to-consumer fulfillment facilities around the U.S. The company also plans to hire about 500 people to support the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Pay depends on location, experience and job type. Benefits of working for the retailer include a 20% merchandise discount.
How to apply: Go to www.MacysJobs.com or www.BloomingdalesJOBS.com
TARGET
The store recently announced it would raise its minimum wage to
$11 for new employees — up $1 from last year — and plans to hire
100,000 temporary workers this holiday season — that’s 43% more than last year. Plus, there are an additional 4,500 seasonal jobs available at distribution and ecommerce fulfillment centers across the U.S. Benefits include a
10% to 20% discount depending on the merchandise.
How to apply: Go to www.TargetSeasonalJobs.com for more information.
JCPENNEY
The retailer is hiring 40,000 seasonal employees this year, around the same number as last year, at locations throughout the U.S. Jobs include in-store positions, such as cashiers, makeup consultants, salon stylists and more, as well as positions in facilities and customer care centers. Pay de-
pends on location, experience and job type. Workers get a 25% discount on merchandise and may be eligible to continue working there after the holiday season is over.
How to apply: The company is hosting a national hiring day at all stores nationwide from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 17. The event includes in-person interviews and on-the-spot offers. Those that can’t make the hiring event can search for positions at http:// jobs.jcp.com/
TOYS R US
The toy company may have just filed for bankruptcy protection, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hiring. A spokesperson for Toys R Us said the company will hire tens of thousands of seasonal staff, similar to last year, but declined to give a specific number.
The company is looking to fill a variety of jobs at distribution centers and in-store jobs, including cashier, stock associates and the newest job of toy demonstrator. Demonstrators will be responsible for unboxing and testing out the latest toys in store with customers.
Benefits include a 10% merchandise discount except on “Employee Appreciation Day” on Nov. 5, when workers receive 20% off merchandise. Last year, more than 15% of the company’s seasonal staff became permanent employees. How to apply: Go to https:// www.toysrusinc.com/holidayjobs
WALMART
The company plans to offer more hours to current workers this holiday season, the same strategy it employed last year. That includes overtime hours to employees who want to work more. But a spokesperson confirmed that some jobs are available on a store-by-store basis, depending on the needs of the location. Positions include cashiers, stockers and personal shoppers, among other jobs. How to apply: Go to https:// careers.walmart.com/
KOHL’S
Similar to Walmart, the company said it plans to give current employees priority by allowing them to work more hours this holiday season. But there are still some temporary positions available at more than 1,100 stores, distribution centers and e-commerce fulfillment centers around the U.S., according to Julia Fennelly, director corporate public relations. Workers get a 15% discount on merchandise and may be eligible to stay on after the holidays. Last year, nearly 14,000 seasonal workers became permanent staff.
How to apply: go to http:// kohlscareers.com/
AMAZON
The e-commerce giant will nearly double its U.S. warehouse workforce for the holidays. It plans to add 120,000 temporary jobs this year. That’s about the same as 2016, but the company has added thousands of permanent positions since then at dozens of fulfillment centers, sortation facilities and customer service locations. Amazon also is hiring seasonal retail associates at Amazon pop-up retail kiosks in malls throughout the U.S.
How to apply: Go to Ama
zon.com/peakjobs or www.amazon.jobs/pop-up
UPS
The package delivery company plans to hire 95,000 people this holiday season, the same as last year. The majority of these roles involve moving packages as drivers, package handlers and driver helpers. Wages depend on the job but range from $10.20 to $32 an hour.
The company is also offering weekly retention bonuses, which can increase hourly pay by several dollars an hour, or as much as $200 a week, simply by coming to work each day. Last year, 35% of seasonal hires became permanent staff. How to apply: Go to
www.UPSjobs.com
FEDEX
The shipping company plans to hire 50,000 more employees this holiday season, a combination of temporary and permanent positions. The company is looking for package handlers, drivers and other support positions. Pay depends on location and job type. The company also plans on offering more hours to existing employees. How to apply: Go to https:// careers.fedex.com/fedex/