Target announced on Monday that it would hire approximately 100,000 seasonal employees to help out with the holiday season and the expected surge in foot traffic.
The company’s announcement falls in line with what it hired throughout the last three years during its fourth quarter.
“The holiday season is a special time at Target, made brighter by our team,” Emily Hebert, senior vice president of field and operations HR at Target, said in the announcement. “Our team members bring enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering Target’s differentiated shopping experience. Plus, they benefit from industry-leading pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to learn and grow their careers.”
Despite inflation being much tamer than it has been for the past three years, economists are predicting retail sales to grow at their slowest pace in six years, Deloitte’s data shows.
Consumer habits are changing after years of inflation, and high interest rates forced them to reexamine where they spend their money.
This has most notably been felt in the fast food industry, which has struggled to bring back customers who have opted to eat at home or other fast-casual options they feel are more worth the price tag.
Still, retailers like Target and Walmart have felt the pain.
Target announced earlier this year that to combat inflation and offer consumers a break, it would cut prices on thousands of items through the end of this year. Price cuts were not only on Target’s in-house brands but also on name brands.
On the other hand, Walmart launched its new food brand, “bettergoods,” offering higher-end products at cheaper prices. The brand’s goal is to target young people who currently have no brand loyalty and are looking for a deal.
As for Target’s expected hiring spree, the seasonal workers are expected to boost staffing numbers at stores and supply chain facilities nationwide.