Seasonal Jobs 2025: Stores Hiring Workers for the Holidays

The holiday season is fast approaching, and retailers are gearing up by hiring seasonal workers to meet the demands of the busiest time of the year. While Amazon has made a bold announcement of hiring 250,000 seasonal employees, other major retailers seem to be more reserved in their hiring strategies compared to previous years.

Target, for example, has not made any public announcement regarding seasonal hiring numbers for the 2025 holiday season. Instead, the retailer has emphasized its focus on maximizing the hours of existing employees and hiring additional staff as needed. This cautious approach is mirrored by UPS, which has not yet announced a holiday hiring spree as it did in late September 2024.

Walmart, on the other hand, has not actively promoted a holiday hiring initiative for the third consecutive year. This lack of publicized hiring plans from major retailers comes at a time when the labor market is facing challenges, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.3% in August, the highest level in nearly four years.

According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, seasonal hiring typically plays a crucial role in supporting the job market during the holiday season. However, the slow pace of hiring announcements this year reflects a sense of caution among retailers amidst lower consumer confidence and tariff pressures.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding holiday hiring, some major companies are actively recruiting seasonal workers. Amazon has reiterated its commitment to hiring 250,000 seasonal employees, offering competitive wages starting at $19 per hour. Bath & Body Works is looking to hire 30,000 workers, while Dick’s Sporting Goods aims to bring on about 14,000 seasonal employees through a special hiring event.

Other retailers like Michaels, Macy’s, Catalyst Brands, and Kohl’s are also ramping up their seasonal hiring efforts, albeit with varying levels of publicized hiring targets. These companies are looking to fill positions in stores, distribution centers, and other areas to meet the increased demand during the holiday season.

As the holiday season approaches, it remains to be seen how the overall hiring landscape will evolve. While some retailers are taking a cautious approach, others are actively recruiting seasonal workers to ensure a smooth shopping experience for customers. Stay tuned for more updates on holiday hiring trends as we head into the busiest time of the year.