Walmart to go on holiday hiring spree
Walmart is ramping up for what is expected to be a particularly busy holiday season.
The discount giant, which is the nation's largest private employer, is planning to hire approximately 150,000 U.S. store associates in time for the 2021 holiday season, with most of roles permanent, full-time positions. In addition, Walmart's existing store workers will be given the opportunity to work extra hours during the holidays.
Walmart’s average U.S. average hourly wage is now $16.40, and jobs in the stores can pay as high as $34 an hour. Entry-level associates promote to roles of greater responsibility and higher pay within seven months, on average, according to Walmart. In addition, Walmart existing store workers will be given the opportunity.
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A number of other retailers have recently embarked on major hiring initiatives, both for the upcoming holiday season and for general purposes. Chief Walmart rival Amazon recently drew more than 1 million applicants for 40,000 U.S. corporate and technology roles in its annual 24-hour Career Day virtual hiring event, and is also hiring 125,000 additional full- and part-time employees across the U.S..
In addition, CVS Health recently hosted a virtual recruiting event to hire 25,000 clinical and retail positions.
In addition to the 150,000 new associates it plans to bring into stores, Walmart also recently announced plans to hire 20,000 employees across more than 250 Walmart and Sam’s Club distribution centers, fulfillment centers and transportation offices to support its continued growth. Walmart has already held special hiring events on Sept. 8 and Sept. 9 in all its supply chain locations. The available positions include order fillers, freight handlers, lift drivers, technicians, and management positions.
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Walmart has committed to investing nearly $1 billion during the next five years in career-driven training and development for its employees. (Rival Target recently introduced a debt-free college program.)
“This will ensure we’re ready to help customers shop however they want, whether they’re in a store, using curbside pickup or shopping online,” said Julie Murphy, chief people officer, Walmart U.S., in a corporate blog post. “We’re always looking to add great talent to our incredible team of dedicated associates – the everyday heroes who have been a constant force for good in their communities amidst the uncertainty of the past year. Before we know it, millions of customers will count on our team to help find those great gifts and holiday meals, and we’ll be ready. I’m so thankful for our associates’ hard work and dedication, and I can’t wait to welcome new associates to our team. There’s never been a better time to come work at Walmart. We have a lot to offer to our associates – new and existing.”
This story originally appeared on Chain Store Age.