The Shift in Seasonal Hiring: A New Focus on E-commerce and Logistics
The annual holiday shopping rush requires a robust workforce, but recent trends in seasonal hiring reveal a significant change. While traditional retail hiring has seen a decline, online giants like Amazon and UPS are expanding their seasonal worker targets.
One industry estimate suggests this year will see approximately 450,000 seasonal retail jobs, marking the lowest growth in two decades. However, an analysis by Indeed shows a shift in job distribution, with loading and stocking roles increasing.
Amazon has raised its hiring target to 300,000, an increase of 50,000 from previous years, while UPS aims to add 100,000 seasonal workers. Walmart and Target, though not announcing specific goals, emphasize local hiring and digital fulfillment expectations for seasonal associates.
The retail landscape is evolving, with online demand driving changes in seasonal hiring. In-store business remains strong, as evidenced by increased foot traffic at Walmart, Target, and other mass merchandise retailers leading up to Black Friday. Yet, the rise of e-commerce means seasonal hiring is adapting to support faster online order fulfillment.
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Retail Jobs: In 2019, two-thirds of seasonal jobs were in retail, but this year, it's around 61%.
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Hiring Targets:
- Amazon: 300,000 (up from 250,000)
- UPS: 100,000
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In-Store Focus: Despite online growth, physical stores remain crucial, with foot traffic increasing for major retailers before Black Friday.
As the retail industry continues to transform, seasonal hiring patterns will likely evolve further to meet the demands of e-commerce and logistics.