Walmart plans to hire 20,000 seasonal associates at fulfillment centers across the country, at starting hourly rates ranging from $15.75 up to $23.75 based on location, position and schedule. The retail giant also is extending the length of its Black Friday sales and expanding its inventory in several categories to prepare for the holiday rush.
These new hires will build on an earlier effort that has added 500,000 new associates to Walmart’s team since March, up from the initially announced 150,000. The additional manpower will help the retailer prepare for what is expected to be an e-Commerce-heavy holiday season.
“The holidays are always a special time, and this year we think the season will mean even more to our customers,” said Greg Smith, EVP, Supply Chain for Walmart U.S. in a statement. “As more of them turn to online shopping, we want to ensure we’re staffed and ready to help deliver that special gift to their loved ones while continuing to fulfill our customer’s everyday needs.”
Additionally, Walmart expects certain categories to be particularly popular during the holidays and is increasing its selection in several areas:
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- Electronics will focus on TVs, laptops and video games;
- Toys will add more than 1,300 new items, including 800 Walmart exclusives; and
- The number of kitchen appliances will increase as more shoppers cook at home.
These products are already being stocked both online and in-store. These inventory moves are based on data that shows 87% of Walmart shoppers plan to seek out holiday deals earlier this year, and that one in three customers plan to start their holiday shopping before early November. As a result, Walmart also will announce a wider window for Black Friday sales in the near future.
