Seasonal Jobs 2025: Retailers Hiring 300K+ Workers
Major retailers announce holiday hiring plans for 2025 with over 300,000 seasonal positions available.
Need a Seasonal Job? These Retailers Are Hiring Over 300,000 Workers for the Holidays
The 2025 holiday season presents significant employment opportunities for job seekers looking to earn extra income during the busy retail period. Major retailers across the United States are rolling out their recruitment plans for seasonal workers, though hiring announcements have been somewhat more measured compared to previous years. Understanding which companies are hiring, what positions are available, and how much these jobs pay can help you secure temporary work during this important shopping season.
The State of Holiday Hiring in 2025
While retailers are actively recruiting seasonal workers, industry experts suggest that overall hiring numbers may be lower than in previous years. The labor market landscape heading into the 2025 holidays reflects broader economic trends, including cautious consumer spending and competitive pressures. Despite these considerations, the number of available seasonal positions remains substantial, offering genuine opportunities for those seeking temporary employment.
According to labor market analysts, the slower pace of hiring announcements reflects a more cautious approach by brick-and-mortar retailers compared to recent years. However, companies focused on online shopping and e-commerce platforms are demonstrating stronger hiring momentum. This shift in hiring patterns suggests that job opportunities may be more concentrated in certain sectors and business models.
Major Retailers and Their Hiring Plans
Amazon: Leading with 250,000 Positions
Amazon announced plans to hire 250,000 seasonal employees for the 2025 holidays, matching its hiring target from the previous year. The e-commerce giant offers competitive compensation, with seasonal workers earning $19 per hour or more on average—an increase of $1 from the previous year’s starting wage. Some of these 250,000 positions are permanent full-time or part-time roles, with permanent Amazon employees earning an average wage of $23 per hour.
Amazon is specifically recruiting for fulfillment and transportation duties at locations throughout the nation. These positions represent excellent opportunities for individuals seeking both temporary and potentially permanent employment in the logistics and warehousing sectors.
Bath & Body Works: 30,000 Seasonal Positions
Bath & Body Works announced it is hiring 30,000 workers for the holiday season, according to a September news release. The company offers both part-time associate roles in retail stores and full-time positions in distribution centers. This diverse range of positions allows job seekers to choose employment options that best fit their schedules and career interests.
Michaels: Craft Store Expansion
The craft retail chain Michaels is adding 10,000 seasonal employees to its workforce for the 2025 holiday season. Beyond bringing on new workers, Michaels is also offering current employees extra hours during the busy season. Notably, more than half of the company’s seasonal workers from the 2024 holiday season were retained, indicating that seasonal positions sometimes lead to extended employment opportunities.
Macy’s: Department Store Holiday Staffing
Macy’s, Inc. announced holiday hiring across multiple brands including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Bluemercury for seasonal full- and part-time worker positions in select markets. The company conducted in-person hiring events to connect with potential employees. While Macy’s did not announce a specific hiring target for 2025, the announcement confirms that seasonal opportunities remain available across the company’s portfolio of retail brands.
Target: Conservative Hiring Approach
Target appears to be taking a more conservative hiring stance for 2025. The retailer confirmed it will bring on seasonal hires earning at least $15 per hour but did not specify how many positions would be available. This contrasts with the previous year’s announcement of 100,000 seasonal positions. Target indicated it would rely on its “On-Demand” team of workers with flexible schedules to manage the holiday rush.
Catalyst Brands: Fashion and Retail Portfolio
The parent company of Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Nautica, and JCPenney announced 13,000 seasonal positions, primarily for sales and cashier roles. The company scheduled hiring events for multiple dates to facilitate recruitment of qualified candidates across its retail portfolio.
Kohl’s: Department Store Seasonal Roles
Kohl’s confirmed it is hiring seasonal associates for both stores and distribution centers, though the company did not announce a specific hiring target. Local reporting indicated that individual markets like Milwaukee have openings for over 300 seasonal positions, suggesting broader availability across the national chain.
Wage Information and Compensation
Seasonal job compensation varies across retailers, with wage rates reflecting both the type of position and the company’s compensation structure. Understanding typical wage ranges can help you evaluate opportunities and compare positions across different employers.
| Retailer | Positions Available | Hourly Rate | Position Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 250,000 | $19+/hour | Fulfillment, Transportation |
| Bath & Body Works | 30,000 | Not specified | Store Associates, Distribution |
| Michaels | 10,000 | Not specified | Retail, Store Associates |
| Target | Not specified | $15+/hour | General Retail |
| Catalyst Brands | 13,000 | Not specified | Sales, Cashier |
Why Retailers Are Hiring for the Holidays
The holiday season generates unprecedented demand for retail services, necessitating temporary workforce expansion. Retailers must staff their stores with additional cashiers, sales associates, and customer service representatives to handle increased customer traffic. Distribution centers and fulfillment operations also require additional workers to process and ship the surge in orders during this peak shopping period.
Beyond customer-facing roles, warehouses, logistics centers, and administrative functions all require seasonal staffing increases. This creates diverse employment opportunities across multiple job categories and skill levels, making seasonal hiring an accessible entry point into retail and logistics employment.
How to Secure a Seasonal Job
Start Your Search Early
Seasonal job postings typically accelerate in August and peak in October, with the rush of applications occurring around Thanksgiving. Starting your job search early provides a significant competitive advantage. By submitting applications before the peak application period, you can position yourself ahead of other candidates competing for the same positions.
Polish Your Application Materials
While seasonal hiring processes are typically quicker and less rigorous than recruitment for full-time positions, you should still approach your job search professionally. Update your resume to highlight relevant retail, customer service, or logistics experience. Tailor your application materials to emphasize skills that seasonal employers value, such as reliability, customer service abilities, and physical capability for warehouse or retail roles.
Prepare for Interviews
Dress professionally for all job interviews, even for seasonal positions. Research the company before your interview and be prepared to discuss why you are interested in working for that specific retailer. Practice answering common interview questions and prepare questions to ask your interviewer about the position, schedule, and expectations.
Consider Multiple Opportunities
Rather than applying to only one employer, submit applications to multiple retailers offering seasonal positions. This diversified approach increases your chances of receiving multiple job offers and allows you to select the position that best aligns with your needs and preferences.
Why Seasonal Jobs Matter to the Economy
Seasonal employment plays a crucial role in supporting the overall job market and economy during the holiday season. These temporary positions provide income opportunities during a period when many households face increased expenses for holiday gift-giving and celebrations. For many workers, seasonal jobs represent an important source of supplemental income that helps them manage their financial obligations during expensive months.
Additionally, seasonal hiring provides economic stimulus by putting money into workers’ hands during the peak consumer spending season. This income supports local communities as seasonal workers spend their earnings on goods and services. For some individuals, seasonal positions serve as stepping stones to permanent employment, offering opportunities to demonstrate reliability and work ethic to potential full-time employers.
The Future of Seasonal Employment in Retail
The landscape of seasonal employment continues to evolve as retail adapts to changing consumer behavior and technological advancement. E-commerce companies like Amazon are demonstrating strong hiring momentum, reflecting the ongoing shift toward online shopping. Meanwhile, traditional brick-and-mortar retailers are taking more cautious approaches to seasonal hiring, focusing on efficiency and hour expansion for existing workers rather than massive workforce increases.
This trend suggests that job seekers should pay particular attention to opportunities in logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment centers, where demand remains strong. However, traditional retail positions continue to be available for those seeking customer-facing roles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Jobs
Q: When should I start applying for seasonal jobs?
A: Begin your job search in August or early September. Seasonal job postings peak in October, and submitting applications early gives you a significant advantage over candidates who apply closer to Thanksgiving.
Q: What types of positions are available in seasonal hiring?
A: Seasonal positions range from customer-facing retail roles such as sales associates and cashiers to warehouse positions in fulfillment centers and distribution centers. Administrative and logistics support positions are also commonly available.
Q: How much can I expect to earn in a seasonal job?
A: Wages vary by employer and position type. Amazon offers $19 per hour or more for seasonal workers, while other retailers offer competitive rates typically ranging from $15 to $18 per hour for entry-level positions.
Q: Can seasonal jobs become permanent?
A: Yes, many employers consider retaining high-performing seasonal workers as permanent employees. Retailers like Michaels report that more than half of their seasonal workers from previous years remained with the company in permanent positions.
Q: What should I do to stand out as a seasonal job applicant?
A: Apply early, maintain a professional resume and appearance, prepare thoroughly for interviews, and demonstrate enthusiasm for customer service and reliability. Highlighting any relevant retail or logistics experience will strengthen your candidacy.
Q: Are seasonal positions available nationwide?
A: Yes, major retailers are hiring for seasonal positions across the country. However, some companies mention hiring in “select markets,” so you should verify that positions are available in your geographic area.
References
- Seasonal Jobs 2025: Stores Hiring Workers for the Holidays — Money. 2025. https://money.com/seasonal-jobs-2025-holidays/
- How to Get a Seasonal Job: Application and Interview Tips — Money. 2022. https://money.com/walmart-macys-hiring-holiday-workers/
- Monster Seasonal Hiring Index 2025 — MoneyTalksNews. 2025. https://www.moneytalksnews.com/find-work-for-the-holidays-with-monsters-seasonal-hiring-index/
- Seasonal Workers Counting on Holiday Paychecks to Stay Afloat — Talker Research. 2025. https://talkerresearch.com/seasonal-workers-counting-on-holiday-paychecks-to-stay-afloat/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
