Target first out of the gate with holiday hiring plans

The holiday hiring wars have begun.



Target Corp. is the first national retailer to announce its holiday hiring plans with the news that it plans to hire 70,000 seasonal store associates. The amount is the same as last year.



In addition, the discounter plan to hire 7,500 employees to work in its distribution and fulfillment facilities during the holiday season, which is slightly up from last year.



In a new feature this year, Target’s 1,800 stores nationwide will host dedicated hiring events in October, meeting with thousands of prospective candidates.



Target said its 7,500 distribution and fulfillment center team members will help to replenish the stores while fulfilling the “mega-high volume” of online orders the chain expects during its busiest season of the year.



As in past years, existing Target associates will get first crack at any extra holiday hours they want.