Walmart celebrates mass promotions as it gears up for holiday

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Walmart, as the company prepares to promote more than 160,000 employees — including 25,000 promotions during its fourth quarter — ahead of the competitive holiday shopping season.



"Our success from day one is a direct result of our associates and the hard work they do in taking care of our customers. We are proud to provide our people with additional opportunities for career growth and greater economic security for their families," said Bill Simon, Walmart U.S. president and CEO. "Like most Americans, our associates want good jobs and access to a better life. Whether you are a cashier in Charlotte, or a stocker in Dallas or an assistant manager in Los Angeles, Walmart wants to see you succeed."



Simon is traveling to stores to congratulate those who received promotions, as are other top-level executives, including Gisel Ruiz, Walmart U.S. COO; Michael Bender, president of Walmart West; Joaquin Gonzalez, president of Walmart East and Mike Moore, president of Walmart Central.



According to the company, in addition to standard salary and benefits, both full- and part-time employees at Walmart are eligible for quarterly bonuses based on the performance of their stores. Employees also receive a discount card to save 10% on most regularly priced general merchandise, fresh fruits and vegetables at any Walmart store.



"I have been working in retail since I was in high school. I knew I wanted more opportunity to build my career, so when I heard Walmart was coming to town I immediately applied for a job," said Yoselin Umana, a grocery department manager in North Bergen, N.J. "I have been with the company for four years now. I know I made the right choice for my career and my family."



These promotions are in addition to Walmart's announcement in September to move 35,000 employees from temporary to part-time jobs and another 35,000 employees from part-time to full-time by the end of the year.