Discount giant will rely on its own workforce for holiday rush

Walmart is bucking the holiday hiring trend again this year.



Unlike other competitors that are hiring thousands of temporary workers to service shoppers during the holiday season, the discount giant plans to offer extra hours to its current associates. These shifts will staff traditional roles like cashier and stocker, and newly created technology-empowered positions, such as personal shoppers and Pickup associates, according to Walmart.



“This is the same approach we took last year, and we heard great feedback from our customers and associates,” said Judith McKenna, executive VP and COO, Walmart U.S.



While this is the second year Walmart is pursuing this model, the program has been evolving for some time. In 2015, the discounter committed to hiring 60,000 seasonal workers for the holiday season, but there was a caveat. Before making any new hires, Walmart gave its current employees first dibs on working additional hours during the holiday season.



To ensure its existing workforce is prepared for the upcoming holiday rush, Walmart is offering new training, tools and technology.



“Thousands of associates have completed training in our Pathways and Academy programs, which prepares them to more effectively serve customers, especially during this busy season,” McKenna said.



Walmart also plans to revive its "Holiday Helper" initiative. Armed with candy canes and Santa hats, these employees help customers find the shortest line and open registers, and also quickly grab items customers might have forgotten.



Walmart will be increasing the number of Helpers available in stores this season, the retailer said.



The discounter’s decision to forego a holiday hiring spree contradicts efforts by other retailers. For example, Target plans to hire approximately 100,000 employees for the upcoming holiday season — a 40% increase from last year. Additionally, the retailer will hire 4,500 workers at its distribution and fulfillment centers to replenish products to stores and fulfill digital sales throughout the season.



Similarly, Macy’s plans to hire a total of 80,000 workers for the holiday rush. However, this is down slightly from about 83,000 last year.