Macy's hiring 83,000 emloyees for holiday, focusing on distribution center hiring

Macy's Inc. intends to hire a staggering 83,000 workers for both it's Macy's and Bloomingdale's department stores this holiday season. This is not only limited to the brick-and-mortar department stores, but also the call centers, distribution centers, and online fulfillment centers for the upcoming holiday season.

Many might be surprised to find that the seasonal hiring is actually flat this year, as business continues to be tough for Macy's Inc. However, 15,000 of those 83,000 jobs will be based in direct-to-consumer fulfillment centers, which is an increase of 3000 from last year. It's no secret customers shopping habits are changing, and more people are shopping online.

Seasonal level hiring at other retail stores is also stagnant, but the seasonal teams involved in online order fulfillment have increased. Kohl's and Target have said their seasonal is about even with last year's, but their order fulfillment teams have increased. Kohl's plans to hire 69,000 workers for the holiday season, and Target plans on hiring 70,000 seasonal workers, as well at 7500 for its distribution centers.

Macy's to hire seasonal employees, increase distribution center employment

Macy's will be hosting a national holiday hiring day on September 30. Candidates can go to their nearest Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's Backstage locations between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Those planning to apply for jobs should apply in advance at Macysjobs.com or Bloomingdalesjobs.com.

“We first offer our current associates the opportunity to work extra hours over the holidays, and then supplement our ongoing workforce with seasonal hires,” said Terry J. Lundgren, Macy’s Inc. chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement. “This significant increase in staffing allows us to provide additional service to customers, however they engage with us.”

1000 people will be specifically hired to work the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The majority of seasonal positions are part-time with flexible hours. Some positions are evening and weekend roles, and some are overnights. A select few are offered full-time employment afterwards. Around 157,900 associates are employed by Macy's year round.

It will be interesting to see how well the brick-and-mortar retail stores do. In August, Macy's announced it was closing 100 stores next year, so for some stores this will be their last go at holiday season. People are really beginning to favor e-commerce.

photo via Macy's Inc. Press Room