Target will hire 70,000 holiday workers, 20% fewer than in 2012

Target said Friday that it plans to hire 70,000 workers for the holiday season, 20% fewer than it did last year.

The decline from the 88,000 workers brought on board last year to handle the annual throngs of shoppers was intended to give existing employees first crack at extra work time, the company said through a spokesman.

Overtime adds up during the season, between the early opening hours of Black Friday and the last minute gift-buying rush just before Christmas. Clocking longer shifts could mean a substantial paycheck boost for hourly workers.

Employees who volunteer for extra hours can expect to work 5% to 10% longer than they did in 2012 over the most hectic part of the season, according to Target.

“As guest shopping habits continue to evolve, Target is adjusting its approach to seasonal hiring to better accommodate our busiest in-store periods, and the existing team’s availability and request for more hours,� said spokesman Matias Cavallin.

Back-up crew will be hired primarily to help during the last week of November and the final weeks of December. In a blog post, Target said that more than a third of last year’s seasonal hires -- or 34,000 people -- were kept on as permanent employees.

Earlier this week, Kohl’s Department Stores said it plans to hire 53,000 workers for the holiday season. That includes 1,700 positions it intends to fill at its Electronic Fulfillment Center in San Bernardino, where the company will hold a hiring fair Sept. 25.

But even as they look ahead to winter, many retailers are still rounding out their back-to-school efforts.

Hoping to attract college shoppers who are trying to fill their living spaces, Target is holding a pop-up exhibit and boutique Saturday and Sunday at UCLA.

The company will set up a life-size dorm room, complete with décor and school supplies, and allow visitors to buy select products via QR codes.

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