NEW YORK, NY — The holiday hiring season is getting underway, and major retailers, logistics companies and online sellers are already lining up workers for temporary and long-term openings. For Americans looking to earn extra money before year-end, the jobs range from store associates and warehouse workers to drivers, fulfillment staff and customer service representatives.
Several companies have announced hiring plans, while others have only shared recent hiring patterns or posted open seasonal roles online. The opportunities come as consumers prepare for holiday spending and businesses brace for one of the busiest stretches of the year.
Some employers are emphasizing flexible schedules, wage increases and employee discounts. Others are highlighting quick application processes or the chance that a seasonal job could turn into full-time work after the holidays.
Michaels plans more than 10,000 seasonal hires across the U.S. and Canada
Michaels said in September that it plans to hire more than 10,000 seasonal team members across the United States and Canada this year. The arts and crafts retailer said the jobs come with competitive wages, flexible hours and a 30% discount for employees.
The company also noted that seasonal work has sometimes led to longer employment. Last year, about half of seasonal workers moved into regular roles after the holidays, giving the company a built-in pipeline of talent for the new year.
For job seekers, Michaels is one of the most concrete announcements in the seasonal market so far. The company has not only confirmed its hiring plans, but also spelled out benefits that may appeal to workers balancing school, family obligations or a need for short-term income.
Amazon raises seasonal pay to at least $21 an hour
Amazon has not released a 2026 hiring total yet, but the company is clearly expected to be a major holiday employer again. In 2025, it hired 250,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal workers, and this year it says hourly rates for seasonal workers will start at at least $21 per hour.
The company says some seasonal employees may also qualify for health care benefits. Another attraction is quicker access to earnings, since workers can get paid right after finishing a shift instead of waiting for a traditional payday.
Amazon, which employs more than 1.5 million people worldwide, has become one of the biggest names in seasonal hiring because of the size and pace of its operations. The company’s holiday staffing needs typically stretch across fulfillment, delivery and customer support functions.
Target and UPS are leaning on stores, warehouses and delivery networks
Target usually begins by giving more hours to existing team members, but the retailer is also expected to bring on seasonal staff for the holidays. The company has not announced 2026 numbers, though it said more than half of its seasonal workers in 2024 were offered a chance to stay on afterward.
Available Target roles include guest advocate, front-of-store attendant, fulfillment expert, general merchandising expert, food and beverage expert and style consultant. The company is also hiring warehouse operations workers at supply chain facilities, with starting wages likely ranging from $15 to $24 an hour.
UPS is another major holiday employer. It brought on 125,000 seasonal workers in 2024 and typically hires delivery drivers, CDL drivers and package handlers to handle the surge in holiday packages. Seasonal drivers generally make $17 to $23 an hour, and those who remain full time could reach about $145,000 in total compensation.
Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods and 1-800-FLOWERS.com are posting roles now
Macy’s has not yet announced 2026 numbers, but in 2025 it hired for full-time and part-time seasonal positions across Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury stores, as well as supply chain locations and call centers. The company says the online application can take as little as five minutes, and many offers are made within 48 hours.
The retailer also has a nationwide in-person seasonal hiring event scheduled for Sept. 24 through Nov. 20 at stores and supply chain locations. Seasonal associates at Macy’s average just under $17.50 an hour, according to Indeed.
Dick’s Sporting Goods said last year it planned to hire 14,000 seasonal associates, and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM said it added 8,000 seasonal and year-round positions in 2024. Dick’s highlighted pay, DailyPay and discounts, while 1-800-FLOWERS.COM said seasonal openings are posted on its career page.
Warehouses, beauty stores and grocery chains are also preparing for demand
Geodis, a global transport and logistics company, added about 4,600 workers in the U.S. and Canada ahead of the 2025 holiday season. The company has not yet detailed its 2026 plans, but it is focusing on material handlers and equipment operators across 11 campuses that together employ around 20,000 people.
Geodis jobs can pay up to $26.24 an hour, according to Indeed, and the company offers peak premium pay, peak and referral bonuses, plus an expedited pay option that can advance up to 50% of a paycheck before payday. Kohl’s has also been a large seasonal employer, with 2025 hiring spread across more than 1,100 stores and fulfillment and distribution centers.
Bath & Body Works said in 2025 it would hire more than 30,000 seasonal associates in the U.S. and Canada, including roles at 1,900 stores and more than 2,000 jobs at five Ohio distribution centers. Kroger also announced 18,000 holiday hires in 2025, while Mattel has begun listing seasonal openings on its retail service jobs page.