Walmart Inc. of Bentonville announced Wednesday that it will hire 20,000 supply chain workers to support expected growth in the coming years, a move that comes amid economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the company’s battle with Amazon.
The retail giant said in a news release that it’s looking to hire order fillers, freight handlers, lift drivers, technicians and managers at more than 250 Walmart and Sam’s Club distribution centers and transportation offices across the nation. The positions will be permanent and will be offered in full-time and part-time capacities.
The average hourly wage for the company’s supply chain workers is $20.37, the release says. Special hiring events are set for Sept. 8-9.
Walmart in August raised its sales outlook for the year after beating profit and revenue expectations during the second quarter. The company expects sales at stores open at least a year to be up 5% to 6% for the year, higher than previous estimates in the low single digits.
But for the first time, according to a New York Times report, Amazon outsold the legacy retailer over a 12-month period. Walmart brought in $566 billion in revenue, $44 billion less than Amazon.
Amazon on Wednesday also announced a major hiring push. The company said it plans to hire 55,000 people around the world, with 40,000 of those roles in the U.S. Amazon is looking to fill technology, warehouse and corporate positions.
Competition with Amazon and changing customer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic has led Walmart to more aggressively invest in its supply chain, online operations and automated shopping.
Transit delays and rising costs for labor and goods have also challenged retailers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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