15 Places Hiring Part-Time Workers for the Holidays

Flexible schedules and employee discounts make these jobs great fits for older adults

Linda Childers and Kenneth Terrell,

Updated October 31, 2025

AARP

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Published October 17, 2023

/ Updated October 31, 2025

an employee smiles while talking to a customer

Photo Collage: Getty Images

As the holidays draw near, many companies are beginning to hire seasonal employees in preparation for the shopping rush. Even some businesses that have recently initiated layoffs, such as Amazon and Target, are hiring temporary staff to help with holiday sales.

If you’re an older adult looking to make some extra money, a seasonal part-time job can provide flexible hours, opportunities for social interaction and even store discounts that can help you save on holiday shopping.

These jobs may be somewhat more difficult to find now than in previous years, according to a seasonal jobs report from the Challenger, Gray & Christmas research firm.

“Seasonal employers are facing a confluence of factors this year,” workplace expert Andy Challenger said in the report. “Tariffs loom, inflationary pressures linger, and many companies continue to rely on automation and permanent staff instead of large waves of seasonal hires.”

“While we could see a late hiring push if holiday sales surprise to the upside, the cautious pace of announcements so far suggests that companies are not betting on a big seasonal surge,” Challenger noted.

Even in a tough economy, some businesses are hiring because they want to capitalize on the shopping season. Large retailers including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and JCPenney, which have already announced plans to hire seasonal workers. These temporary positions typically begin in October or November and last through January or February, assisting with returns, restocking and inventory.

If you’re looking for a seasonal job, apply as soon as you can and target several companies that might be a good fit. Have an “elevator pitch” that tells employers why you’re interested in the job opportunity, what you bring to the table and what you like about the hiring company.

Most retailers, don’t require seasonal workers to have previous experience, but they likely will ask for a high school diploma, as well as strong customer service skills and the ability to think on your feet.

The following 15 businesses, listed alphabetically, have announced they are hiring seasonal workers for the holidays. Clicking on the “Find jobs” link will take to you to the career page on that company's website. If you need additional assistance with your job search, AARP and Indeed are collaborating to provide career services to people age over the age of 50.

Aldi

Find Aldi jobs

With more than 12,000 stores in 18 countries, the discount grocery store chain plans to hire 4,500 seasonal workers for its stores and warehouses. The jobs include cashiers, store associates and stockers, and the average starting wage is $18-$23 per hour, based on market and position.

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Amazon

Find Amazon jobs

The e-commerce giant plans to hire 250,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal workers for the holidays. The company says all seasonal employees will earn an average of $19 an hour, and full-time staff will average $23 with access to benefits such as health care coverage.

Barnes & Noble

Find Barnes & Noble jobs

Love to read? Consider a seasonal job working at Barnes & Noble. With 630 locations in 50 states and territories, the company hires full- and part-time seasonal staff to work as booksellers and in bookstore cafes. You can enjoy discounts on books, music and devices, flexible schedules and more.

Bath & Body Works

Find Bath & Body Works jobs

A global leader in personal care and home fragrance, Bath & Body Works plans to hire 30,000 workers at more than 1,900 stores across the U.S. and Canada. Seasonal workers receive competitive pay, a 40 percent employee discount and flexible schedules.

Best Buy

Find Best Buy jobs

The electronics retailer, with more than 1,125 locations across the U.S. and Canada, seeks seasonal employees to work in its retail stores and warehouse. All the positions offer competitive pay, an employee discount and flexible schedules.

Burlington

Find Burlington jobs

With more than 1,000 stores in 40 states, Burlington plans to hire part-time employees to work as cashiers and retail and stocking associates. Other workers may be hired as seasonal warehouse associates at Burlington’s distribution centers. Seasonal employees receive competitive pay, flexible schedules and an employee discount.

Costco

Find Costco jobs

The big box store is hiring some seasonal employees to work in customer service and stocking positions. In addition to competitive pay, Costco offers a discount on membership discount and a 25 percent discount on Costco purchases.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Find Dick’s Sporting Goods jobs

With more than 850 stores nationwide, the sporting goods retailer has announced plans to hire 14,000 seasonal associates this year to work at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Public Lands, Dick’s House of Sport and Going Going Gone! stores. Employees receive competitive pay and store discounts of 25-40 percent.

Gap

Find Gap jobs

The clothing retailer seeks full- and part-time seasonal associates to work in its Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic stores and warehouse distribution centers during the holiday season. With more than 3,000 retail stores, Gap offers employees merchandise discounts, flexible schedules and competitive pay.

JCPenney

Find JCPenney jobs

JCPenney’s parent company, Catalyst Brands, has announced its hiring more than 13,000 seasonal workers for its Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, JCPenney, Lucky Brand and Nautica stores. With a history dating back to 1902 and more than 600 stores across the U.S., JCPenney offers seasonal competitive salaries, flexible schedules, continued employment after the holidays and employee discounts.

Kohl’s

Find Kohl’s jobs

According to Kohl’s, more than 20 percent of its employees started as seasonal workers. This year, the retail chain, with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states, is hiring seasonal staff members for its stores and distribution center. Enjoy weekly paychecks, competitive pay and an employee discount.

Macy’s

Find Macy’s jobs

Macy’s and its Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury stores plan to fill many full- and part-time positions this holiday season, both in-store and at distribution centers. In addition to applying online, you also can apply at an in-person hiring fair at all stores nationwide on November 20. These jobs offer competitive pay and discounts at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury stores.

Target

Find Target jobs

The retail chain is hiring additional workers for the holiday season even though it has not said how many. Last year, the company offered 100,000 seasonal jobs in nearly 2,000 stores and more than 50 supply chain facilities nationwide. Jobs include guest advocate, front-of-store attendant, fulfillment, general merchandising, food and beverage, and style consultant. Starting wages for positions range from $15-$24 an hour, and the jobs offer flexible schedules and employee discounts.

United States Postal Service

Find post office jobs

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for the U.S. Postal Service, and to meet the increased customer demand, it’s hiring for a variety of jobs. Drivers, delivery assistants, mail handlers and more can assist with ensuring mail and package deliveries go smoothly.

UPS

Find UPS jobs

The holidays are the busiest time of year for UPS. But this year, the season arrives as the delivery giant is in the middle of downsizing its staff. Even with these layoffs, the company is hiring seasonal support drivers and warehouse workers, along with other temporary roles.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on October 17, 2023. It has been updated with information about 2025 seasonal hiring.

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Linda Childers is a contributing writer for AARP. She has written for regional and national publications, including Allure, National Geographic Kids, O, Reader’s Digest, Redbook, U.S. News and World Report, The Washington Post and Woman’s Day.

Kenneth Terrell covers employment, age discrimination, work and jobs, careers, and the federal government for AARP. He previously worked for the Education Writers Association and U.S. News & World Report, where he reported on government and politics, business, education, science and technology, and lifestyle news.

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