Walmart Inc: Walmart to hire 150,000 workers as shoppers surge

Walmart Inc announced on Thursday it would hire more than 150,000 hourly workers in the United States, citing a jump in shoppers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Walmart Inc is an American multinational retail corporation that runs a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. The company Walmart Inc was founded by Sam Walton in 1962 and incorporated on October 31, 1969

Competitive Amazon.com Inc made the same move earlier this week, announcing it would hire 100,000 warehouse and delivery operators in the United States as the coronavirus outbreak boosts online orders.

Walmart Inc also said it projects to pay a special cash bonus of $300 to full-time hourly workers and $150 to part-time associates. The company will stimulate the next scheduled quarterly bonus, it said.

The 150,000 new workers being hired through the end of May will work in Walmart’s stores, clubs, distribution, and fulfillment centers, Walmart Inc said, adding that they would be temporary at first, but many would change to permanent roles over time.

“Walmart associates have gone over and beyond the call of duty in assisting our customers during these unprecedented times,” President and Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon said.

A rush to stores by shoppers fearing quarantines or product shortages has cleared shelves, prompting retailers to boost the stock of food and hygienic items, and have employees on hand for in-store work or delivery.

Walmart Inc announced it was executing a new process to dramatically expedite hiring for critical roles, such as cashiers and stockers, figuring that the usual two-week application cycle would be decreased to a 24-hour operation.