UNITED STATES - We might disagree when the holiday season officially starts, but for businesses, the preparations have already begun. Target has announced it will employ about 100,000 seasonal workers this holiday season. This is in line with the last three years even as inflation-weary shoppers are expected to stay frugal during the key shopping period, according to a report from Reuters.

With customers expected to begin their holiday shopping early and looking for additional discounts in all categories ranging from groceries to home goods, retailers like Target have been launching discounts and beefing up promotions.

The company’s deal program, Target Circle, will start on October 6 to lure these value-seeking, early shoppers. Additionally, Target said it would introduce more affordable holiday items.

The Reuters report also shared how earlier this year, Target reduced prices on over 5,000 popular items, including bread, soda, paper towels, and pet food, helping the company raise its full-year profit forecast after reporting upbeat quarterly comparable sales.

Overall, retailers plan to do similar levels of seasonal hiring as last year. Walmart has said its holiday hiring plans would be consistent with the past few years, where the company first offered more hours to existing employees and hired additional workers if needed.

The holiday shopping season typically accounts for more than half of U.S. retailers' annual revenue. With a holiday hiring strategy now underway, will we see the retailer fortifying its produce department staff as well?

ANUK will continue to provide updates in retail, so check back daily.