MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Target’s 1,816 stores are gearing up for one of the biggest retail seasons of the year with all hands possible on deck. The retailer is hedging its holiday bets with its largest seasonal hiring spree in recent years: 100,000 temporary employees.

It’s a more than 40% increase from last year’s seasonal hiring spree of 70,000 workers, and the retailer plans to add even more to it with 4,500 jobs opening its distribution centers in anticipation of more online orders.

"Target has made significant investments in our business throughout 2017, and our commitment to hire 100,000 team members for the holidays will make shopping at Target even easier and more fun during one of the busiest times of the year," Chief Store Officer, Janna Potts, said in a press release. "As always, we will provide our seasonal team members with meaningful opportunities to build and develop skills, and offer great benefits, including a variety of schedules and team member discounts."

President of Consumer Growth Partners Craig Johnson told CNBC in a recent interview that the second half of the year should be stronger for retail, and it should be okay to hire with that attitude, commenting, "Now we're watching the whole industry."

"Seasonal hiring is an indication of where the market is headed. If they're hiring more people, this is good news. Retailers that are hiring more people are doing press releases. ... Conversely, if you're not hiring a lot of people, you're not doing a press release," Johnson stated.

In addition to market-competitive wages and a variety of schedules, benefits Target said it is offering include a 10 percent merchandise discount at Target and Target.com and an additional 20 percent wellness discount on fruits and veggies, Simply Balanced brand foods, and C9 athletic gear.

As it has in past years, Target said it will also give current team members the chance to bolster their schedules with extra holiday hours.

The seasonal hiring begins Oct. 13. A full list of open positions can be found here.

Target