Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – CBS Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger highlighted stark differences in holiday hiring strategies, with Amazon bringing on 250,000 seasonal workers compared to Walmart’s 40,000. “What is it that Walmart is seeing in its shoppers that Amazon is not seeing in its shoppers?” she asked, emphasizing how these decisions reflect broader economic trends. 

Schlesinger explained Target’s recent struggles by pointing to its reliance on high-cost items during the pandemic, saying, “They relied a lot on their big-ticket items…or clothing that no one needed because we were all home wearing our pajamas.” In contrast, she highlighted Walmart’s strategy of focusing on “everyday items” and effectively marketing to a broader audience, noting, “Walmart’s attracting more of the 1% out there, high earners are buying more stuff at Walmart.” This adaptability, she suggested, has been key to Walmart’s success.  

“Management also matters,” Schlesinger added, cautioning that Target’s current strategy isn’t aligned with consumer needs. She also predicted an “OK holiday season,” urging shoppers to prepare early: “Throw stuff in your shopping cart now and buy it by the first week of December.” 

For more information, listen to the full conversation here: