Walmart among the major grocery chains with omnichannel distribution is offering additional seasonal employment to personal shoppers.  On November 18th Walmart announced that it would hire 160,000 seasonal personnel to support demand for click-and-collect and ex-store delivery. 

The rapidly increasing incidence of COVID-19 has created a disinclination to shop in stores and to take advantage of special delivery offers that include features such as in-garage delivery and expedited service especially in areas with a high population density.  Walmart claim to have recently hired 20,000 seasonal associates for fulfillment centers.  Other chains are relying on seasonal hires and automation both in distribution centers and newly designated “dark stores” to provide alternatives to traditional in-store shopping.