The Zacks Analyst Blog Amazon, Target, Macy's and Bath & Body Works

For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – October 10, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN, Target Corp. TGT, Macy's, Inc. M and Bath & Body Works, Inc. BBWI.Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog: How These Retailers Are Gearing Up for Earnings SeasonAs the holiday season nears, retailers are mobilizing resources to meet the demand of shoppers seeking attractive deals. With the anticipation of an uptick in consumer activity, industry leaders are focusing on bolstering their workforce through extensive seasonal hiring initiatives.According to a recent report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, U.S. retailers are poised to deploy about 520,000 seasonal employees in the final quarter of 2024. This recruitment is aimed at enhancing in-store customer service and optimizing online order fulfillment capabilities.Several major retailers have announced their hiring plans for the holiday season. Amazon.com, Inc., Target Corp., Macy's, Inc.  and Bath & Body Works, Inc.  are among the companies gearing up to add seasonal staff to meet the anticipated demand. These retailers aim to enhance customer service and streamline operations as shoppers flock to stores and online platforms during this busy time.Retailers Hire for Holiday Rush: AMZN, TGT, M & BBWIAmazon is making significant strides in its hiring efforts, planning to onboard 250,000 seasonal associates across the nation. This recruitment drive includes both part-time and full-time positions in fulfillment centers and transportation roles. To attract talent, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company is investing $2.2 billion to boost pay for its seasonal workforce, offering a competitive wage of at least $18 per hour, along with health care benefits. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.In contrast to Amazon, Target, a Zacks Rank #3 company, is aiming to recruit around 100,000 seasonal workers to support its stores and supply-chain facilities during the holiday season. These seasonal roles will help with Order Pickup, Drive-up and fulfilling holiday orders, ensuring fast and efficient service for customers.Shoppers can take advantage of Target’s flexible fulfillment options, including Drive Up, Order Pickup and same-day delivery through Shipt. Free two-day shipping is also available for orders above $35. Target Circle members enjoy additional perks, such as an extra 5% off purchases when using a Target Circle card.Keeping in mind the festive rush, Macy’s has announced plans to hire more than 31,500 full and part-time seasonal employees for the upcoming holiday season. These positions will support operations at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury stores, as well as its distribution centers.Bath & Body Works, a Zacks Rank #3 company, is preparing to cater to the heightened shopping frenzy by adding 30,000 dedicated seasonal sales associates across its more than 1,800 stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The holiday spirit extends to BBWI's distribution centers as well, with plans to hire approximately 2,700 employees across four central Ohio distribution centers.A Promising Outlook for the Holiday SeasonThe holiday season is a critical revenue driver for retailers, and many are taking proactive measures to address logistical and inventory challenges. Retailers are not only replenishing shelves with in-demand products but are also ramping up investments in digital capabilities to create a seamless shopping experience. Seasonal associates will play vital roles in managing curbside pickups, in-store services and doorstep deliveries, ensuring that customer needs are met promptly.According to the Mastercard Economics Institute, U.S. retail sales, excluding automotive, are anticipated to increase by 3.2% between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24. This forecast reflects a slight improvement over the 3.1% increase witnessed last season. Per the report, online spending is expected to rise 7.1% year over year. With a proactive approach and customer-centric offerings, retailers will try to seize every opportunity the season presents.Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.com                                        https://www.zacks.com                                                      Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance  for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.This top pick is among the most innovative financial firms. With a fast-growing customer base (already 50+ million) and a diverse set of cutting edge solutions, this stock is poised for big gains. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report Macy's, Inc. (M): Free Stock Analysis Report Target Corporation (TGT): Free Stock Analysis Report Bath & Body Works, Inc. (BBWI): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks