Aldi hires over 13,000 employees nationwide

The food discounter Aldi is increasing its workforce for the Christmas season and plans to hire more than 13,000 store and warehouse employees.

The grocer announced that in addition to increasing its workforce, it will continue to open new stores across the U.S. while preparing for the busy shopping season.

To attract applicants, the company also announced that it would increase the national average hourly wage.

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The average starting wage for Aldi store and warehouse jobs nationwide will rise to $18 and $23 per hour, respectively, depending on the market and position, according to the company.

The average starting wage for Aldi store and warehouse jobs nationwide will rise to $18 and $23 per hour, respectively, depending on the market and position, according to the company. (Burak Bir/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The company also noted that it “outperforms the competition” in terms of career opportunities, noting that 70% of assistant store managers and more than 30% of store managers started as store associates.

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Employees who work more than 30 hours a week are entitled to health insurance, paid vacation, as well as flexible working hours and 100% paid parental and caregiver leave, Aldi said.

Aldi has announced that it will increase the national average hourly wage. (Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)

All qualified applicants will be invited to interview during National Hiring Week, which ends September 15.

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This is just the beginning of the rush for hiring during the holiday season. Typically, grocers, retailers and companies like UPS and FedEx increase their seasonal workforce as the holiday season approaches to handle the rush of holiday shoppers.

NRF CEO Matthew Shay expects consumers to continue spending ahead of the holiday season despite the slowdown in the labor market.

Even with lower job growth, “unemployment is near historic lows and continued employment and wage gains coupled with lower inflation should provide consumers with a solid footing heading into the holiday season,” Shay said in August, adding that “lower interest rates will take time to play out and will not provide an immediate boost, but should stabilize the economy.”