Attention Walmart shoppers: We’re hiring 350 people in Delaware

Walmart will hire 350 new employees in Delaware stores as part of its plan to hire 150,000 new associates across the country until the end of May to meet the demand of surge shoppers.

Those positions are temporary, but many could roll over to permanent jobs over time, Walmart officials said. The application time will also be expedited from two weeks to 24 hours for jobs in warehouses.

Walmart will also raise pay temporarily to $2 per hour for all hourly associates at fulfillment centers until Memorial Day. To attract more employees, the retailer is also offering a $250 referral bonus to fulfillment center associates who refer a new hire. New hires will also see a $250 referral bonus.

That represents a $550 million investment in Walmart’s current workforce. The end goal is to provide many people who were laid off or furloughed jobs and to meet the swelling demand at Walmart’s stores.

Last week, Gov. John Carney issued several orders to slow the spread of coronavirus that closed Delaware restaurants and limited large gatherings, culminating a stay at home order on Sunday. As a result, many Delawareans were laid off or furloughed, and grocery stores were wiped out of food and cleaning supplies.

“Our supply chain associates have been so vital to Walmart’s ability to serve customers and communities during this time, and I am so proud of every one of them,” said Greg Smith, Walmart’s head of supply chain, in a prepared statement. “We’re growing, expanding and looking for more people who want to make a difference providing for customers.”

By Katie Tabeling

ktabeling@delawarebusinesstimes.com