Looking for work? Publix, Walmart hiring thousands to keep up with soaring demand

Devoun Cetoute
·3 min read

Shoppers are making mad dashes to grocery stores almost every day due to novel coronavirus fears, and grocers are hiring thousands of people to meet the surging demand.

On Friday, Publix announced it will hire thousands of associates by the end of March to fill positions in its stores and distribution centers.

“We take pride in serving our communities during times of need, and with the unprecedented demand we are experiencing, we’re in need of more associates to help across our operating area,” said Marcy Benton, Publix vice president of human resources. “We’re looking for people who have a desire to serve, are passionate about the food industry, are willing to work hard and ready to build a career at Publix.”

Positions are available in all seven states Publix operates in — Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia — and its nine distribution centers in Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach. Jacksonville, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Lawrenceville, Georgia, and McCalla, Alabama.

Those who would like to apply should fill out an application at www.publix.jobs.

Publix sets special hours for older shoppers more susceptible to coronavirus

On Thursday, Walmart said it is looking to hire 150,000 new associates, full time and part time, through the end of May to help meet “the everyday needs of customers.” Jobs are available in stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers.

Walmart says the jobs will be temporary at first, but can lead to permanent spots. The company is expediting its hiring process, particularly for cashiers and stockers, going from a two-week application cycle to 24 hours.

“We know millions of Americans who are usually employed at this time are temporarily out of work, and at the same time, we’re currently seeing strong demand in our stores,” said Doug McMillon, Walmart’s president and CEO. “We’re looking for people who see Walmart as a chance to earn some extra money and perform a vital service to their community.”

Anyone interested in applying should do so at careers.walmart.com.

Milam’s Market, which has stores in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, is also hiring workers for all positions due to more shoppers coming in, a Milam’s manager told the Miami Herald.

Even though the stores have already hired many workers, they are still looking for more, the manager said.

Positions including clerks, cashiers, butchers, stockers and more. Go to https://www.milamsmarkets.com/about/careers.

Cecilia Mas, far-left, pays for her groceries at Milam’s Market on Bird Road near Coral Gables after she waited in a long line on Friday, March 20, 2020. Mas said the store had eggs in stock, but did not have toilet paper or paper towels.
Cecilia Mas, far-left, pays for her groceries at Milam’s Market on Bird Road near Coral Gables after she waited in a long line on Friday, March 20, 2020. Mas said the store had eggs in stock, but did not have toilet paper or paper towels.

On Thursday, Sedano’s Supermarket said it would hire up to 400 laid-off workers from Versailles, La Carreta and 12 other Valls Group restaurants. The restaurants, like all restaurants in Florida, were ordered to close their dining rooms to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Sedano’s hopes to add 15-20 displaced Valls employees to each of its 35 stores.

Sedano’s is also looking to hire additional employees beyond the Valls Group workers.

And Winn-Dixie said it was accelerating its hiring processes to hire workers for its Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más and BIL-LO stores.