Last Updated: April 19, 2026
Quick Answer: Largest Retail Employers
Walmart (1.6 million U.S. employees), Amazon (1.1 million), and Target (400,000+) are the three largest retail employers. Retail associates and cashiers start at $13–$17/hr at most major chains. Costco is consistently one of the best-paying major retailers, with starting pay at $17–$19/hr and one of the strongest benefits packages in the industry.
Browse Retail Job Applications
Retail is one of the most accessible employment sectors in the U.S., with major chains hiring continuously for seasonal, part-time, and full-time roles. From big-box discount stores and home improvement chains to specialty apparel and beauty retailers, retail jobs offer flexible scheduling, employee discounts, and clear advancement paths to supervisor and management roles.
Most entry-level retail positions — including cashier, sales associate, stock associate, and customer service representative — require no prior experience and provide paid on-the-job training. Many retailers now offer same-day or next-day pay through earned wage access programs, along with tuition assistance and healthcare benefits for full-time qualifying employees.
Retail Application Guides
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Compare Retail Employers
Not sure which retailer is the right fit? These head-to-head comparisons break down pay, benefits, scheduling, and which application is easier to complete.
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Retail Employer Comparison
| Employer | Store Count | Entry Pay | Min. Age | Part-Time Available | Background Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | 4,600+ US | $14–$19/hr | 16 | Yes | Yes |
| Target | 1,950+ | $15–$17/hr | 16 | Yes | Yes |
| Costco | 580+ US | $17–$19/hr | 18 | Yes | Yes |
| Dollar General | 19,000+ | $13–$16/hr | 18 | Yes | Yes |
| Ross Stores | 1,600+ | $13–$16/hr | 18 | Yes | Yes |
| Walgreens | 8,700+ | $13–$17/hr | 16 | Yes | Yes |
| IKEA | 50+ US | $17–$23/hr | 18 | Yes | Yes |
| lululemon | 680+ US | $17–$20/hr | 18 | Yes | Yes |
| Five Below | 1,600+ | $13–$15/hr | 16 | Yes | Yes |
| Hobby Lobby | 900+ | $13–$16/hr | 18 | Yes | Yes |
| JCPenney | 650+ | $13–$16/hr | 18 | Yes | Yes |
| Zara | 100+ US | $15–$18/hr | 18 | Yes | Yes |
| American Eagle | 1,000+ | $14–$17/hr | 16 | Yes | Yes |
What to Expect When Applying
Age requirements: Minimum age varies by retailer. Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and Five Below hire at 16 for certain roles; most other major retailers require 18+. Roles involving forklifts, equipment operation, or alcohol sales typically require 18 regardless of the employer’s general policy.
Background checks: Nearly all major retailers conduct background checks. Most do not perform credit checks. Prior convictions do not automatically disqualify applicants; many retailers review applications on a case-by-case basis under fair chance hiring policies.
Seasonal vs. permanent hiring: Major retailers significantly increase hiring in the fall for the holiday season. Many seasonal hires are offered permanent positions based on performance. Costco, IKEA, and lululemon tend to have lower turnover and more deliberate hiring processes year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What retail stores hire at 16?
Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Five Below, and several other major retailers hire associates as young as 16 for entry-level floor and cashier roles. Most retailers require 18+ for roles involving operating heavy equipment, managing cash drawers unsupervised, or selling age-restricted products like tobacco or alcohol. Always check the specific job posting for the minimum age requirement at each location.
Do retail jobs require a resume?
Most entry-level retail jobs do not require a formal resume. Retailers typically use an online application form covering work history, availability, and contact information. For management or corporate roles, a resume is expected. Even for hourly positions, having a brief resume can be helpful for standing out during in-person interviews.
How long does it take to get hired at a retail store?
Most major retail chains can complete the hiring process within one to two weeks. Applications are reviewed online, followed by one or two in-store interviews and a background check before the offer is extended. High-volume seasonal hiring periods can sometimes accelerate this timeline to just a few days.
Which retail chains pay the most for entry-level workers?
IKEA, Costco, lululemon, and Target consistently rank among the highest-paying major retailers for entry-level associates, with starting wages of $15–$23/hr depending on market. Costco and IKEA also stand out for benefits quality. Specialty retailers like Sephora and lululemon pay above the broader retail average for their brand roles.
Do retail jobs offer benefits like health insurance?
Full-time retail employees at major chains like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Walgreens typically qualify for health insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) retirement plans. Part-time employees may have access to limited benefits depending on hours worked. Costco in particular is known for offering robust healthcare and retirement benefits even to part-time workers above a minimum hours threshold.
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