Hirings broad, timelines are short: pay, hours, and tips to beat the rush

By Kyle James, Reporter

• Pay: $23/hr avg for regular roles; $19+/hr seasonal (about $30+/hr with benefits).
• Seasonal job postings go fastmany fill within hours once they go live.
• Apply at hiring.amazon.com or text NEWJOB to 31432.

Amazon recently announced it will hire 250,000 people in the U.S. for the 2025 holiday rush, keeping seasonal hirings relatively flat the past two years.

The roles span full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs in the companys fulfillment centers and transportation network.

Pay and benefits

Amazon says regular full and part-time employees now average $23 an hour (with benefits), and seasonal roles average over $19 an hour.

The company also announced in September that its investing more than $1 billion to raise pay and lower healthcare costs for U.S. fulfillment and transportation workers; Amazon estimates average total compensation (pay plus elected benefits) at $30+ an hour.

Where the jobs are located

Amazon is hiring in small towns and big cities, adding new job listings every week from October through December to handle holiday demand.

Jobs range from picking, packing, and sorting to delivery station and transportation support.

How to apply (and get alerts)

Applicants can search openings at hiring.amazon.com. If you dont see any current openings in your area, be sure to sign up for job updates by scrolling to the bottom of the page and entering your email address, or phone number, along with your zip code.

You can also sign up for mobile alerts by texting NEWJOB to 31432. Theyll automatically text you back and ask you to reply with your zip code so they can send you jobs in your area.

They also emphasized that seasonal job listings tend to fill quickly once they go live, so text notifications can help you apply early.

Because jobs fill quickly, be sure to create an account on their hiring page even if no positions currently exist in your area. That way youve completed your initial application and background screenings, so when jobs do become available, you can apply quickly and hopefully get ahead of the oncoming rush.

Why it matters

Uncertainty over the economy and tariffs have many retailers cautious over holiday hiring. Lands End and Bath & Body Works both announced theyll be hiring less seasonal workers while Macys and Target have declined to offer numbers, leading many experts to speculate that they'redoing the same.

But Amazons job target suggests a steady demand in e-commerce shopping this holiday season.

The 250,000 plan matches last years target, even as some retailers trim seasonal staff. For jobseekers, that means a large pool of hourly roles with predictable schedules and a chance to move into more permanent positions come January.

What happens after the holidays

Amazon emphasizes advancement from seasonal to regular roles and touts programs like Career Choice (tuition pre-payment for approved certificates and degrees).

Workers who stay beyond their first season typically see wage increases; Amazon points to multi-year pay increases alongside its recent compensation changes. (Note: education and promotion opportunities vary by site and role.)

Key tips before you apply

Check the exact posting for shift times, overtime expectations, and site-specific pay. Also, keep in mind that hourly rates can vary by market and shifts.

According to their jobs website, Most early morning shifts earn more per hour. These shifts typically start between 4:00 a.m. and 6 a.m. and go for 10 hours with a 1-hour lunch break.

Dont hesitate to apply quickly when a job alert hits your area. Local facilities often fill seasonal slots within hours or days after postings go live.

Compare total compensation. If youre considering a regular (non-seasonal) offer, be sure to factor in the value of all the benefits when making a decision.

Drug testing is a possibility

Depending on the role, you can expect to get screened for drugs, even seasonal workers.

While Amazon's current drug testing policy varies by state, warehouse workers should expect a simple mouth swabwhich tests for hard drugs.

As of 2021, Amazon does not test for marijuana unless you are a delivery driver, transport truck driver, or Amazon Air pilot.

Pasta meals, frozen spinach, Ben's rice, veggie spring rolls, freeze-dried strawberries, beef meatballs

If no further new recalls or outbreaks emerge, these remain the top alerts as of October 15, 2025. Some may have been previously issued but are still in effect.

• Prepared pasta meals / pasta salads Listeria monocytogenes
  Outbreak of L. monocytogenes linked to precooked pasta used in readytoeat meals, with 20 illnesses in 15 states (19 hospitalizations, 4 deaths) so far; products sold via Sprouts, Kroger, Giant Eagle, Walmart, Albertsons, Trader Joes, etc.
  Full notice: FDA 2025 Recalls of Prepared Pasta Meals (Frozen and ReadytoEat) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

• Frozen spinach (Sno Pac / Del Mar) Listeria risk
  Sno Pac recalled 10oz bags of organic cut spinach and Del Mar bulk frozen spinach after a positive Listeria monocytogenes test in a supplier batch; distribution was nationwide, and no illnesses have been reported.
  Full notice: Included in FDA Listeria pasta meals recall page (and linked in outbreak investigation) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

• Bens Original Ready Rice possible small stone contamination
  Select lots of Long Grain White, Whole Grain Brown, and Long Grain & Wild Ready Rice (bestby August 2026) are recalled for potential presence of small stones; available at HEB, Target, Amazon, Piggly Wiggly, and others.
  Full notice: FDA recall listing (via news) and company recall reports (via ExpressNews coverage) (San Antonio Express-News)

• Fusia Veggie Spring Rolls (sold at Aldi) undeclared shrimp allergen
  Boxes of Veggie Spring Rolls (10oz, UPC 409910222258, best by 5/17/2027) may contain shrimp, not declared on label; sold exclusively through Aldi, with no reported allergic reactions so far.
  Full notice: Company/FDA recall notice (via Health.com/Aldi announcement) (Health)

• Tru Fru freezedried strawberries metal fragments / foreign objects
  Tru Fru is recalling various freezedried strawberry snack products sold through Walmart, CVS, Target, Kroger, etc., after reports of sharp metal fragments inside packaging; no injuries have been reported yet.
  Full notice: FDA recall announcement (via news report) and company notice coverage (The Sun)

• Expanded Listeria outbreak: FreshRealm beef meatball marinara linguine meals added
  The CDC has added FreshRealms beef meatball marinara meals to the ongoing Listeria outbreak after detecting the same strain; three more illnesses and one death have been linked in the update.
  Full notice: CDC CDC expands Listeria outbreak alert (cdc.gov)

Old brands reintroduce themselves with new flavors, new promotions

Pop-Tarts bulks up with added protein

Protein is everywhere these days, even though some nutritionists say we're on the verge of getting too much of a good thing. Pop-Tarts is the latest to add a touch of protein powder to its wares, withPop-Tarts Protein. Fans can enjoy three classic flavors:

• Pop-Tarts Protein Slammin' Strawberry: Featuring tart strawberry filling, a golden crust and frosting topped with rainbow sprinkles, the sweet classic just got a protein boost.
• Pop-Tarts Protein Boostin' Brown Sugar Cinnamon: The timeless fan-favorite is reimagined with protein in every bite, featuring a gooey brown sugar cinnamon filling, golden-brown crust and a crisp, sweet frosting finish.
• Pop-Tarts Protein Bumpin' Blueberry: Bursting with berry sweetness and a protein bonus, the jam-like blueberry center is topped with sweet icing and crunchy sprinkles.

The added-protein announcement came as the brand heralded the return of its frosted chocolate chip cookie dough recipes.

RC Cola, A&W Root Beer re-emerge

Two other brands RC Colaand A&WRoot Beer have launched new marketing campaigns that tap into nostalgia whilereintroducing themselves to a new generation.

After a 40-year hiatus from national advertising, RC Cola is returning with a new taglineNot a soft drink. Just a damn good cola.The promotion showcases both the classic and newly launched zero sugar versions of the brand.

Meanwhile, A&W Root Beer is leaning into its legacy while introducing its first new flavor in nearly two decades: A&W Ice Cream Sundae. A&W is teaming up with Breyers ice cream, offering a digital experience where consumers can create their own root beer float in augmented reality.

Bold colors, wellness retreats and pickleball courts

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Homes of 2026 are getting bolder and more personal: Zillow predicts color-drenched interiors, wellness-focused features, and eco-friendly upgrades will define home design in the coming year.

• Cozy comfort meets resilience: Reading nooks, fire-safe landscaping, and flood-proofing are rising priorities as Americans seek spaces that nurture both mind and body.

• Sports and self-expression take center stage: Pickleball courts, golf simulators, and artisan craftsmanship are redefining what dream home means for 2026 buyers.

If youre thinking of making changes to your homes decor, Zillow has just compiled a list of decorating trends, gathered from millions of home listings. The list shows that buyers are looking for vibrant interiors, wellness-driven spaces and lifestyle upgrades that reflect individuality and resilience.

Real estate agents have a front-row seat to what todays buyers want most, and thats reflected in the way they describe homes online, said Amanda Pendleton, Zillows home trends expert. When we see a sharp increase in certain features being mentioned, its a clear signal that these details are capturing buyers attention.

The era of beige is officially over. Zillows data show a 149% jump in mentions of color drenching, a design style where a single hue envelops the entire room from walls and trim to ceilings and even furniture. The look creates a dramatic, immersive feel, marking a departure from neutral minimalism and signaling homeowners desire for mood-driven, expressive interiors.

Reading nooks and retreats

Amid the digital noise, reading nooks are up 48% in listings, reflecting a renewed appetite for quiet corners and cozy sanctuaries. Whether tucked beneath a staircase or nestled beside a sunlit window, these spaces speak to a broader trend of creating restorative zones within the home.

Americans are also preparing their homes for the future and the elements. Mentions of flood protection rose 64%, while fire-safe landscaping jumped 36%. Elevated foundations and built-in fire protection systems are appearing more frequently, signaling growing awareness around climate resilience.

At the same time, sustainability has moved from niche to norm. Listings highlighting zero-energy-ready homes rose 70%, whole-home batteries 40%, and EV charging stations 25%. General green or sustainable descriptors are also up 21%, proving that energy efficiency has become a must-have, not just a luxury.

Wellness at home

The spa is moving in. Mentions of wellness features climbed 33%, and spa-inspired bathrooms appeared 22% more often. These spaces combine comfort and luxury, turning daily routines into restorative rituals.

Forget the man cave mentions of those are down 10%. Instead, homes are embracing active leisure. Pickleball courts and golf simulators each rose 25%, while batting cages saw an 18% increase, reflecting a shift toward movement and playful design at home.

Cookie-cutter is out, character is in. Buyers are celebrating personality through artisan craftsmanship (up 21%), vintage details (up 17%), and whimsical touches (up 15%). From handmade tiles to one-of-a-kind dcor, individuality is emerging as a defining feature of 2026 homes.

Whats out

Not every luxury fad lasts. Mentions of juice stations dropped 19%, while marble sinks fell 15%. These once-trendy features are being replaced by more practical, enduring design choices that better fit modern lifestyles.

Zillows 2026 forecast paints a clear picture: American homes are becoming more expressive, functional, and future-ready.

From eco-smart upgrades to immersive design and personalized play spaces, the next wave of home design blends resilience, comfort, and creativity a true reflection of how homeowners want to live in the years ahead.

Goldman Sachs as much as two-thirds of the tariffs are baked into prices

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Goldman Sachs economists now estimate that U.S. consumers will absorb as much as two-thirds of tariff costs by October, up sharply from a 22 percent share in June.

• The shift comes as firms that initially ate most of the burden begin passing costs along through higher retail prices, particularly in sectors like appliances and electronics.

• Goldman warns that the tariff-induced price increases could push core Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation to around 3.2 percent by years end well above the Federal Reserves 2 percent target.

In a new analysis, Goldman Sachs is sounding the alarm: the cost of U.S. import tariffs is moving off the balance sheets of companies and increasingly onto everyday households. What once was a shock absorbed by firms is now becoming embedded in the sticker price of consumer goods.

As of June, Goldman estimates that U.S. businesses absorbed roughly 64% of the tariff costs, consumers about 22%, and foreign exporters the remaining 14%. But the firm projects that dynamic began to invert this month: about 67% of costs could land on consumers, while businesses share shrinks to under 10% and exporters share rises modestly.

Goldmans economists base their estimates on historical tariff pass-through patterns and the assumption that firms gradually adjust pricing rather than absorbing higher costs indefinitely. In effect, many companies are acting as buffers in the early phase of tariff implementation compressing margins or internal cost lines but expect to recoup those losses by raising consumer prices later.

Inflation risks

The implications of this shift are significant for inflation and monetary policy. Goldman forecasts core PCE inflation (the Feds preferred gauge) rising to about 3.2 percent year-over-year by December a full point above what its economists estimate in the absence of new tariffs. A portion of that around 0.7 percentage point may be directly attributable to tariff pass-through.

That in turn complicates the Federal Reserves path: while some factions argue tariffs are a one-off shock, Goldmans view suggests sustained inflationary pressure that may constrain rate cuts or force continued vigilance.

The findings run counter to messaging from the White House that foreign exporters would bear the tariff cost, a claim repeated vigorously as a defense of the trade policy. The White House maintains that while there might be adjustment pain, the burden will be ultimately paid abroad.

Some companies have already started raising prices especially for goods heavily reliant on imported components, such as electronics and appliances. That suggests the pass-through is not only a theoretical projection but already underway.

What it means for households

For consumers, especially lower- and middle-income households, the tariff tax is less transparent but very real baked into higher prices for everyday goods from refrigerators to smartphones.

And with inflation already tightening household budgets, the extra burden could squeeze discretionary spending, reduce real incomes, and amplify economic unease.

If the trend continues, the consumer-facing cost of tariffs may become a central battleground in debates over trade policy, fiscal stimulus, and the Feds inflation mandates.