Walmart Inc. (WMT) said on Wednesday that it is gearing up for the busy holiday season by hiring 20,000 permanent supply chain workers.

The company said positions will vary from part-time to full-time and the average wage for supply chain associates will be $20.37 per hour. Job openings will be available at more than 250 Walmart and Sam’s Club centers and positions will be offered within a range of departments, including positions as order fillers, freight handlers, lift drivers, technicians and management positions.

“We know that offering competitive pay is essential in order to build a network for the future,” the company said in a statement.

Walmart’s move comes at a time when many retailers are raising wages as they scramble to hire amid current worker shortages.

The company, which is the nation's largest private-sector employer, said it is planning to hold hiring events on Sept. 8 and 9 to help fill the 20,000 new job openings.

Walmart employs nearly 1.6 million U.S. workers. This year alone, they hired over 150,000 new employees and they continue to pledge to hire more.

Earlier this year, Walmart also increased its average pay to $15 an hour and gave select positions an increase in starting pay from $13 to $19 an hour depending on the store location. They also announced they would offer free college tuition for its retail workers.

"As our business continues evolving to meet the needs of today's customers, having a robust supply chain is more important than ever," the company said in a statement.

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