(Photo Source: adage.com)

The new loyalty program for Target

Target is launching a new loyalty program nationwide next month that will reward its most loyal customers plus reel in shoppers just in time for the holiday shopping season. The company also announced that it will hire more than 130,000 seasonal workers, surpassing last year’s hiring of 120,000 part-time staff. Seasonal employees will earn at least $13 an hour and receive a discount of between 10 and 20 percent on store purchases.

The new loyalty program, called Target Circle, will be available to customers in the United States beginning Oct. 6. The program is officially launching after a successful 18-month test in six cities that included two million subscribers. Perks include earning one percent on Target purchases, early access to sales, personalized deals, birthday perks and the chance to vote on Target’s community giving initiatives.

Target’s Cartwheel platform, which offers coupons, will also be part of Target Circle.

The purpose of the new loyalty program is to complement the RedCard perks, according to a news release from Target. Target will automatically enroll RedCard and Target.com members, who will continue to save five percent, and the new program will offer a one percent rebate to people who do not have the credit card.

The retailer is the latest company to roll out a loyalty program, following Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Kohl’s.