Sept 16 (Reuters) - Target ( TGT ) said on Monday it

would employ about 100,000 seasonal workers, in line with the

last three years of

holiday hiring, as the retailer gears up for the all-important

shopping period.

Holiday retail sales are expected to grow at their slowest

pace in six years, according to data from Deloitte, as

persistent inflationary pressures have exhausted consumer

savings and turned shoppers more frugal.

The holiday shopping season accounts for more than half

of U.S. retailers' annual revenue. To lure in buyers, Target ( TGT )

also said on Monday it would introduce more affordable holiday

items and bring back its partnership with British retailer Marks

& Spencer.

The retailer said the seasonal hires were for its stores

and supply chain facilities, with majority of them working at

its stores.

With customers expected to begin their holiday shopping

early while looking for additional discounts in categories

ranging from groceries to homegoods, retailers in the United

States have been launching discounts and beefing up promotions.

Target ( TGT ) also announced that its Target Circle week will

start from Oct. 6, a week later compared to the last year.

Lat month, Target ( TGT )

raised

its full-year profit forecast after reporting upbeat

quarterly comparable sales, betting on its price cuts that

helped in lifting demand at its stores.

Bath & Body Works ( BBWI ) said last week that it will hire

30,000 seasonal workers for the holiday season.