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Gap Inc. Deploys AI Hiring Tool for Seasonal Staffing

The retailer has launched an AI-powered virtual guide to manage hiring across its stores and distribution centers.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Job Search

Isometric editorial illustration showing an abstract modular warehouse and retail building in muted tones, representing AI-assisted recruitment technology.
Gap Inc. has deployed an AI-driven virtual career guide, Bridgette, to streamline seasonal staffing at its retail stores and distribution facilities nationwide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In June 2026, Gap Inc. introduced Bridgette, an AI-enabled virtual career guide designed to streamline the recruitment process. The company is now utilizing this technology to support its 2026 holiday season hiring initiatives nationwide.

Why it matters

By automating administrative tasks, the tool allows managers to dedicate more time to coaching staff and improving customer service. This digital transition aims to improve the candidate experience while handling high application volumes.

Gap Inc. expects to receive 200,000 seasonal applications this year, following a pilot where 45,000 candidates engaged with the platform. The NRF forecasts total U.S. holiday seasonal hiring to range between 325,000 and 375,000 roles.

The players

Gap Inc.

This American worldwide clothing and accessories retailer is headquartered in San Francisco.

Bridgette

This is an AI-enabled virtual career guide used to streamline and automate administrative recruitment tasks.

The details

Bridgette operates 24/7 using Paradox technology integrated with Workday Recruiting to handle over 15 administrative hiring tasks. The system provides a mobile-first experience that answers applicant questions and manages interview scheduling.

Timeline

  1. June 2026: Gap Inc. launched the Bridgette AI hiring tool.

  2. 2026 holiday season: The company is actively recruiting seasonal employees.

Market Landscape

The deployment of Bridgette represents a wider corporate shift toward integrating AI into high-volume recruitment cycles to maintain competitiveness. Gap Inc. is positioning its hiring operations to match the national seasonal staffing patterns outlined in the NRF holiday forecast.

Job seekers can now access a mobile-first interface to ask questions and secure interviews at any time of day. This change aims to provide faster application updates and a more consistent experience for those applying to retail roles.

The takeaway

Retailers are increasingly turning to AI to manage the intensive administrative demands of seasonal hiring cycles. Candidates should anticipate digital-first communication throughout their application process as more firms adopt these automated tools.

Further reading

Learn more about evolving recruitment methods on our Job Search page.

More information

Apply for open roles or view company information on the Gap Inc. seasonal job application portal.

Live Poll

Do you trust artificial intelligence to handle job application processes fairly and effectively?