They are the largest private employer, yes.
I think it has more to do with the global recession than anything else. Looking at youth unemployment statistics is depressing.
That's true. Didn't think about that. I did apply at 24 other places in a period of 7 months before I got my job at Target.
It's that whole catch about jobs and experience. Younger people, 16 to 20 years old can't get a job because they don't have experience. They can't get experience unless they have a job.
And with the unemployment rate around 8 percent all together, they're competing with much more experienced people for jobs that would usually go to a teen e.g. fast food and retail.
That's not to say older people don't work in retail. I work with 2 sales floor TMs that have been at Target for 10 years. Though I do find it kind of odd that they haven't applied to be a team lead.