Retailers Pull Back on Seasonal Hiring
Several major companies have announced reduced seasonal hiring plans for this year’s holiday season, according to workforce analysis firm Challenger. Bath & Body Works plans to hire 32,000 workers, approximately 700 fewer than last year, while Michaels is seeking 10,000 employees—5,000 fewer than in 2022. E-commerce fulfillment company Radial, which manages deliveries for roughly 120 companies, reportedly plans to hire 500 fewer seasonal workers this year, according to PBS News reporting.
Some Employers Withhold Hiring Data
Sources indicate that several major seasonal employers including UPS, Target, and Macy’s have declined to share their seasonal hiring plans this year despite having done so in previous years. This lack of transparency comes amid what analysts suggest is increased economic uncertainty affecting hiring decisions across the retail sector.
Some Companies Maintain Previous Hiring Levels
Not all seasonal employers are cutting back. Spirit Halloween maintained the same number of seasonal job openings as last year at 50,000 positions, according to reports. Similarly, Amazon has announced plans to hire 250,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers for the end-of-year shopping season—matching last year’s hiring figures.
Federal Reserve Points to Economic Factors
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently acknowledged “very low levels of job creation” despite an economy that “may be on a somewhat firmer trajectory than expected.” The Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book report states that the stagnant labor market can be attributed to high economic uncertainty and, in some cases, increased investment in artificial intelligence. The report notes employers are increasingly favoring part-time workers over full-time employment.
Regional Fed Districts Report Hiring Slowdown
According to the Federal Reserve’s regional assessments, the Cleveland district noted retail businesses had “no growth, so no new positions will be added,” while the Atlanta district reported a “hiring chill.” The Beige Book also indicated that hospitality, agriculture, construction and manufacturing sectors have been particularly affected by recent changes to immigration policies.
Broader Economic Context
The hiring pullback comes amid broader technological shifts across industries. Reports suggest companies are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence solutions, while some platforms are offering AI training as alternative work opportunities. Meanwhile, global retail patterns continue to evolve, with major shopping events like China’s Singles’ Day influencing seasonal hiring strategies. These developments occur alongside other significant economic policy changes affecting consumer spending power.
This coverage is based on reporting from Forbes and other news sources, with additional context from Federal Reserve reports and industry analysis.
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