Retail Job Cuts Surge 274% in 2025 as Holiday Hiring Slows
Retail job cuts have surged significantly in the first half of 2025, with a 274% increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, retailers are expected to hire fewer employees for the upcoming holiday season, reflecting a challenging retail landscape and uncertain consumer spending.
The retail sector's struggles are contributing to a lackluster labor market and impacting consumers' willingness to spend. Job cuts continued into July and August at elevated levels, while hiring efforts have slowed. This trend is expected to continue, with projections suggesting that holiday hiring could fall to its lowest point since the 2009 recession.
Some retailers are adapting to the uncertain environment. Target, for instance, has not shared a seasonal hiring goal for this year, instead focusing on the value of its current workforce. On the other hand, Dollar Tree plans to hire 'thousands' of associates during its National Hiring Week event. Kohl's aims to hire more than 300 people citywide for the holiday season, with open roles in stores, distribution centers, and e-fulfillment centers. However, overall, retailers are expected to bring on fewer than 500,000 employees this holiday season, down from over 543,000 last year.
The retail sector's job cuts and hiring slowdown reflect the ongoing challenges in the industry, with some firms projecting holiday sales declines due to shopper pullback. As the holiday season approaches, retailers are adjusting their hiring strategies, with potential impacts on the labor market and consumer spending.
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