Seasonal Job Market Hits Lowest Point Since 2009: Which Retailers Are Hiring and Which Are Scaling Back

Holiday hiring season looks different this year. Retailers are pulling back, and shoppers might see fewer fresh faces behind the counter. Fewer openings mean tougher competition, yet more people are on the hunt for temporary work. Some big names like Amazon and Bath & Body Works are still bringing in seasonal help, but others are leaning on current staff to pick up the slack. The hiring slowdown has many job seekers rethinking their holiday plans.

Retail Hiring Falls to Lowest Level Since 2009

Retailers aren’t bringing in as many seasonal workers this year, and it shows. Hiring announcements are moving slower than usual, reaching the lowest levels since 2009. Many companies are taking a cautious approach as they wait to see how the holiday rush unfolds. So, fewer jobs are opening up, even as more people apply for them. The slowdown signals a more careful retail season ahead, where every extra hire counts a little more than before.

Fewer Openings Leave More Job Seekers Competing

More people are searching for seasonal jobs, but there aren’t as many openings to go around. Listings on Indeed have dropped compared to the last few years, even as searches for these positions climb higher. So, competition is heating up for those hoping to earn some extra income during the holidays. Many job seekers see these roles as a way to keep moving forward, especially with the broader job market slowing down.

Economists Compare Current Trends to the Great Recession

Economists are starting to see patterns that remind them of the years after the Great Recession. Hiring has slowed down, and companies seem hesitant to expand their teams too quickly. Andy Challenger from Challenger, Gray & Christmas said the slower pace shows retailers aren’t betting on a big seasonal surge. So, while shoppers gear up for the holidays, economists are watching how cautious hiring could shape the rest of the job market.

Retailers Scale Back on Seasonal Announcements

Many retailers are staying quiet about their holiday hiring plans this year. Announcements that once came with big numbers and excitement are rolling out slowly. Companies seem more cautious, waiting to see how shopping demand shapes up before committing to new hires. So far, the pace of seasonal job postings remains muted compared to previous years. Economists say it’s another sign that businesses are trying to stay steady instead of expanding too fast.

Amazon and Bath & Body Works Expand Their Holiday Teams

Some retailers are still opening their doors to seasonal workers, and Amazon leads the way. The company plans to hire around 250,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff across its U.S. network. Bath & Body Works is also ramping up, bringing in about 32,000 people for the holidays. Dick’s Sporting Goods and Kohl’s are adding thousands too. So, while overall hiring is down, a few big brands are still offering plenty of seasonal opportunities.

Target and Walmart Rely on Existing Employees for Extra Hours

Target and Walmart are taking a different route this holiday season. Instead of hiring large groups of new workers, both retailers are focusing on giving more hours to their current teams. Target plans to use its flexible workforce of about 43,000 people who can pick up extra shifts. Walmart also said most of its additional hours will go to existing associates. So, seasonal workers might find fewer openings at these major retailers this year.

Major Retailers Stay Silent on Holiday Hiring Plans

Some big names are staying quiet about their holiday hiring plans. Macy’s and UPS, which usually ramp up hiring this time of year, haven’t shared updates on their seasonal numbers. Their silence stands out as other companies announce smaller or delayed hiring efforts. So, job seekers waiting for those big seasonal postings might have to look elsewhere or keep checking back to see if these retailers open positions later in the season.

Workers Face Tougher Odds Landing Seasonal Jobs

Seasonal job seekers are running into fewer openings this year. Retailers are pulling back on new hires, and many are focusing on current staff instead. So, people looking for short-term work are finding fewer listings to apply for, even as applications rise. Some economists say the current trend feels similar to the slowdown that followed the Great Recession. Many workers now see seasonal jobs as a way to stay active in a slower labor market.

Seasonal Jobs Still Offer a Chance to Earn Extra Income

Seasonal hiring may be slower, but there are still openings for those ready to jump in. Big names like Amazon and Bath & Body Works continue to bring people on board, and some smaller retailers could follow. So, anyone hoping to earn extra cash for the holidays can still find options if they act fast. Checking job boards early and staying flexible with hours can help secure a spot before the season peaks.