Plenty of Americans are expected to pour into stores and fill online carts this holiday shopping season. Fewer may be able to pick up seasonal work to support that bonanza. As layoff announcements make waves and the unemployment rate creeps up, the usual holiday hiring spree appears muted this year, with data from multiple sources suggesting that hiring plans may be at their lowest levels in over a decade. Challenger, Gray & Christmas said in its most recent labor report that seasonal hiring plans throug ...

Job Market Overview - The job market is currently challenging for job seekers, with limited hiring announcements and a tough environment for securing positions [2][6]. - Employment is expected to weaken further in the fourth quarter, with minimal gains projected for 2026, indicating a "jobless boom" driven by factors such as federal workforce cuts and immigration restrictions [3]. Seasonal Hiring Trends - Seasonal hiring for the upcoming holiday period is projected to be the smallest since the 2009 recession, with only a few companies committing to increased staffing [6][7]. - Factors affecting seasonal hiring include ongoing tariffs, inflationary pressures, and a reliance on automation and permanent staff rather than large seasonal hires [7]. Opportunities for Job Seekers - Short-term contracts or seasonal positions may provide pathways for frustrated job seekers to transition into full-time roles [4]. - Historical trends show that postings for holiday seasonal contract workers typically increase in September and peak in November, although this year’s hiring pace has been cautious [8].

Core Insights - DICK'S Sporting Goods plans to hire approximately 14,000 seasonal employees for the 2025 holiday season, with a recruitment event called "National Signing Day" on October 22, 2025 [1][3] - Foot Locker, now part of DICK'S, will add around 4,750 team members across various store locations in North America during the holiday season [2] - The company emphasizes its positive workplace culture, having been recognized on the Fortune Best Workplaces in Retail List and receiving Great Place to Work certification for five consecutive years [3] Hiring Plans - DICK'S will hire over 9,100 seasonal teammates for its DICK'S Sporting Goods, DICK'S House of Sport, and Public Lands locations, along with over 500 for Going, Going, Gone! locations [1] - Seasonal hiring will continue beyond National Signing Day until all positions are filled, with applications available online [6] Store Operations - All DICK'S and US Foot Locker stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, allowing employees to spend time with family, while online shopping will remain available [4] Company Overview - DICK'S Sporting Goods is a leading omni-channel retailer with a diverse brand portfolio, including DICK'S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, and Going Going Gone! [8] - The company operates Foot Locker and its subsidiaries, serving the global sneaker community across 20 countries [8] Community Engagement - DICK'S has a strong commitment to youth sports, having donated millions through its Sports Matter program and other initiatives to support under-resourced teams and athletes [9]

Core Insights - Amazon plans to maintain its hiring levels at 250,000 for the 2025 holiday season, the same as in 2023 and 2024, indicating stability in its seasonal workforce strategy [2] - The retail sector in the U.S. is expected to see muted hiring, with fewer than 500,000 seasonal jobs projected, marking the lowest level in 16 years [3] - Factors such as tariffs, inflation, and a shift towards automation are influencing hiring practices among retailers [4] Group 1: Amazon's Hiring Strategy - Amazon's seasonal roles are popular, often filling quickly, and provide opportunities for extra income or career advancement [2] - Temporary employees at Amazon earn an average of $19 per hour, while permanent roles average $23 per hour [2] Group 2: Retail Sector Trends - Retailers added 543,100 jobs in the last quarter of the previous year, a decrease of nearly 4% from 2023 [3] - Companies are adopting a cautious approach to hiring, with many waiting until late in the season to increase staffing levels [3][5] - The overall hiring slowdown may lead to fewer workers being hired by retailers, as consumer spending also slows down [6] Group 3: Economic Factors Impacting Retail - Ongoing inflation and economic uncertainty are affecting both retailers and consumers as they approach the holiday season [6] - Retailers may need to adapt by doing more with less, reflecting a cautious outlook on seasonal sales [5][6]

Core Insights - Amazon plans to hire 250,000 workers across its U.S. fulfillment and delivery network for the holiday season, offering full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles with competitive wages [1][3] Company Summary - Amazon's average wage for regular employees is $23 per hour, while seasonal employees can earn over $19 per hour [1] - The company will invest over $1 billion into additional pay and benefits, raising the average total compensation to more than $30 per hour when including elected benefits [2] - Seasonal roles at Amazon are popular and often fill quickly, catering to diverse needs [3] - Flexible schedules are offered for seasonal roles, and full-time employees have access to benefits such as healthcare and education programs [5] Industry Context - Seasonal retail hiring is projected to decline to its lowest level since the recession of 2009, with retailers expected to add under 500,000 positions in the last three months of 2025, the smallest seasonal gain in 16 years [6][8] - Factors affecting seasonal hiring include tariffs, inflation, and a shift towards automation and permanent staff [9] - Other companies, such as Bath & Body Works and Spirit Halloween, are also making seasonal hiring announcements, but overall hiring sentiment appears cautious [12][13]

Group 1 - Retailers are cautious about hiring goals for the holiday season, with many remaining silent on their plans [3][4] - Factors affecting seasonal hiring include looming tariffs, inflationary pressures, and a shift towards automation and permanent staff [4] - Target is focusing on utilizing existing employees by offering more hours rather than hiring new seasonal staff [5] Group 2 - Retail hiring during the holiday season is projected to fall below 500,000 positions, marking the lowest point since 2009 [7] - Challenger, Gray & Christmas reports a 4% year-over-year decrease in seasonal hiring in 2024, with 543,100 jobs added in Q4 [7] - The retail industry has consistently hired above 500,000 seasonal employees since 2009, following the economic recovery [5]