Less Seasonal Hiring Expected This Holiday Season

Retailers across the United States are gearing up for the holiday shopping season with plans that indicate less hiring for seasonal positions compared to previous years. Despite an overall projected sales growth of 2.5% to 3%, down from 3.8% from last year, retailers anticipate needing to fill about 520,000 roles. The decline in seasonal hires is attributed to the different expectations in sales growth, leading to a competitive job market where a 19% increase in job seeker interest is forecasted. Notably, over 50% of applicants are first-time workers, showing a resurgence of interest from younger demographics entering the workforce. Moreover, older workers are returning for secondary income due to financial pressures. The hiring process officially begins as early as September, indicating now is the time to seek these roles. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence in the hiring process has not diminished overall job opportunities but has shifted the focus toward customer service roles as more automated solutions handle back-end tasks. Notably, there is a considerable uptick in demand for e-commerce positions, with nearly an 8-9% growth expected in fulfillment roles and driver positions. The hospitality sector is also expanding to support seasonal events, catering to increased consumer activity during the festive season.