Holiday hiring looks different this year. Here’s why.
Retailers are shifting holiday staffing toward existing staff, part-time roles and warehouse jobs, according to HR Dive. The National Retail Federation expects 325,000 to 375,000 seasonal hires in 2026, in line with 2025, with retailers taking a "measured approach." Indeed reports seasonal postings up about 10% year over year as of late September, but retail's share of them has fallen to just over 61%. Spirit Halloween says it plans to hire over 52,000 seasonal associates, and Target says it will use its 43,000-person On Demand team.
