S21E5: Why Holiday Hiring Is Down But Sales Aren’t

Retailers plan the lightest holiday hiring since the Great Recession, but spending is still projected to top $1T.

We dig into:

• Why demand smoothing and e-comm shift cut seasonal roles
• How “slower” in-store flow can increase basket size
• What segmentation and channels mean for labor needs
• Why tariff headlines often overstate price impact

Actionable takeaways for leaders on staffing, ops, and margin protection.

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025

Chapters

• 00:30 Holiday Season Retail Trends
• 06:12 E-commerce Impact on Retail Hiring
• 11:51 Customer Experience and Retail Staffing
• 18:42 Understanding Consumer Spending Dynamics

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