Retailers Cut Seasonal Hiring Plans by 40 Percent
Large chains are scaling back temporary labor for the holidays, changing the availability of seasonal talent for local operators.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Retail
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Dick's Sporting Goods and Foot Locker are reducing their seasonal holiday hiring plans by 40% compared to 2025 levels. The move reflects a broader trend among major retailers, which are collectively expected to add 450,000 seasonal jobs in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Why it matters
The reduction marks a tactical pivot back to pre-2025 staffing levels for these major retailers after a significant surge last year. Operators should view this alignment as a signal of moderated holiday labor demand as companies look to balance seasonal service requirements with current efficiency targets.
Dick's Sporting Goods and Foot Locker have both initiated 40% reductions in seasonal hiring plans compared to their 2025 totals. The aggregate retail sector, meanwhile, is currently projected to support 450,000 seasonal positions throughout the fourth quarter of 2026.
The players
Dick's Sporting Goods
A national sporting goods retailer with a large footprint of stores and distribution centers.
Foot Locker
A global footwear and apparel retailer focused on sneaker culture and athletic gear.
The details
Dick's Sporting Goods is streamlining its recruitment process by hosting a National Signing Day to conduct on-site interviews for its 8,400 open positions. The company is also maintaining a closure policy for all retail and distribution sites on Thanksgiving Day to manage operational costs and staffing logistics. Interested candidates are directed to the corporate website to navigate specific opening counts by location.
Timeline
2023: Dick's hired 8,600 seasonal workers.
2024: Dick's hired 8,000 seasonal workers.
2025: Dick's hired 14,000 seasonal workers; Foot Locker hired 4,750.
October 21, 2026: National Signing Day for seasonal hiring.
November 26, 2026: Retail locations and distribution centers are closed.
Market Landscape
The labor strategy shifts at Dick's Sporting Goods and Foot Locker stand against the broader industry forecast of 450,000 seasonal retail jobs for the current quarter. These adjustments signal a deviation from the aggressive hiring patterns seen during the 2025 holiday period.
Business owners should assess whether their own seasonal hiring targets need adjustment to match the tempered labor demand seen at the enterprise level. Operators should track local wage competition closely as large retailers move to consolidate their seasonal staffing footprints.
The takeaway
The return to pre-2025 staffing levels suggests that retailers are prioritizing efficiency over large-scale seasonal headcount expansion. Monitor your local labor market throughout the remainder of the quarter to see how the change in large-chain hiring affects available talent pools for your business.
Further reading
For broader trends in workforce management and seasonal planning, consult our Retail section.
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