Retail Job Growth Slows Before Holiday Season; Target Introduces New Smile Policy
Retail Hiring Trends: Retail hiring in October fell below pre-pandemic levels, with a 16% drop in job postings compared to last year, indicating weaker expectations for consumer spending during the holiday season.
Seasonal Hiring Projections: The National Retail Federation anticipates 265,000-365,000 seasonal hires this year, significantly lower than the 442,000 hires in 2024, with major retailers like Walmart and Target yet to announce their hiring plans.
Target's New Staff Policy: Target is implementing a "10-4 program" requiring employees to engage with shoppers through smiles and greetings, aiming to enhance customer connection during the holiday season.
Consumer Spending Outlook: Despite the hiring slowdown, there are expectations for strong holiday sales, with projections of over $1 trillion in consumer spending, although the labor market's impact remains a concern.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on XRT
No data
About the author
Stocks Surge as Dow Approaches 50,000
Market Performance: The bull run in the market continued, with both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching record highs.
Investor Sentiment: The ongoing upward trend indicates strong investor confidence and optimism in the market's future performance.
A Change in Consumer Spending Is Approaching: 11 Stocks Set to Gain.
- Shift in Consumer Spending: People are expected to move their spending habits from services and experiences to physical goods.
- Focus on Physical Goods: There will be an increased emphasis on purchasing items such as houses and furniture.
5 Factors That May Boost Costco Stock's Performance
Costco's Performance in 2025: Costco Wholesale faced challenges in 2025, impacting its overall performance.
Potential for Recovery: The company has the potential to rebound in the current year with the right catalysts.
Investor Sentiment: Despite recent difficulties, Costco remains a favorite among Wall Street investors.
Need for Catalysts: To regain momentum, Costco requires specific triggers to jumpstart its growth.
5 Actions Costco Should Take to Reverse Its Stock Decline
- Costco's Performance in 2025: Costco Wholesale faced challenges in 2025, impacting its overall performance.
- Potential for Recovery: The company has the potential to rebound in the current year with the right catalysts.
- Investor Sentiment: Despite difficulties, Costco remains a favorite among Wall Street investors.
- Need for Catalysts: To regain momentum, Costco requires specific triggers to jumpstart its growth.
Mastercard Reports Holiday Shoppers Opt for E-Commerce for Savings and Convenience
Holiday Spending Increase: Consumers spent 3.9% more this holiday season compared to last year, driven by the convenience of online shopping, according to Mastercard's SpendingPulse retail sales study.
Online vs. In-Store Sales: Online sales rose by 7.4%, while in-store shopping saw a modest increase of 2.9%. The gap narrowed for clothing sales, with online apparel up 8.5% and in-store up 7.0%.
Dining Out Expenditure: Spending on dining out increased by 5.2% during the holiday shopping period, reflecting consumer confidence and flexibility in their spending habits.
Record Holiday Spending Forecast: The National Retail Federation forecasts U.S. consumers will spend a record $1 trillion during the holidays, translating to approximately $890 per person on gifts, food, and decorations.
Retail Stocks May Benefit from Tax Refund Increase in 2026
Impact of the Pandemic: The pandemic positively affected introverts, sourdough bread enthusiasts, and retail stocks.
Retail Stocks Boost: The One Big Beautiful Bill is expected to significantly boost retail stocks, despite not benefiting everyone.
Stocks Surge as Dow Approaches 50,000
Market Performance: The bull run in the market continued, with both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching record highs.
Investor Sentiment: The ongoing upward trend indicates strong investor confidence and optimism in the market's future performance.
A Change in Consumer Spending Is Approaching: 11 Stocks Set to Gain.
- Shift in Consumer Spending: People are expected to move their spending habits from services and experiences to physical goods.
- Focus on Physical Goods: There will be an increased emphasis on purchasing items such as houses and furniture.
5 Factors That May Boost Costco Stock's Performance
Costco's Performance in 2025: Costco Wholesale faced challenges in 2025, impacting its overall performance.
Potential for Recovery: The company has the potential to rebound in the current year with the right catalysts.
Investor Sentiment: Despite recent difficulties, Costco remains a favorite among Wall Street investors.
Need for Catalysts: To regain momentum, Costco requires specific triggers to jumpstart its growth.
5 Actions Costco Should Take to Reverse Its Stock Decline
- Costco's Performance in 2025: Costco Wholesale faced challenges in 2025, impacting its overall performance.
- Potential for Recovery: The company has the potential to rebound in the current year with the right catalysts.
- Investor Sentiment: Despite difficulties, Costco remains a favorite among Wall Street investors.
- Need for Catalysts: To regain momentum, Costco requires specific triggers to jumpstart its growth.
Mastercard Reports Holiday Shoppers Opt for E-Commerce for Savings and Convenience
Holiday Spending Increase: Consumers spent 3.9% more this holiday season compared to last year, driven by the convenience of online shopping, according to Mastercard's SpendingPulse retail sales study.
Online vs. In-Store Sales: Online sales rose by 7.4%, while in-store shopping saw a modest increase of 2.9%. The gap narrowed for clothing sales, with online apparel up 8.5% and in-store up 7.0%.
Dining Out Expenditure: Spending on dining out increased by 5.2% during the holiday shopping period, reflecting consumer confidence and flexibility in their spending habits.
Record Holiday Spending Forecast: The National Retail Federation forecasts U.S. consumers will spend a record $1 trillion during the holidays, translating to approximately $890 per person on gifts, food, and decorations.
Retail Stocks May Benefit from Tax Refund Increase in 2026
Impact of the Pandemic: The pandemic positively affected introverts, sourdough bread enthusiasts, and retail stocks.
Retail Stocks Boost: The One Big Beautiful Bill is expected to significantly boost retail stocks, despite not benefiting everyone.
