Major retail companies are restructuring and cutting corporate and support-staff roles.
As of October 2025, U.S. retail companies have announced 88,664 job cuts, a 145% increase compared to 2024
Although retail is one of the hardest hit industries, U.S. companies across all sectors announced 153,074 job cuts - the highest in over 20 years.
Sources: Forbes, Retail Dive, DigiDay
The increasing job cuts are caused by a number of industry shifts:
Cost-cuts driven by global tariffs and high trade duties.
Rise of AI and the adoption of automation across retail operations including inventory, logistics, or corporate support.
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Job loss ultimately reflects reduced disposable income which increases the demand for affordable, sustainable options like resale or thrift pieces. This drives the opportunity for circular and second-hand markets.
Retailers that rely on high volume fast-fashion may find it more difficult to stay profitable with these consumer and cultural shifts.
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