The traditional “Ho! Ho! Ho!” is noticeably quieter across America this year. A perfect storm of rising unemployment, persistent inflation, and a shift in retail strategy has led to a “Santa shortage”—not because there aren’t enough Santas, but because stores can no longer afford to hire them.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A Gloomy Season for Professional Santas
According to data from Revelio Labs and CBS, the market for professional Saint Nicks has reached its lowest point since 2022.
- Hiring Slump: Job listings for store Santas have plummeted by 35% compared to 2024.
- The “Natural” Standard: Competition is fierce for the remaining roles. Roughly 70% of job listings now require a natural, fully grown beard—a massive jump from the 14% requirement seen three years ago.
- Stagnant Total Pay: While the median wage for the few remaining jobs has risen to $25/hour, the total number of seasonal retail jobs (265,000–365,000) is at a 15-year low.
The Broader Economic Chill
The lack of Santas in malls is a symptom of a much larger crisis brewing in the United States.
1. High Unemployment & Job Loss
The US unemployment rate hit 4.6% in November 2025, the highest in four years. While November saw a modest gain of 64,000 jobs, it failed to offset a catastrophic October where:
- The US government cut 162,000 federal jobs.
- Total layoffs reached 153,000, the highest in 22 years.
- The total number of unemployed Americans currently sits at approximately 7 million.
2. Inflation Stifling Holiday Spirit
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is currently at 2.7%, but for the average family, the cost of living feels much higher. Significant price hikes in essentials have forced families to reconsider holiday spending:
- Fuel: Up 4.2%
- Food: Up 2.6%
- Housing & Medical: Up ~3%
3. Retailers in Retreat
Faced with high interest rates, new tariffs, and lower foot traffic, brick-and-mortar stores are slashing budgets. Many consumers are moving to online shopping to find better deals, leaving malls empty and forcing retailers to cut back on “on-site experiences” like Santa meet-and-greets.
Summary: With 2025 seeing the lowest seasonal hiring in 15 years, the “jobless Santa” has become a symbol of an American economy struggling to find its footing amidst a government shutdown and rising costs.
