"Santa impersonators are struggling to find work this season as demand at malls and events drops amid a challenging labor market. Job listings for store Santa Clauses were down by 35% as compared with 2024, according to Revelio Labs. The research firm found that postings at malls, stores, and other outlets have been melting since 2022. The numbers paint a grim picture, the lab's research reads."
"The number of people reaching out to us [to hire Santas] is down compared with last year and last year was down compared with the year before, said Mitch Allen, the head of staffing agency Hire Santa. That's really due to the economy. People are still having Christmas celebrations, but they are not having as big of an event at their home or office. They might not have entertainers."
"The forces contributing to the lack of demand come primarily from the decline in in-person shopping. Malls are closing, and their patrons are choosing to purchase presents online. The shift is indicative of broader squeezes in the labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported earlier this month that the unemployment rate has risen to a four-year high of 4.6%."
Santa impersonator job listings have declined steadily since 2022, with postings down 35% compared with 2024, according to Revelio Labs. Wages have edged up slightly but bookings and inquiries have fallen, making work scarce for Santas. Staffing agency Hire Santa reports fewer clients each year as households and offices scale back holiday events and entertainers. Declining in-person shopping and mall closures are primary drivers, as more shoppers buy gifts online. Broader labor-market weakness accompanies the trend: the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, job openings have dropped 37% from their 2022 peak, contributing to stagnant hiring.
Read at www.mediaite.com
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