December 25, 2025

Here are our picks for top news impacting retailers today:

• Store Santas are feeling the employment crunch nowadays. “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. That’s really due to the economy,” Mitch Allen, operator of Hire Santa, a staffing agency, said (via Axios).
• Holiday sweets sold at Aldi have been recalled over concerns tied to undeclared allergens, including pecans and wheat. The products are five-ounce portions of bark. “The expanded recall was initiated after it was discovered that the Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark had been packaged in Cookie Butter Holiday Bark packages resulting in undeclared pecan,” the FDA said (via FOX Business).
• Jack in the Box has sold Del Taco in a deal reported to be worth $119 million. “Our sale of Del Taco represents meaningful progress in simplifying our business model and reducing our debt,” CEO Lance Tucker said (via Chain Store Age).
• Saks Global is attempting to reconcile its outstanding debt, with bankruptcy becoming a last resort option. “Together with our key financial stakeholders, we are exploring all potential paths to secure a strong and stable future for Saks Global and advance our transformation while delivering exceptional products, elevated experiences and personalized service to our customers,” a Saks representative said (via Chain Store Age).