(Reuters) -Kroger said on Monday its family of companies are looking to hire over 18,000 associates as the U.S. grocer preps for the busy holiday season, about 7,000 fewer than last year.

The hires would be focused on customer-facing roles such as cashiers, baggers, deli bakery clerks and pharmacy technicians.

Last year, Kroger had said it would recruit about 25,000 associates.

The job market in the U.S. has softened in the past few months, with economists citing the impact of tariffs, immigration crackdowns and mass firings. According to the Labor Department’s report, unemployment rate increased to nearly a four-year high of 4.3% in August.

Other retailers such as e-commerce giant Amazon.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Bath & Body Works have also announced their hiring plans for the al

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