Stores slow hiring over concern of retail slowdown

WASHINGTON D.C.: After a frenzied hiring spree for 18 months to meet surging consumer demand, U.S. retailers are beginning to reduce their recruiting to counter a pullback in consumer spending, concerns of an economic downturn and rising labor costs.

Many businesses have also learned to conduct operations with fewer workers, analysts said.

Walmart, the leading employer in the U.S., said it recently over-h