Macy's Cuts 993 Jobs — But AI & Green Energy Are Booming

Good morning, LayoffWatchers! Grab your coffee, because it's another day in a job market that feels like two different worlds colliding. On one side, we've got the ongoing contraction of traditional retail, exemplified by Macy's latest move. On the other, a vibrant explosion of growth in AI, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Let's dive in.

Today's big story comes from the department store giant, Macy's, which is closing its La Mesa store and additional locations, leading to 993 job cuts. This isn't just a ripple; it's another significant wave in the department store sector's long-term struggle. Saks also announced 74 layoffs following a facility closure, and we're seeing similar pressures across social services (Abbott House, 162 cuts) and pharma (Catalent, 96 cuts).

By The Numbers

Metric	Value
Total jobs lost in 2026	185,618
Total layoff events	75
AI-driven losses (percentage)	103,790 (56%)
Total jobs created	91,000
Net impact (2026 YTD)	-94,618

The AI Divide Continues

That 56% figure for AI-driven losses isn't just a number; it's a profound shift in how work gets done. We've seen it play out dramatically this year:

* IBM eliminated 5,200 back-office and IT support roles, with its watsonx AI platform now handling tasks previously done by thousands. * FedEx cut 4,800 workers as AI-powered sorting systems and autonomous delivery vehicles transform logistics in major US hubs. * DocuSign reduced its workforce by 650, attributing the cuts to AI-powered contract analysis and intelligent agreement management. * Tesla laid off 4,200 workers as Optimus humanoid robots and AI-driven automation take over assembly line roles.

It's a stark reminder of the pace of change. While some companies, like Oracle, are facing financial distress due to rising data center costs (not AI displacement, as their recent cuts indicate), the broader trend of AI-driven automation is undeniable. This isn't just about efficiency; it's about a fundamental redefinition of roles and industries. If you're wondering which side of this divide you're on, we covered this in depth in our piece, The Great Sort: AI Is Creating Two Americas — Which Side Are You On?.

Where The Jobs Are

But here's the silver lining, and it's a bright one: innovation isn't just displacing; it's creating. The sectors driving the future are hungry for talent, and they're hiring fast:

* AI Infrastructure & Development: Microsoft is leading the charge with a massive hiring push, adding 6,500 jobs for Azure AI infrastructure, Copilot development, and new AI research labs. Not to be outdone, NVIDIA is adding 5,000 positions globally to support Blackwell Ultra chip production and expanding AI infrastructure demand. Even AI safety is a growth area, with Anthropic hiring 1,500 across engineering and research as Claude enterprise adoption surges. * Semiconductors: Thanks in part to CHIPS Act funding, TSMC Arizona is ramping up, hiring 4,500 for its third fab in chip fabrication, engineering, and quality assurance. * Clean Energy: Brookfield Renewable is powering up, adding 2,200 jobs for a massive wind and solar expansion across the Midwest and Southeast US, including technicians, engineers, and construction managers. * EV Manufacturing: Rivian is accelerating, adding 2,500 jobs at its Georgia plant as R2 SUV production ramps up. * Biotechnology: Moderna is expanding its team by 1,800 positions as its mRNA cancer vaccine enters Phase 3 trials, hiring across clinical research, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs. * Defense & AI Integration: Anduril Industries is adding 3,000 at its new Arsenal-1 facility in Ohio, focusing on autonomous systems production, software engineering, and defense AI integration. * Telecommunications: And don't forget AT&T, which plans a $250 billion network investment, expected to create thousands of new jobs.

Speaking of AI, if you're looking to dive deep, Advertise Here is hiring a Product Manager — AI/ML in New York, NY. It's a prime example of the kind of roles emerging in this transformative space.

Ready to make a move? Browse open positions on our job board.

Career Corner

The message from the market is clear: adaptability is key. If you're feeling the squeeze in traditional sectors, now is the time to look at where the growth is happening. Investing in skills related to AI literacy, data analysis, robotics, clean energy technologies, and advanced biotechnology isn't just a good idea—it's becoming essential. Soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and continuous learning are also more valuable than ever. The job market is transforming, not disappearing, and those who embrace the change will find new opportunities.

Stay informed, stay agile, and we'll be back tomorrow with another update. Until then, you can always View the full layoff tracker to keep tabs on the latest shifts.