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Amazon's retail division is freezing its hiring budget for 2025, maintaining a "flat headcount opex" compared to 2024. This affects corporate employees only, excluding warehouse and AWS staff. The shift from headcount to opex targets aims for increased cost efficiency, aligning with CEO Andy Jassy's broader strategy. While Amazon continues hiring, this move encourages more strategic spending on talent and reflects a broader tech industry trend towards budget-based hiring in response to economic uncertainty. The company reported record profits in 2024, but continues a cost-cutting effort.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.