Yes retail does cut hours in January, but it depends what your base line contract is.

My base is 16 hours pw, I work more than that most weeks but once I've had my 16 they don't have to give me more hours which has happened when the budget is lean. I have been asked to go home before.

If you were on a zero hours contract that might be why you were given no hours.

No harm in asking about it though. Usually if you want more hours/overtime you have to let them know.