u/Academic-Broccoli650

Recently I inquired about coming back to the store part time after leaving for what I thought would be a better opportunity. I have a good relationship with the managers, including the store manager, and pretty much all of the employees. I actually keep in touch with many of them and even hang out with some of them to go running, biking, etc. When I spoke to the managers, they were all friendly but I was given the same run down that the store wasn’t hiring (understandable) and to keep an eye out on the job board. Totally understandable.
However, I found out that the store did hire a big batch of new employees around the same time I was inquiring. Then, I found out that another ex-employee was also turned away, even though she had been hired back twice prior.
Did something change on the back end? I’m fine not to come back and not upset, but just found it so strange after the great experience I had working there over 5 years. Even last year it was common to hire people back part time. Thoughts?