A large retailer is looking for hundreds of new workers to get through the upcoming holiday shopping season.

Meijer announced the hiring plans Wednesday to fill positions in the following departments:

• Meat Department
• Bakery Department
• Deli Department
• Utility Clerks
• General Merchandise Department
• Cashier and Service Department
• Cake Decorators
• 3^rd Shift Stocking
• Grocery Department

While staffing needs vary from store to store, most Meijer stores have positions available. Interested candidates are asked to complete an online application at www.joinMeijer.com. During the online application process, prospective team members can indicate their store preference.

Candidates may also complete an online application at the employment kiosks located at the front of most Meijer stores. The local store management will then follow up with qualified candidates.

“While many of these positions are for part-time holiday work, Meijer is always looking for quality people to join our teams and these types of positions will provide great exposure to a variety of retail career options,” said Jenny Hawat, vice president of talent recruitment and retention at Meijer. “We encourage anyone who wants to work in a thriving business at one of the most exciting times of the year to consider Meijer.”

Kohl's, Macy's, and Old Navy in Traverse City are also hiring for the holidays.

Kohl's Assistant Store Manager, Stacy Grow says, "We are looking to add 20 part-time permanent positions and 30 temporary holiday positions."

Macy's plans to hire 78,000 seasonal associates nationwide, several thousand more than last year. While the news seems good, some job experts say the overall outlook is flat.

John Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray, & Christmas, a Chicago firm that helps find displaced workers jobs all over the country,  tells 7&4 News that the number of seasonal jobs is expected to be around 627,600, the same as last year.