It may be the beginning of October but many stores are already preparing for the frenzy of holiday shopping. 

Several big box stores in Turlock are gearing up to interview an ample amount of applicants who will serve to fill the gap between the hoards of shoppers and the store’s regular employees. The Old Navy at Monte Vista Crossings is even hosting a one day hiring fair for applicants to walk in and apply for seasonal positions, a much needed element of holiday services for the store according to one sales associate.

“The seasonal employees are definitely the backbone of the store during the holidays. They keep the place intact,” said Wade Turner of the Turlock Old Navy.

In recent years several corporate stores have boosted their hiring of seasonal employees, which is not only helpful for customers but indicative of the healthier state of the economy. This year Macy’s will be hiring 86,000 positions nationwide — a 3,000 position increase since 2013 — to serve various call centers, distribution centers, as well as online positions for the holiday season.

“We first offer our current associates the opportunity to work extra hours over the holidays, and then supplement our ongoing workforce with seasonal hires. All of our associates enjoy a special experience working in our fast-paced business during this festive time of the year,” explained Terry J. Lundgren, Macy’s, Inc. chairman and chief executive officer.

Kohl’s will also be hiring more than 67,000 employees to maintain quality service during the holidays. While hiring levels will vary at specific locations an estimated 50 seasonal associates will be hired per store and hiring has already begun and is estimated to be completed by mid-November. The JC Penney location in Turlock will also be hiring seasonal positions.

As the holiday shopping begins to pick up stores of the Monte Vista Crossings southern expansion are slated to open their doors in time to offer customers a diverse range of shopping options. The three stores that are lined up to open shop in early October are surf and skate retailer Tilly’s, which also sells apparel; Maurice’s, a retail chain for women’s clothing, accessories, and apparel; and Kirkland’s, a home décor store specializing in furnishings and gifts.

One of two anchor stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods, will open in late October while a Justice and Brothers store, which offers ‘tween’ apparel, is also slated to open around the same time. The parcel of land located south of the existing Kohl’s and Olive Garden will also play host to a Sketchers, which will open as well as the second anchor store, Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts, in mid to late November.

Individuals interested in applying for the corporate seasonal positions can find more information on their respective websites.

Old Navy’s seasonal hiring fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the Turlock store located at 2831 Countryside Drive.