Target plans to hire about 70,000 seasonal workers for the upcoming holiday season, down from 88,000 last year. Target aims for to be more efficient in its hiring practices and will first offer extra holiday hours to its existing permanent employees.

Kohl’s Department Stores anticipates hiring more than 50,000 associates nationwide this holiday season. Kohl’s counts 1,158 stores in 49 states and expects to hire an average of 40 associates per store as well as approximately 6,400 seasonal positions at distribution centers and about 350 seasonal credit operations positions. Typical store jobs include unloading trucks, freight processing, stocking and cash register duties. Hiring began this month and most jobs will be filled by mid-November.

Party City, a party supply store and Halloween retailer, plans to hire up to an additional 20,000 employees for the Halloween season. Party City operates more than 800 stores and is recruiting nationwide. The retailer is hiring Halloween associates for positions including company seeks cashiers, roadside characters, costume and accessory specialists, and stock room associates. Opportunities exist for seasonal employees to become permanent and continue working after Halloween, depending on specific store staffing needs.