By Paris Jackson

SPRINGFIELD/EUGENE, Ore. -- Retailers are gearing up for the holiday shopping season. For many, that means a chance to land a seasonal job. But be aware, the applicant pool is very competitive, especially in this economy. More qualified people are looking for work.

At Valley River Center Mall in Eugene, most of the seasonal positions are filled, but JCPenney and Macy's are still hiring. In Springfield, Gateway Mall's general manager said most of their seasonal staff have been hired, but applications are still being accepted.

Gateway Mall managers said on top of their usual seasonal retail hirers, the improvements to the mall have created more jobs, along with an increase in kiosk vendors.

Both mall managers said the number of people hired this year compared to last year is relatively the same.

"We anticipated this year, for the first time in the four year trend, that I've been here, our seasonal hiring would decline. When in fact, that did not occur. That is a very encouraging sign," said Gateway Mall General Manager Ron Glover.

"Regardless of how much spending goes on, the customer expects to be treated in a great way. So, our stores are staffed really at the same levels they were in the past years because traffic is up, even if spending isn't what you expected. You still have the folks to meet with," said Valley River Center Marketing Manager Diana Bray.

Bray says VRC filled many temporary holiday positions in guest services. Fifteen high school and college-age students were hired to manage the pictures with Santa, and 80% of the mall's kiosk spaces are rented.

If you're looking for a job at either mall, Gateway Mall urges job seekers to contact the stores directly. While Valley River Center is advising job seekers to visit their website or go to the guest services booth.