Nationwide, retailers and the hospitality industry are expected to add 755,000 jobs from October through December, according to nationally reported projections.

Typically, marketwatch.com reported, those who accept holiday retail jobs can expect to earn between $8 and $12 per hour, and many employers hire the best of those part-time employees permanently. While the pay may seem low, marketwatch also reported that those workers typically qualify for holiday discounts, which can make seasonal work more attractive.

The hiring trend extends locally. Walmart announced this week it expects to hire approximately 1,500 associates at more than 100 stores in Alabama, and both JCPenney and Goody’s also are hiring holiday help.

Walmart reported it will hire 60,000 seasonal workers nationwide. The positions are keyed to peak shopping times, and include cashiers, stockers and sales associates. Every temporary associate will earn at least $9 an hour, with others, depending on store and job, earning more, the company announced. our lines quicker.”

The seasonal hiring will continue through December. Individuals looking for a job at Walmart can apply online at jobs.walmart.com.

Locally, JCPenney is hiring 10 people this holiday season.

Olivia Jones of the store said one can visit www.jcp.com and click on the career link and choose temporary customer service for the Andalusia store.

Jones said once you apply you can call 222-8484 to touch base with company officials.

A manager at Goody’s said that locally, the holiday associate positions have already been filled.

But big box stores aren’t the only people hiring for the holidays. RetiredBrains.com reports that small-business owners also hire for the holidays, and that they like to hire retirees, who generally have good communications skills and a network of friends who will shop with them.

National retailers amazon.com is expected to hire 80,000 for the season, while FedEx reported it will fill 55,000 seasonal positions throughout its network.

Year-over-year retail Christmas holiday shopping season sales are expected to rise by 2.4 percent according to Shoppertrak, which is based on back-to-school sales figures, shopper traffic, and the size of individual retail transactions.

In 2015, 82 percent of retail, restaurant, and hospitality employers will hire temporary holiday employees, according to a survey of 1,000 hiring managers conducted by Snagajob.com.