GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - 'Tis the season for seasonal hiring and after a dismal 2009 it's expected to be a much better year for shoppers and job seekers alike.

That means big opportunities for the unemployed.

Retailers are looking to add an estimated 650,000 jobs between now and January.

Best Buy is hiring more than 29,000 holiday workers across the country, that includes 20 right here in Grand Junction.

Kohl's is hiring an additional 40,000 people, 30 at our local store. It's an increase of more than 20 percent from last year.

The seasonal hiring process usually runs until the beginning of November but the competition is steep and job seekers are encouraged not to wait.