MARQUETTE -- Although the holidays may be months away, local retailers are already looking for extra hands to help manage the rush of shoppers.

"We almost double in business every day during holiday time.  Obviously the holidays are our peak season, a lot of people in our store, a lot of people buying Christmas presents, the whole store gets busier," says Keven Higgins, Store Manager at Target in Marquette.

2010 saw a 27 percent increase in holiday hiring nationwide, compared to 2009.

But will that be the case this year?

"According to my resources here at Michigan Works, the job outlook may not be as bright as it was last year or as many positions available because retailers may be cutting back," says Al Hendra of Michigan Works.

Reports from Challenger, Gray, and Christmas Inc. are saying that, due to concerns about consumer spending, retailers will probably hire the same amount of help this year as they did last year, maybe even fewer.

So if you thought September was too early to start shopping for a holiday job, you better think again.  Target officials say they've already starting interviewing candidates for the limited positions they have available.

"We've already conducted 20 or 30 interviews, and we've got a lot more scheduled this week, and we're still accepting applications," Higgins said.

Target in Marquette plans to hire 30 seasonal workers in the upcoming months.  They say outgoing, friendly personalities and a background in customer service are what they look for in a candidate.

Bottom line:  if you want a holiday job, get your application in fast to increase your chances of securing a spot.