According to a recent survey of 21 retail chains by consulting firm Hay Group, approximately two-thirds reported that they'll be hiring the same number of temporary workers for the holiday season as they did last year.

Despite the fact that many retailers expect better sales this season, around 25 percent planned to hire fewer seasonal employees than last year.

Craig Rowley, vice president of Hay, attributes this to retailers' fears of other price increases, such as more expensive cotton. A projected rise in online purchases also lessens the need for in-store help, however positions at distribution centers that ship internet orders will be in high demand.

Macy's, one of the chains polled in the survey, recently announced its plan to hire 78,000 temporary workers for the upcoming holiday season, CNN reports. The total represents a 4 percent increase from 2010.

A company spokesperson explains that a majority of the positions are part-time, with evening, weekend and overnight shifts required. Call centers, distribution centers and warehouses that store products for online shipping are the departments most in need of employees. 

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