Retailers have continued to stock up on staff ahead of the holiday shopping season, say employment watchers, and now that the season is in full swing, the stores may not be done.

Analysts at job-search website Indeed.com were encouraged by online postings in August through October.

Postings increased steadily during the 90-day period, including a 6 percent jump in October, the latest month available, a monthly increase that Indeed.com said topped all other industries.

Nationwide, Indeed.com analysts said nearly 347,000 retail jobs were posted in October.

Indeed.com spokesman Michael Werch, in a statement, said the news bodes well for employer demand and consumer confidence that retailers hope translates into stronger sales.

"We saw employer demand increase steadily through the fall," Werch said. "This is a positive sign for consumer confidence overall, and indicates stronger seasonal hiring to support increased holiday spending."

That is the case at Westfield Galleria at Roseville with the holiday shopping season now officially under way.

"Holiday hiring is still going on at the Westfield Galleria," said Stephanie Ringey, the mall's marketing director. "We'd encourage job seekers to check in with the stores that they're interested in, as well as our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/WestfieldGalleriaatRoseville for new job announcements."

Among the most popular seasonal and part-time job posts, according to Indeed.com: sales associate, merchandise associate, store team member, customer service representative, cashier and stocker.

Postings locally echoed Indeed's findings.

A look at online job postings tallied by the state Employment Development Department's Help Wanted OnLine report show retail occupations held two of the top four spots for job postings in October.

Retail salesperson was at No. 2 with 905 postings, trailing only registered nurse jobs. Retail sales manager was No. 4 with 732 posts, according to the EDD's report.

Werch of Indeed.com said employers are still planning to hire for the holiday shopping season.

"Although the majority of seasonal hiring is usually completed by mid-November, the data shows that employers are still looking to add staff," Werch said.

Job Journal's expo

California Job Journal's Career Expo returns to downtown Sacramento on Dec. 11.

The free job fair is from noon to 4 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 1123 J St., in Sacramento.

Job seekers can meet with public and private sector employers, receive information on business and franchise opportunities and talk with school and college representatives about career enhancement programs.

Employment experts are also available to review and critique résumés.

For more information, visit jobjournal.com or call the Job Journal's job search information line at (888) 843-5627.

Let us hear from you

Is your company hiring? Is your organization hosting a career fair?

Is your campus rolling out a job skills program?

Contact Job Front at dvsmith@sacbee.com.

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