Retailers at local malls are posting help wanted signs ahead of the busy holiday shopping season.

Staci Woolford at Chinook Centre tells 660News, those looking for seasonal work should stop by and explore the various opportunities.

“I’m pretty sure many of our retailers would be flexible, in terms of availability, just to get qualified people in and to assist. They’re willing to, you know, think a little outside the box this holiday season.” Woolford explains.

Woolford says another good way to check out job postings at Chinook is on the mall’s website.

Retailers at Market Mall are also interviewing prospective employees, ahead of the expected throng of shoppers.

Paige O’Neil tells 660News, many of their retailers are looking for people to fill various positions, but they aren’t hiring just anybody.

“A lot of our retailers have pretty high standards for customer service, because if there’s one bad experience, as you know, whether they are seasonal help or otherwise, those customers may not return. So, they want to make sure they’re still getting the quality people that can do the customer service, and represent their brand as best they can.” O’Neil says.

Each and every year, more and more people are going online to do their Christmas shopping.

Style expert Afiya Fransico says consumers can shop online with confidence, because the goods they order are the same ones they see in store.

“Online really now compliments traditional retailers, so many of  our favourite stores now have an online component, because they realize not everyone has the desire or the opportunity to get in physically to a store. So, it really enhances what it is that they are already doing.” she says.

Fransico says once you know size and colour it’s easy to go online and shop.

A recent American Express survey found 56 per cent of Canadians plan to shop online in the coming weeks, which is up 5 per cent from 2011.

The same survey also reveals almost 25 per cent of people would rather clean their toilets than visit the mall the week before Christmas.