Amazon.com will hire 15,000 to fill orders

SEATTLE (AP) — Amazon.com is hiring more than 15,500 people to fill temporary holiday jobs at shipping centers around the country, more than last year.

The online retail giant said Friday it will hire more than 5,000 people in Phoenix and Goodyear, Ariz., and 4,000 in Pennsylvania at locations including Allentown, Hazelton and Lewisberry.

JOBS OUTLOOK: Latest data for all states, 384 metros

In Indiana, it will hire more than 2,500 people in Whitestown and Plainfield, and in Hebron, Ky. and Fernley, Nev., it will hire more than 2,000 people at each location.

The Seattle company says it is hiring more people this year but didn't say how much more.

Many retailers are increasing their hiring this season. Kohl's, Macy's, Toys R Us, Pier 1 Imports, American Eagle Outfitters and others plan to hire more temporary holiday workers.

Retailers will add 550,000 to 650,000 jobs this holiday season, according to an updated forecast from the national outsourcing firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. That's significantly more than the 501,400 added last year. But it's still well below the 720,800 added in 2007 as the recession began.

Earlier this month Amazon.com also announced thousands of temporary holiday jobs in Campbellsville and Lexington, Ky. and Las Vegas.

The company has 31,200 permanent employees worldwide.

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