Toys R Us hiring 40,000 holiday season workers, fewer than last year

Toys R Us says it won't hire as many holiday season employees as it did last year, but the toy and baby products retailer says it will give current employees and seasonal workers a chance to work more hours.

The company said it plans to hire 40,000 people to work at stores and distribution centers around the country, down from the 45,000 hired for the 2014 holiday season. Most of the jobs will be part-time.

The company said it will start interviewing applicants this month, with staff levels rising from October through December.

While the holidays themselves are months away, holiday shopping season is drawing closer and companies are preparing to hire temporary employees to help them staff stores and sell, ship and deliver products.