MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - While the leaves begin to change color, and the autumn weather becomes apparent, it is commonplace to see empty store fronts quickly transform into a Halloween hotspot. As people begin to shop ahead of the crowd, many of these specialty stores are opening their doors earlier and earlier each year.

"Last year we opened I want to say the beginning of September and this year we were about August 8th, that week we opened. So it's definitely a lot sooner," said Spirit Halloween Assistant Manager Tammy Champine.

Stores continue to battle for the earliest sales and deals, which has created the increasing competition between retailers.

"It's an arms race," said Michigan Retailers Association Senior Vice President Tom Scott. "And everyone wants to get out there earlier and earlier."

With stores opening earlier, the hiring process also begins earlier. Many retailers are searching for additional employees to help combat the influx of customers, and the hiring process has already begun.

Stores not only hire for Halloween, but also for Black Friday and the upcoming holiday season. Many workers who hold other jobs take advantage of the extra employment opportunities.

"It's everybody," said Scott. "And most of the stores will offer extra hours and everything to their own employees first, and then after that supplement it with the seasonal hires."

The increase in sales not only requires more in store employees, but it also affects the growing amount of retailers who sell their products online.

"You even have UPS now, of course because of the delivery of merchandise from online purchases, they're actually doubling the number of seasonal employees this year," said Scott.

Between the online shops and the local stores, there are a large amount of jobs available for people to take advantage of this holiday season.