In the hunt for holiday jobs.

Byline: Mary Shedden

Oct. 11--TAMPA -- Want extra cash for the holiday season?

Then start applying now.

Retail merchants across the nation see October as the peak season for adding holiday employees. At local malls, help wanted signs and announcements for job fairs are nearly as plentiful as Halloween decorations.

"It's time to go. If you wait till November, you've waited too long," said Mary Ellen Norton, marketing director at the Westfield Citrus Park mall, who is looking to beef up her concierge staff during the Thanksgiving to New Year's rush.

More than 50 merchants at Citrus Park are looking for workers. Some, such as KB Toys …