Amazon.com Inc. is hiring 50,000 temporary workers at order-fulfillment centers across the U.S. this holiday season.

According to AP, the Seattle-based online retailer says it expects "thousands" of those it hires to stay on full time.

Full-time workers get stock grants and benefits. The company says its full-time employees make 30 percent more than traditional retail employees. It says stock grants have added an average 9 percent to base pay over the last five years.

The Oct 16 announcement follows hiring announcements from major retailers.

Among those, Macy's Inc. plans to hire 80,000 seasonal workers, while Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to add 50,000. Toys R Us Inc. plans to hire 45,000 seasonal workers this year.