That's a nearly 13 percent jump from the 40,000 seasonal workers the Wayne, N.J.-based company hired in 2011.
Toys R Us says part of the increase is to help fulfill its customer orders made with its new online shipping options, such as ordering online and picking up items in store, its free layaway program and its new toy reservation system.
Workers will also staff seasonal pop up stores. Toys R Us plans to open 150 to 200 temporary stores, similar to the number it opened last year.
Some positions could become permanent. Last year, 14 percent of holiday workers stayed on in full-time positions.
