Dick’s Sporting Goods plans to hire up to 9,000 holiday workers, 1,000 more than last year to support expected continued strength in online orders for curbside or in-store pickups amid the pandemic.

Dick’s third-annual “National Signing Day” on October 14 launches the Company’s recruiting efforts for positions nationwide. Dick’s will provide extra staffing and service within its stores and nationwide distribution centers. In addition, Dick’s will designate teammates to fulfill Curbside Contactless Pickup and ship-from-store orders to provide customers with options for a convenient, contactless shopping experience throughout the holiday season.

The “vast majority” of new holiday-season hires will work in stores. Only about 250 will work at distribution centers, Dick’s Chief People Officer Julie Lodge-Jarrett told Reuters.

Ahead of the holiday season, Dick’s recently announced growth in e-commerce sales of 194  percent during the second quarter of 2020, including Curbside Contactless Pickup, buy online, pickup in-store and ship-from-store, which collectively accounted for over 75 percent of e-commerce orders in Q2.

Hire will benefit from competitive pay, a 15 percent pay premium through the end of the year, and up-to 25 percent-off store discount.

“Our in-store teammates are key to providing the exceptional customer service experience and expert guidance our customers expect,” said Lodge-Jarrett in a statement. “Dick’s Sporting Goods is committed to continuously improving how we serve our customers and to that end, we have long been focused on making meaningful investments not only in who we hire, but also in our technology and diverse product offering, all to create a best-in-class omnichannel experience.”