NEW YORK (AP) — J.C. Penney says it plans to hire more than 40,000 people during the holiday season, the same number as last year. The Plano, Texas-based department store operator said Friday it is looking for cashiers, workers to restock its stores and beauty consultants to work at in-store Sephora makeup shops. Retailers tend to start hiring in October to prepare for the busy holiday shopping season.