More than 1700 people have applied for 100 jobs at Rotorua's Kmart.
Kmart management has described the response to the vacancies as "incredible".
The fight for the jobs could get even tougher with applications for the roles open until this Friday.
The applications come as new figures show the number of those out of work in Rotorua has risen in the past year and is now well above the national average.
Kmart is advertising for up to 100 fulltime, part-time and casual positions for the Rotorua store being built at Trade Central.
The much-anticipated Australian-owned retail outlet will open in April.
Kmart New Zealand country manager Jason Picard said the company was looking forward to opening in Rotorua.
"The team has received an incredible response to the available employment positions and we encourage those interested to keep their eyes on our website or once the store opens speak with the Kmart Rotorua store manager for future employment opportunities."
Kmart Rotorua will open from 8am until midnight seven days a week.
"For those that have applied for roles with us, the next stage is all applications will be screened. Successful candidates will be notified and invited to attend interviews in January. Unsuccessful candidates will also be notified of the outcome," Picard said.
The Infometrics quarterly economic monitor ending September this year shows the unemployment rate in Rotorua is 6.7 per cent, compared with 6.1 per cent at the same time last year.
The national unemployment rate is 4.9 per cent and Bay of Plenty's unemployment rate is 5.8 per cent.
Figures on Statistics New Zealand's website show the number of people in Rotorua on the Jobseeker Support benefit is 3654.
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