Getting a New Job

So basically I've worked at Macys for about a year and 8.5 months now, and I am very much over it completely. So now I am looking for a new one. Several problems, I don't know how to go about asking my current employers if I can put them as a reference because then they will know that I am quitting, and in the past they treat people who are quitting even MORE poorly then they already do [shocking that its possible in my opinion].

But without them, I only have 1 reference which is my Grandma because she was my first employer because she owned a business that I worked for for 2 years, give or take. Who else can I ask to be references? I've asked a few of my teachers that I had in high school that I was close with and am waiting for a reply, but is there anyone else?

And what are some pointers in job hunting, the first time around was easy because Macys was the first place I applied and just happened to get it...