Archive for Oct, 2011

Each year the National Retail Federation and BIGresearch get together and create the holiday season sales outlook for the year. Projections have always forecasted sales growth, until 2008. Both 2008 and 2009 were extremely tough years for retailers during the holiday season which determines how retailers do for the year. 2010 brought new light with an over 5% increase in expected sales.

2011 predictions have arrived and although they aren’t as desirable as last year’s, it is still in the positive direction. Sales are expected to increase 2.8% this year to a total spending of $465.6 billion. Compared to last year, it may seem that this year’s increase is nothing to get over excited about but this simply isn’t the case. Because the increase isn’t as high as last year’s, this means retailers have to get more creative in how they attract customers. (more…)

It’s that time again – it is indeed my absolute favorite time of the year. It’s not just the mild weather and the beautiful scenery, it’s the season for the best holiday of the year (at least in my eyes it is). If you haven’t already guessed, I’m talking about Halloween.

Halloween is often viewed as a silly kids’ holiday, but it is becoming more and more popular to celebrate among adults each year. Everyone should have fun, dress up, and get their scare on. Since so many more adults are celebrating, this is great news for retailers because they have to start spending.

The National Retail Federation’s 2011 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey shows that seven in 10 Americans or 68.6% plan on celebrating Halloween this year which is up 63.8 percent from last year. That is a huge increase! These consumers are expected to spend a little more as well with total Halloween spending expected to reach $6.86 billion. (more…)