Christmas shoppers this year are expected to shop with a little more glee compared with last year’s gloomy holiday sales season, but Halloween sales are slated to plummet as shoppers spend an estimated 15.4% less than last year, according to two separate studies by the International Council of Shopping Centers and National Retail Federation. Last [...]
Grocery stores used to function as informal financial establishments- cashing payroll checks and personal checks to make it easier for customers to get cash, but that’s all changing. At a time when more people rely on credit and debit cards and companies look for ways to eliminate extra costs, personal checks are becoming irrelevant to [...]
While many retailers are shutting down their stores, Toys ‘R Us is expanding its scope in an effort to boost sales and make holiday shopping more convenient for consumers. The retailer plans to open a total of 350 “Holiday Express” stores by early October, including 80 individual “pop-up” stores in malls and shopping centers, and [...]
The world’s largest consumer products maker is offering cash-strapped shoppers more reasons to buy its products. This fall, Procter and Gamble plans to roll out deep price cuts, add more promotions, and unveil better products to cater to bargain hunters. P&G is already lowering the price tags on about 10% of its global product line, [...]
Our grocery bill is finally seeing some relief, as retailers slash prices and pass along savings, thanks to lower gas and ingredient costs. Price tags on dairy, meat, fruits, vegetables and bread have all dropped and overall prices at both restaurants and grocery stores have not risen on a monthly basis, since November 2008. Consumers’ [...]
Nationwide, mall vacancy rates are hovering at 8.4%, so mall operators are beginning to think outside the box and are filling empty lots with untraditional tenants including churches, medical centers, and art centers. In Indiana, the arrival of an Evangelical church has helped the food court’s business, as members grab a bite to eat after [...]
Despite tough financial times, a new study by Information Resources Inc. (IRI) found that 77% are willing to splurge on a gift for the 2009 holidays, offering some hope for retailers this coming holiday season. Shoppers will no doubt be scouring shelves for the best bargains though- 59% said they would seek out deals, which [...]
Coupon clipping has become second nature for many conscientious shoppers- coupons are popping up everywhere- even on your cell phone, and now a new form of coupons called “group coupons” are gaining popularity. Group Coupons offer discounts on restaurants meals, sporting events, spa treatments, golf outings, and other luxury expenses that are often cut from [...]
Did you know September is National Coupon Month and the 100th anniversary of coupons? That’s a reminder of just how valuable they can be. How far we’ve come from CW Post offering a penny off on Grape Nuts to now, coupons that you can download right to your cell phone. Want to see how that works? Try [...]
Walmart.com has expanded their online operations, offering nearly 1 million new items from different retailers including eBags, CSN Stores and Pro Team. Wal-Mart Marketplace’s launch will give the world’s largest retailer a chance to compete in the online world with websites like Amazon and Apple. Payment for purchases will be handled by Wal-Mart, while the [...]
