Consumer Attitudes & Behavior

Younger shoppers make up the demographic group most likely to visit physical stores Thanksgiving weekend, but retailers had better be ready to offer the digital natives an ominchannel experience, according to new research from a leading retail trade group.  

New York - More than two-thirds (69%) of 276 finance industry executives expect 2014 Black Friday sales figures to grow at least 2% from their 2013 levels, with more than one-third (37%) expecting growth of 4% or more. Similarly, almost three-quarters of respondents to a survey from global brokerage firm Convergex (71%) say they expect total holiday season sales numbers to grow at least 2%, with 39% of respondents predicting a gain of 4% or more.

By Phillip M. Perry New York  - Blue skies and cool breezes.  That’s the economic forecast as the calendar turns for a new year. Retailers looking to bolster revenues and profits over the next 12 months should benefit from a gradual improvement in the ability and willingness of shoppers to spend.   

The news that Zappos opened its first freestanding store caught by the industry by surprise. Here are two expert views:   

Sunnyvale, Calif. - The number one reason why some consumers avoid online shopping is the lack of in-person assistance and proactive engagement from brands. According to a survey of 2,500 consumers about their online shopping plans and preferences for the upcoming holiday season conducted by e-commerce technology provider Moxie, 72% of survey respondents indicated that they want brands to proactively engage with them online, especially when they are struggling on a website.   

With consumer surveys and holiday forecasts a dime dozen this time of year, Customer Growth Partners CEO Craig Johnson offers his take on some of the biggest fallacies regarding retail spending.

Customer Growth Partners, a consulting and research firm focused on retail and other consumer industries has determined that the top 10 biggest holiday myths of 2014 are:

New York – Ann Inc. beat Wall Street expectations for the third quarter with net income of $29.9 million, down 27% from $41.2 million the same quarter a year earlier. Pre-tax and after-tax charges associated with the closure of the Madison Avenue Ann Taylor store helped drive down net income.  

New Canaan, Conn. - Count on Customer Growth Partners president and CEO Craig Johnson to provide a refreshing break from the standard Black Friday forecast.  Here’s his take on the top 10 retail-related holiday myths of 2014: