Winter Holidays

Stein Mart reported negative same-store sales growth on the same day that the company also lost its chief merchant to an off-price rival.

For the third quarter ended Oct. 31, Stein Mart comps fell 2.3%.

"Unseasonably warm weather impacted traffic and our sales during the third quarter," said Jay Stein, CEO. "We continue to have a positive outlook on our important fourth quarter holiday sales which will include incremental sales from six new stores opened through the third quarter plus four more new stores opening in November."

For a variety of retailers – from supermarkets, to restaurants, to department and convenience stores – the holiday shopping season represents the peak time of year for staffing up on temporary workers to help meet all of the increase in consumer demand.

Store performance disappointed almost across the board during October, and circumstances beyond retailers’ control may have had a lot to do with it.

Holiday shoppers are in for an interactive treat when they visit Macerich malls this holiday season.

HGTV’s interactive “Santa HQ” returns Nov. 5 through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, to spread holiday cheer to guests of all ages with a 21st century take on the traditional Santa Claus experience.

Holiday shoppers have high expectations of their online customer experience this year.

According to the new JDA 2015 Consumer Survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers, 50% 0f respondents indicate that they will be unforgiving of retailers who provide less than satisfactory online home delivery experiences.

Price match guarantees and claims of fantastic deals have become passé, so Staples is employing a new promotional tactic this holiday season that speaks directly to its core customer.

Staples is making the same claims as virtually every other retailer about its great deals, convenient shopping and omnichannel capabilities. However, to take those claims a step further in a way that speaks to its core customers, Staples has created a limited duration promotion it’s calling the “Business Savings Event.”

For retailers, a diligent and detailed vetting of applicants — including employment verifications, thorough interviews and comprehensive background checks — should be a standard part of any responsible hiring and candidate review process. At the best of times, this process can be a complex and time-consuming endeavor. When retailers are looking to hire temporary or part-time seasonal help, especially for the holidays, the degree of difficulty goes up significantly.

Retailers can use apps for more than just driving sales, as demonstrated by Office Depot Inc.’s latest mobile move.

The Office Depot and OfficeMax parent company is re-releasing its Elf Yourself mobile app. The app, which Office Depot has offered every holiday season since 2012 and launched as an online platform in 2006, is a prime example of how retailers are using apps to build positive consumer sentiment and brand awareness.

In preparation for the holiday rush, retailers have begun the timely process of interviewing, hiring and training seasonal employees.

Saks Fifth Avenue’s holiday windows are an annual tradition in Manhattan, and the retailer keeps upping the ante.

Saks will unveil its windows on Nov. 23, and the display promise to light up the night. The retailer will transform its windows with a “Winter Place” theme, complete with a state-of-the-art light show featuring three-dimensional elements on the front facade of the iconic store, including towering light icicles, crystal palace spires, and snowy magnolia arches.