Winter Holidays

Saks Fifth Avenue is transforming its stores into a candy wonderland for the holidays.   The retailer’s holiday theme this year is called “Land of 1000 Delights” and it will appear in all 41 Saks’ full-priced stores in the U.S. and Canada. Jumbo swirl lollipops, whipped cotton candy and mounds of rock candy are just some of the colorful décor that will make up each store’s visual displays.    

Dollar General is rolling out extended store hours, exclusive digital coupons and online-only discounts to woo holiday shoppers this year.   The retailer has announced that its holiday season plans will begin this week with a special discount for military-affiliated shoppers on Friday, Veterans Day.  

The nation’s largest specialty toy retailer isn’t worried about any so-called Thanksgiving backlash.   Toys “R” Us announced plans to open its doors at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving — and keep them open (in nearly all locations) for 30 hours straight, closing them at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. It’s the fourth consecutive year the chain has opened at 5 p.m. on the holiday.   

J. Crew Group is exiting the bridal business, which it entered back in 2004.   The company has marked down its entire collection of wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses by up to 70% online and in stores, reported Business Insider.    Once the merchandise sells out, the retailer will no longer offer a wedding line, according to the report.  

Just in time to streamline the upcoming holiday e-commerce sales rush, Hudson’s Bay Co. is touting a new robotic fulfillment system.   Called the first of its kind in Canada, the new state-of-the-art robotic fulfillment system is housed in the department store chain’s 752,000 sq.-ft. Scarborough distribution center, which manages the chain’s e-commerce operations.    

U.S. shoppers expect to spend more this holiday season, but also to drive a harder bargain, demanding more competitive pricing and an enhanced shopping experience  

Story, the innovative retail store in Manhattan that totally reinvents itself every few months, is ready for the holidays with a one-stop shopping experience that offers something for everyone.    For its new installation, “Home for the Holidays,” the store has reconfigured its space into a series of designated rooms that correspond to different recipients on a shopper’s list: a living room for her, a library for him, a playroom for the kids, and a kitchen with something for everyone.   

Holiday spending is expected to spike by a solid 4%.   That’s according to the “2016 Holiday Season Forecast,” an annual report from investment firm JLL that is based on responses from 2,800 shoppers across 31 shopping centers.