Winter Holidays

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:   

Alco Stores is offering retailers a cautionary holiday tale this Christmas as going-out-of-business sales have begun at the regional discounter’s 198 locations.

By Christopher Lester, Emma   If you’re like me, you might still be in denial over the date on the calendar. But it’s true: The holidays are well upon us. Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. But let’s be honest: It’s also one of the most stressful times of the year, and the busiest to boot.  

By Jason Becker, RICS Software   Retailers – take a step back from Black Friday weekend this year.    I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t move forward with your promotions and sales. Everyone knows that Black Friday weekend can be one of the most profitable times of the year for retailers. But relying too much on this crazy weekend of shopping to generate holiday season profits is a big mistake.  

Lisa Evans has joined Gordmans Stores as EVP and chief merchandising officer as the apparel and home décor retailer looks to restore growth following another disappointing quarter.

Evans appointment to the head merchant role at the 98 store chain was announced in conjunction with third quarter results that saw same store sales decline 7.8% on top of a prior year decline of 6.1%. Net sales declined 3.1% to $146.7 million. The company reported a net loss of $1.9 million, or 10 cents a share, compared to a prior year profit of $1.1 million, or 6 cents a share.

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.   

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - It’s going to be a very good holiday for consumer electronics purchases, according to a survey by IHS Inc., with seven out of 10 U.S. consumers (68%) planning to buy consumer electronics during the 2014 holiday season.   

Denver – An estimated 28% of consumers plan to do most of their holiday shopping at mass retailers, compared to 26% who will frequent online retailers. According to an ongoing shopper behavior study conducted by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research, free shipping continues to be the most popular offer for holiday shoppers, with 58% of shoppers reporting they expect to take advantage of it this holiday season.