Seasonal

FedEx says a big boost in online shopping will propel its business between Black Friday and Christmas Eve at least 12.4% above 2014 levels.

FedEx expects the holiday period to include three shipment volume spikes: Cyber Monday and the first two Mondays in December.

The company said it was adding 55,000 employees for the holidays to handle the increased demand.

With (believe it or not) the holiday season almost upon us, it is time once again to take part in the annual ritual of crystal ball gazing and seasonal sales forecasts.

Etsy is getting crafty with its customer service offerings.

The online handmade arts & crafts marketplace is launching a home delivery pilot called Etsy ASAP in the New York market for the holidays. Patterning with on-demand delivery provider Postmates, Etsy ASAP enables same- and next-day delivery from participating sellers in New York City for a flat $20 fee.

Retailers sending email promotions may want to hold off on announcing deals that offer a specific number of dollars off the listed price.

According to a new study of more than one billion marketing emails by retention marketing firm Retention Science, customers are more receptive to percent-off deals than dollar-off deals. Percent-off deals result in customers 38% more likely to click, and 47% more likely to convert when they were presented with a dollar-off offer.

Before retailers compete for holiday sales they are competing for seasonal talent that will have a big impact on their performance. Here’s a look at whose hiring season help and how many positions are being filled.

Ridge Hill Shopping Center, developed by Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC), is expanding.

During the course of the last month, Yonkers, New York-based Ridge Hill added nine new retailers and attractions to its roster of tenants. In the first half of 2015, the center added a total of 50,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurants, with an additional 15,000 sq. ft. of office space. Seasonal offerings will account for another 14,000 sq. ft. and the center is poised to add 10,000-sq.-ft. of permanent retail before the year ends.

U.S. consumers will generate only a lackluster 3.2% year-over-year increase in holiday sales, according to the latest forecast of November-December spending.

Customer Growth Partners’ 15th Annual Holiday Forecast says retail sales for the holiday period will reach $607 billion, a new record, but the anemic 3.2% pace reflects declining median incomes for all but the top 20% of households.