Seasonal

The popularity of Disney’s Frozen license and a final surge of spending allowed most U.S. toy retailers to grow sales this past holiday season, according to new data from NPD.

Wayne, N.J. – The “Island of Misfit Toys” from the legendary Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer holiday special has nothing on Toys “R” Us. Toys "R" Us is running its 10th annual "Great Trade-In" event that lets customers exchange potentially unsafe, old and second-hand cribs, high chairs, car seats, strollers and other items in exchange for savings on a new item.

Holiday discounts helped Bon-Ton Stores post a robust increase in same-store sales.

The company said same-store sales for the nine-week holiday period ended Jan. 3 increased 5.3%. Total sales for the combined months of November and December were up 3.8%, the company said.

Kathryn Bufano, president and CEO, said the company was “pleased” with the numbers, but that a “highly promotional sales environment” tempered the impact of those improved sales on Bon-Ton’s profits.

Michaels Companies Inc. had plenty to smile about during the 2014 holiday season -- its first holiday season since going public in June.

Net sales for the eleven-week period from Nov. 2 to Jan. 17 increased 3.5% and same-store sales increased 1.5% from the comparable prior year period. For the full fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, net sales are expected to be in the range of about $1.59 billion to $1.6 billion, with an expected increase in same-store sales ranging from 0.8% to 1.2%. Michaels expects operating income to be $286 million to $291 million.

Walmart is hoping to increase the cash in in-store shoppers’ wallets this year by offering a new tax refund service.

Direct2Cash is a way for customers to collect their tax refunds in cash at stores this tax season. The service is an alternative for taxpayers who otherwise might get refunds via check or direct deposit.

Irving, Texas – The Michaels Companies Inc. had plenty to smile about during the 2014 holiday season. Net sales for the eleven-week period from Nov. 2, 2014 to Jan. 17, 2015 increased 3.5% and same-store sales increased 1.5% from the comparable prior year period.

For the full fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, net sales are expected to be in the range of about $1.59 billion to $1.6 billion, with an expected increase in same-store sales ranging from 0.8% to 1.2%.
 

Plano, Texas – Consumers enjoyed a very discounted holiday season. According to a new survey from Alliance Data Survey, there was a 12% increase in the number of consumers saving on holiday purchases using rewards, discount offers and coupons.