Seasonal

The dynamics of Thanksgiving weekend retail activity continue to evolve, but Cyber Monday still rules with sales that topped $2 billion for the first time ever this year.

CHELMSFORD, Mass. - Chicago-area Stratford Square Mall is relying on Axis Communications’ network cameras to protect public safety and minimize shoplifting during the holiday shopping season. Along with an increase in sales, the holiday season can also bring an increase in merchandise shrink, adding more incentive for mall managers to have eyes throughout the facility.

Reston, Va. - Cyber Monday reached $2.04 billion in desktop online spending, up 17% from a year ago and representing the heaviest online spending day in history and the only day ever to surpass $2 billion in sales. According to data from comScore, the weekend after Thanksgiving also reached a major milestone as it saw its first ever billion-dollar online shopping day on Saturday, while Sunday’s sales just fell short of the $1 billion mark.

San Luis Obispo, Calif. - Omnichannel retailers that provide cross-channel offers to their customers are the big winners emerging from this year’s “Cyber Week.” Data from Shopatron shows that forcing customers into buying frenzies on specific days is losing favor, and that retailers who focus on meeting cross-channel consumer demand with ever increasing levels of service are realizing the benefits.

Looking to capitalize on the immense popularity of the PBS show Downton Abbey, Cost Plus World Market is having an online tea party and expanding its range of Downton Abbey products just in time for the holiday shopping season.

Facing a holiday shopping season in which consumers will be more digitally engaged than ever, Target is partnering with Google to introduce a new mobile experience aimed at driving traffic to its stores.

Bullseye’s Playground is a mobile game experience featuring Target’s bull terrier mascot Bullseye and other characters. In select Target stores, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Bullseye’s Playground using Google’s new Project Tango Development Tablet, which will transform the store into a 3D winter playground.

By Leela Rao-Kataria

Cincinnati – Ever wonder what to do with all those unused loyalty points you probably have floating around? According to a survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers by loyalty intelligence provider Colloquy, six out of 10 shoppers intend to use points they’ve earned through customer-loyalty programs to save money on holiday gift-buying this year.

That represents a 22% increase in the number of shoppers who are planning to cash in reward points on gift purchases, compared to the 2013 holiday season.