Seasonal

Armonk, N.Y. - Online sales were up 18.7% the weekend before Thanksgiving (Nov. 22-23) compared to the same two-day period in 2013. According to IBM Digital Benchmark analysis, mobile traffic accounted for 48.8% of all online traffic, an increase of 24.4% year-over-year.

In addition, mobile sales accounted for 26.6% of all online sales, an increase of 23.9% year-over-year.

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.

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.   

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.

NEW YORK - Macy’s is enhancing its Black Friday promotions by giving away  a million dollars in prizes in stores nationwide during doorbuster hours. Beginning at 6 p.m. local time on Thanksgiving Day, customers will have a chance to win big, scoring digital gift codes that can be used instantly for Black Friday purchases.  

San Bruno, Calif. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is offering 500 online deals during Cyber Week, starting Saturday, Nov. 29, more than double the number of cyber deals it offered last year. Every day through Friday, Dec. 5, Walmart.com will offer 500 discount items, with the best deals arriving on Cyber Monday, Dec. 1.   

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: