Seasonal

In an effort to handle the expected double-digit package volume growth this holiday season, the Postal Service on Thursday announced that it would be delivering packages seven days a week in major cities and high-volume areas beginning Nov. 17 through Christmas Day.

Chicago -- The marketing chiefs of U.S. retailers are optimistic about the upcoming holiday season, forecasting a solid 4.1% increase in overall holiday store sales, according to a recent BDO USA survey. The projection is in line with the National Retail Federation’s 4.1% expected holiday sales increase, and is a full percentage point higher than actual retail sales gains in the 2013 season.

Office products are getting a stylish makeover at Staples with two designer-driven collections arriving mid-November.  “Style at Staples” is the name of a new assortment that features the new designs by Cynthia Rowley and British stationary brand Paperhouse.

San Jose, Calif. -– Online prices are expected to hit rock bottom on Thanksgiving Day, lower than on any other day during the holiday season. According to the Adobe Online Shopping Report, record sales are expected for Thanksgiving with $1.35 billion and Cyber Monday with $2.6 billion, increases of 27 and 15%, respectively.   

Meijer has prepared a lot of holiday deals for the Black Friday weekend and is now offering a sneak peek to allow its customers plan ahead of time.

IBM is forecasting a record holiday season heavily influenced by digital sales.  IBM research based on digital analytics predicts a total online sales increase of more than 15% over a 5-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday.  

The biggest increase in online sales is expected on Cyber Monday with a predicted 15.8% increase over the last year, followed closely by Thanksgiving with an increase of 15.6%

Sam’s Club has joined the ranks of other retailers this holiday season with a pre-Black Friday-themed promotion occurring mid-month.

On Saturday, Nov. 15, Sam’s Club will host a one-day-only Holiday Savings Celebration featuring Black Friday pricing on featured technology, toys, apparel, jewelry and home goods items. Starting at 7 a.m. and exclusive to Sam’s Club members, families can fill their baskets in-club or online with top holiday picks while getting ahead of the typical Black Friday frenzy, according to Sam’s Club.