Seasonal

Framingham, Mass. -- Staples announced a new price match policy that the company said ensures customers pay the lowest price – both in stores and online. Staples said it will price match items sold and shipped by Amazon.com or any retailer who sells products in both retail stores and online under the same brand.

New York - The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index moved down again in September, showing the second month of small declines. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.

New York -- E-commerce solution-provider Borderfree said it has partnered with The Container Store to expand the chain’s international e-commerce reach in time for the holidays.

Previously only accessible to consumers in the U.S., and Canada, The Container Store’s online product offerings are now available to consumers in Australia, India, Mexico, Germany, France, Japan, Switzerland, Russia, and the U.K.

By Michael Zea, president and CEO, U.S., Aimia
 
Amid weaker-than-expected August retail sales, leading retailers are kick-starting their holiday shopping season by wooing existing shoppers through their customer loyalty programs. Retailers are increasing their investment in the traditional transaction-based loyalty efforts because of the proven success of rewarding customers for their purchases.
 

Kansas City — Legends Outlets Kansas City has announced that a Toys “R” Us Express pop-up location is now open at the Village West shopping and dining destination. The 3,954-sq.-ft. store will operate through the holiday season.

HoneyBaked is preparing for its annual holiday rush on its signature Honey Baked Hams, Turkey Breasts and full assortment of premium products by providing part-time jobs for thousands of people nationwide.

The company is adding more than 10,000 part-time jobs for the holidays. Many of these seasonal employees return year after year, according to HoneyBaked.

I don’t want to be a Grinch, but things aren’t looking too promising for retailers who were hoping to end the year on a holiday high note. But, before I get into more predictions on retail sales this holiday season, it might be a good idea to talk a little bit about why I’m feeling so lukewarm about the prospects for a 2013 end-of-year bonanza.

The Container Store is turning to Borderfree, a leading global e-commerce platform, to help it expand its international e-commerce reach in time for the holiday season.

Previously only accessible to consumers in the U.S. and Canada, the Container Store’s online product offerings are now available to consumers in Australia, India, Mexico, Germany, France, Japan, Switzerland, Russia and the United Kingdom.