Seasonal

By Bill Martin, ShopperTrak Founder

The ShopperTrak holiday forecast for increased sales and foot traffic should encourage retailers. Our analysis suggests the 38 shopping days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve — coupled with two “extra” weekends — will contribute to a strong shopping season.

To recap the forecast:

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Dannon's Greek yogurt brand Oikos has teamed up with chef, restaurateur, and winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars, Richard Blais, to help Americans create tasty, nutritious holiday recipes that will be a hit with guests.

“Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to compromise on nutrition,” said Blais. “I am excited to work with Dannon Oikos on their Tasty Additions to Your Traditions campaign and provide recipes that are a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.”

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer announced that it will double match every customer's $10 Simply Give donation made Nov. 9 to 10 to help boost support for local food pantries before the holidays. The Double Match Days initiative is being launched as part of the retailer's Taste of the Holidays in-store sampling event as a way to thank customers for their continued commitment to help fight hunger in the Midwest.

Whiting, Ind. -- More than one-quarter (27%) of U.S. adults will use their smartphone or tablet for their holiday shopping this year, according to new survey by CouponCabin.com. In addition, 83% of those who will use their smartphone for holiday shopping this year report they will be doing so because of the convenience.

The survey was conducted online nationwide by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin.com from Sept. 26 – Sept. 28, 2012 among 2,523 U.S. adults aged 18 and older.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s Department Stores has announced that the Narciso Rodriguez for DesigNation collection will be available nationwide on Nov. 7 at 7 a.m.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens on Monday reported October sales of $6 billion, down 2.1% compared with October 2011. The results include the brunt of the impact from Hurricane Sandy — at the peak of the storm, approximately 750 of 1,400 stores in the impacted area were closed, Walgreens said. Nearly all of those locations have since reopened.

Total same-store sales were down 5.9%.

New York -- For the second year in a row, Macy’s stores nationwide will open at midnight on Black Friday, Friday, Nov. 23.

A new Black Friday feature on Macy’s mobile app will help customers browse and shop for specials specific to their local store.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — In response to Hurricane Sandy, GE today gave $1.1 million to support relief and recovery efforts throughout the Northeast of the United States. One million dollars was given to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The additional $100,000 dollars was given to the United Way of America for them to direct to local communities where they determine the need is greatest.