Seasonal

NEW YORK — Hess toy truck commercials are something most East Coast residents can remember from their childhood. Until now, however, the special holiday toys were only available at Hess stations.

Now people all over can get their hands on a Hess truck now that the company is offering them online via www.hesstoytruck.com. Preordering is available online starting Nov. 1.

New York -- Research released Monday by Citigroup and published by Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch found that digital sales for the holiday 2012 shopping season are expected to increase at least 20%, thanks to two additional shopping days and amped-up retail marketing efforts.

NEW YORK — Hess toy truck commercials are something most East Coast residents can remember from their childhood. Until now, however, the special holiday toys were only available at Hess stations.

Now people all over can get their hands on a Hess truck now that the company is offering them online via www.hesstoytruck.com. Preordering is available online starting Nov. 1.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s Inc. said it plans to hire approximately 80,000 seasonal associates for its Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores, call centers, distribution centers and online fulfillment centers nationwide for the 2012 holiday season. This is an increase of about 2.5% from last year.

GLENWILLOW, Ohio — Dots, a leading women's fashion retailer, is partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure for the fourth consecutive year to help raise awareness of the importance of breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment with the "Girlfriends Giving Back" program.

The holiday season is competitive on many fronts, including which retailer plans to hire the most seasonal workers.

LEXINGTON, Mass. — Stride Rite is giving young girls the ultimate fairy tale experience with special in-store Cinderella shoe fittings and the chance to win a hometown screening of a Disney fairy tale.

The outlook for Christmas spending is decent and Halloween is supposed to be pretty good too.