Seasonal

Bethesda, Md. -- IBM on Monday released its Benchmark projection for online sales for the month of December, showing that online sales are expected to grow by 9.5% to 10% year-over-year.

For the week of Dec. 11, the report showed that online sales rose 10.8% over the same week in 2010. Mobile traffic increased to 12.1% of all online retailing sessions, compared with 5% over the same week last year and reflecting a 143.9% increase.

Marketing claims about the lowest prices on the season on limited quantities for limited times are common throughout the holidays as retailers look to create a sense of urgency and close the sale with consumers. But haven’t consumer grown wise to these tactics?

With the exception of apparel markdowns, consumers have learned and retailers have taught them that another low price is just around the corner and that quantities are unlimited even though featured items may change.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — With Christmas less than a week away, CVS Caremark is reminding shoppers that they can find gifts and deals at their local CVS/pharmacy.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us said Monday it will keep stores nationwide open for the 112 hours before Christmas, with doors staying open from 6 a.m. Dec. 20, to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

This is the second consecutive year that the retailer has remained open for 24-hour shopping in the days leading up to Christmas.

The Toys “R” Us flagship in New York City’s Times Square is staying open even longer, having been open since 6 a.m. on Dec. 16 and not closing until Christmas Eve.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced Monday that it is offering customers last-minute deals on such brands as Craftsman, DieHard, Kenmore, NordicTrack, Lands' End and Kardashian Kollection. 

Deals being offered at Sears stores Dec. 23 to Dec. 24 include 70% off fine jewelry, up to 65% off fashion boots, 35% off fragrance sets, 50% off all Craftsmen Mechanics tool sets, 60% off the NordicTrack fleece at only $9.99 (Reg. $26 ), Samsung 46-inch 3D TV for $999.99 (save $600 ) and 55% off sleepwear and sets for kids.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Monday that, on the eighth day of its "12 Days of Giving" Facebook campaign, it is awarding $140,000 to nine nonprofits aiding veterans, active members of the military and their families.

Over 12 consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 145 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Being a celebrity athlete creates all sort of opportunities to leverage one’s likeness through licensing deals, oftentimes in ways that are inconsistent with the image and accomplishments that propelled the athlete to greatness.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores on Monday named Paul White to the position of EVP and chief merchandising officer. White will report to Mike Bloom, president and COO.

“Through Paul’s leadership and strategic vision, Family Dollar has created a compelling mix of discretionary merchandise, which has led to a more fun place to shop for our customers,” Bloom said. “Paul’s promotion will help us continue to broaden our appeal and deliver greater value to our customers.”