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Saks Off 5th has launched its online store, saksoff5th.com. It joins a list of closeout retailers that are getting comfortable in the e-commerce market. The online store will offer up to 55% off merchandise year-round.

Wayne, N.J. – Toys ‘R’ Us is opening Trick ‘R’ Treat “Bootiques” inside Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. These in-store shops feature a broad assortment of Halloween costumes, accessories, candy, gear and more.

Toys ‘R’ Us has opened Trick ‘R’ Treat “Bootiques” inside Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. These in-store shops feature a broad assortment of Halloween costumes, accessories, candy and gear.

Traditionally, retailers relied on advertising and direct response to succeed. To make more money, retailers simply let more people know about their stores and products.

Washington, D.C. -- Nearly 158 million consumers will participate in Halloween activities this year, slightly less than the historic high of 170 million people last year. New figures from the National Retail Federation (NRF) indicate the average consumer will spend $75.03 on Halloween this year, down 6% from $79.82 last year.

However, average overall spending on Halloween has increased 54.7% since 2005, with total spending estimated to reach $6.9 billion in 2013. Other NRF figures include:

Phoenix – PetSmart is allowing customers to virtually try Halloween costumes on their pets via Facebook. PetSmart’s “Spooktacular Costume Machine” on Facebook lets customers upload a photo of their pet and virtually try on 10 different costumes, add props and text, and share a photo through email, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

After creating a costume, coupons are available to print, including $2 off any PetSmart costume purchase and buy-one, get-one treat coupons. The promotion begins Sept. 16.

PHOENIX — PetSmart is leveraging Facebook to drive sales of pet costumes, as well as Halloween-themed accessories, toys and treats. 

The retailer will be stocked with everything from pumpkin and witch costumes for guinea pigs to a whole assortment of costumes for dogs that include bandanas, hair bows and angel wings and exclusive character costumes from Disney, Martha Stewart Pets, DC Comics, Marvel and Peanuts.

Tools for engaging with holiday shoppers on the most popular social platforms

Social media platforms offer retailers a chance for direct engagement with consumers as well as access to highly personalized data, all in real or near-real time. During the holiday season, with its intensified levels of competition and customer distraction, having the type of direct promotional connection with customers that social media can offer is more crucial than ever.