Walmart

Atlanta – A surge in last-minute online holiday shopping reportedly caused retailers including Amazon, Kohl’s and Wal-Mart to miss some deliveries scheduled to arrive before Christmas (Dec. 25). According to the Wall Street Journal, UPS had more than the anticipated 7.75 million packages enter its air network on Monday, Dec. 23.

I’ll hold off on talking about the holiday shopping season in detail until all the numbers are in, but it’s clear that we’ve already learned quite a lot from 2013. In fact, the more I think about this past year the more I think that the holiday numbers aren’t even the most important takeaway. What’s far more interesting to me is what 2013 has to tell us about where we go next. With that in mind, here’s my early take on what 2014 might have in store (and in stores!) for us:

Slow, steady and sustainable growth

Only two-thirds of Americans are all or almost finished with their holiday shopping as of Dec. 23. Of the 24 retailers surveyed by America’s Research Group and Inmar, only three retained 70% or more of their customer base, with Walmart topping the list at 88.1%, followed closely by Dollar Tree at 80.4%, and Target at 72.1%.

With 3,500 locations currently installed at retail and another 1,000 on the way in 2014, SoloHealth Stations are giving new meaning to affordable health care.

Charleston, S.C. -- Only two-thirds of Americans are all or almost finished with their holiday shopping as of Dec. 23. Of the 24 retailers surveyed by America’s Research Group and Inmar, only three retained 70% or more of their customer base, with Wal-Mart topping the list at 88.1%, followed closely by Dollar Tree at 80.4%, and Target at 72.1%.

Beachwood, Ohio — DDR Corp. has announced he lease-up and construction of Seabrook Commons, a 380,000-sq.-ft. power center slated to open in the summer of 2014 in Seabrook, N.H.

Anchored by Wal-Mart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, PetSmart, Michaels, Ulta, Five Below and Panera, the center will open 95% leased.

The trade area has a population of 251,000 people and an average household income of approximately $90,000.

Walmart China CEO Greg Foran reiterated the company’s goal of accelerating Sam’s Club growth in the coming years with several published reports indicating the pace of Sam’s Club openings may eventually reach 10 units annually.