Fun being at TODAY SHOW this week ... We're talking all-things-shopping ... Here are some links in case helpful. Lester seemed to enjoy Beatles Rock Band & special thanks to the folks from MTV who graciously helped make it all come together. Amy wasn't up for singing, but -- like every parent I speak with -- she was intrigued by the Zhu Zhu pet hamsters.
For starters, you're not seeing things ... Christmas merchandise is already on the shelves and the National Retail Federation says 40% of consumers are expected to start their holiday shopping BEFORE Halloween. So, what are the TRENDS driving this year's biggest retail season and what's YOUR best shopping game plan?
* Deemed "Christmas Creep" (as in "creeping up" on calendar).
* Crucial for retailers (season often accounts for 25-40% of annual sales).
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TREND #1: MORE PAYMENT OPTIONS
* Layaway (including new this year online layaway from Kmart & SEARS)
* Supporting Causes
Related sites: www.SEARS.com, www.Discovercard.com; www.Giftcards.com; www.GoodShop.com
TREND #2: LESS STICKER SHOCK
Overall, retailers highly aware price matters. Many parents cite "budget" as their #1 holiday priority. Last year, Walmart shocked the toy industry with ten $10 toys. They sold out. This year, they plan to offer 100! Faux fur and leather were hot on the fashion runways and are now also being heavily promoted for the holidays at high-end a
Related sites: www.Walmart.com, www.NeimanMarcus.com, www.Kohls.com
TREND #3: SALES 24/7
These days, everyone's a bargain bee. Using coupons is in vogue & they've become a promotion. Having said that, just because they say it's a deal, doesn't mean it is. It's smart to have a decent understanding of what the item regularly goes for. Using a shopping comparison site can give you an instant feel and that single step could save you as much as 35% whether you ultimately by the item online or offline. Also, keep in mind, If I'm a retailer, the rule of thumb is to give people the best price they need to buy, but no lower. So, you have to be proactive. Believe it or not, not everyone is always served up the same price. Because of something called "dynamic pricing" and sophisticated sales data from register receipts, your shopping "behavior" may dictate the offer you receive. Raise your hand as a bargain bee by signing up for newsletters, digging for coupons and if you're shopping online or by catalog take advantage of free and flat-rate shipping offers, which are widely available now, but will become increasingly scarce.
Related sites: www.WalletPop.com. www.DealNews.com, www.PriceGrabber.com
TREND #4: FESTIVE, BUT FRUGAL
Homemade gifts never looked so good, especially those that support local artists, are "green" and/or are thoughtful, but easy & affordable to make yourself. eBay now has a "green team" where items listed are refurbished or eco-friendly. Sales are soaring as consumers say they're as much as 35% more likely to purchase from vendors who support the environment.
Related sites: www.Etsy.com; www.Holidash.com; www.eBay.com
TREND #5: GOING, GOING, GONE
It happens every year the "Must" have toy or item that sells out, prompting frantic shoppers to wait in long lines and sparking bidding wars online. Zhu Zhu Hampsters are already going for 4X the initial retail cost! If one of these items is on your list, time may not be on your side ...
Related sites: www.Amazon.com; www.Shopping.AOL.Com; www.Switched.com
Specific items:
Zhu Zhu Pet Hampsters: Amazon.com: Zhu Zhu Pets: Toys & Games
Beatles Rock Band: The Beatles™: Rock Band™
Kindle: Kindle Wireless Reading Device
Sony eReader: eBook Digital Book Reader : Sony
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