Britt Beemer
Britt Beemer
explain figure last might sales season stronger
Wal-Mart has had a much stronger gift-card season than last year, so that might explain why their (December) sales figure is not as good.
admiration america assist buy customers deserves employees happy high level low prices questions seem stores willing
Wal-Mart deserves their high admiration level because they do what they say. They give America a place to buy at low prices in stores where employees seem happy to be there and willing to assist customers when questions are asked.
cook developed good greatest latest niche product sort travel whether
The really good ones have developed some sort of product niche, whether they are the place to go to get the latest and greatest cook or travel books. They've developed a niche that makes them really unique.
bought compared cut expensive four holiday item low mark price purchases retailers returned returns store
Today, only about one-third of holiday purchases are returned as compared to just four years ago, ... Returns are very expensive for retailers because they have to retag the item and mark down the price. If I bought something for $29 and return it, store may have to cut the price to as low as $14 before restocking it.
afford destroy low
With their low margins, they can't afford to have unprofitable stores. It could destroy the profitability of the chain.
altogether beginning buy earlier halloween hot selling stores thanksgiving weeks
With nothing hot to buy in decorations this Christmas, many stores started selling two weeks earlier than ever before, beginning in mid-September. Many stores skipped Thanksgiving altogether and went from Halloween to Christmas.
best china consumers given seen values
China has given American consumers the best values they have seen in their lifetime.
allowed creative force imagine living longer maintain martha position run within
I can't imagine that Martha Stewart Living is going to be able to maintain its position within the marketplace if the person that is the creative force is no longer allowed to run the company,
cards gift strongest
Gift cards are strongest when there's nothing to buy.
becoming cards easier gift nobody returned
Gift cards are becoming an easier gift to give. Of course, nobody ever returned cash, either.
advertising brand brands built dollars few great last limited number nurtured save
To a great extent, the brand has become a non-brand. It has not been nurtured or built upon for the last few years. They won't necessarily save money, but they'll consolidate their advertising dollars to a limited number of brands and do it better.
certain happens known product retailers return
What's happens is retailers become known for certain things. You want to be known for some product category. You want to be known for a return policy.
aggressive buying drive parents point spent stores time
At this point in the buying season, parents have only spent $71.96 so far, so there is time for stores to get aggressive and drive more sales,
almost consumer good holiday news start worries
This summer, the consumer was cautious, with all the uncertainty going on in the country. But almost all of those worries are gone, and that is good news at the start of the holiday season.