Don’t Rain on My Parade!
Pictured is a seagull enjoying a little sunshine on the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach. Seen in the background are tall palm trees swaying in the breeze and Fashion Island shopping mall in the distance. Sunshine interspersed with rain is in the forecast for the weekend weather at most California beaches and piers. The ski resorts are getting some snow and are making plenty of the white stuff, too. So whatever you do, don’t let it rain on your weekend parade of fun and maybe even some pre-Thanksgiving shopping! Get out there and enjoy!
RETAILER CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TRENDS AND STRATEGIES
* Thanksgiving Day counts. Retailers understand that Thanksgiving Day itself has become a significant shopping day – 46% of those we surveyed this fall planned specific Thanksgiving Day promotions to entice customers to get a head start on their holiday shopping.
*Retailers get the word out early. Almost half of retailers surveyed will be getting the word out early to customers about both Thanksgiving and Black Friday weekend specials: 29.7% a week or more before Thanksgiving Day, and another 16.2% a good 5 to six days before Turkey Day.
* Offers span discounts and free shipping. Approx. two out of five retailers will offer a one-day sale (41.7%), and over one-third (36.1%) plans to offer free standard shipping on all purchases.
* Social media is key to promote in-store offers.
