Blog

October 7, 2014 Shop.org today released its 2014 online holiday sales forecast, expecting sales in November and December to grow between 8-11 percent over last holiday season to as much as $105 billion. Shop.org forecasts sales based on government data including consumer credit, disposable personal income, and previous monthly retail sales releases.  Holiday non-store sales… Read more »

October 7, 2014 According to NRF, retailers are expected to hire between 725,000-800,000 seasonal workers this holiday season, potentially more than they actually hired during the 2013 holiday season (768,000).  Seasonal employment in 2013 increased 14 percent over the previous holiday season. “These holiday positions offer hundreds of thousands of people the opportunity to turn… Read more »

October 8, 2014 The Conference and PwC Measure of CEO Confidence declined again in the third quarter of 2014.  The Measure now reads 59, down from 62 last quarter (a reading of more than 50 points reflects more positive than negative responses). Says Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board: “While CEOs… Read more »

October 8, 2014 Costco reported a rise in sales and same-store sales for the fourth quarter. Net sales for the quarter were $34.75 billion, an increase of 9% from $31.77 billion in fiscal 2013.  Same-store sales for the total company increased 6%, while U.S. same-store sales also rose 6%. Net income for the quarter was… Read more »

October 3, 2014 How well many retailers perform this holiday season in store and online will be determined by the shopping preferences of a demographic group that doesn’t typically get a lot of love from marketers. Marketers invest heavily in researching highly desirable segments, such as Millennials or the growing U.S. Hispanic population, to uncover… Read more »

October 2, 2014 Home Depot is extending its e-commerce capabilities westward with the opening of a dedicated online fulfillment center in California. Located in Perris, California, the 858,953 sq. ft. facility will initially employ approximately 150 people, and eventually employ up to 300.  It is one of three new DFCs opening across the U.S. in… Read more »

October 7, 2014 Holiday sales are projected to grow at their fastest level in years, rising 4.1% to nearly $617 billion after a 3.1% increase last year. The bullish seasonal spending forecast follows an uneven sales performance at the beginning of the year and a 3.1% increase during the 2013 season.  Online holiday sales are… Read more »

October 6, 2014 The Conference Board Employment Trends Index (ETI) increased in September.  The index now stands at 121.68, up from 121.32 (an upward revision) in August.  This represents a 6.1 percent gain in the ETI compared to a year ago. “The Employment Trends Index increased for the ninth consecutive month, signaling solid job growth… Read more »

October 3, 2014 The economy generated a gain of 248,000 jobs in September, faster than the averge monthly over the past year, and revisions to July and August were very positive.  The slower gain initially reported for August now appears to have been simply an aberration.  The continued rapid drop in the unemployment rate increases… Read more »

October 3, 2014 According to the National Retail Federation’s calculations, retail industry employment increased by 35,500 jobs in September, with upward revisions for July and August.  Employment gains were seen in most retail categories with the exception of clothing and clothing accessories stores, which lost 3,000 jobs, and health and personal care stores, which lost… Read more »