California Business Minute™

Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

With the Holidays right around the corner and the ‘Great Recession’ still breathing
down our necks, the National Retail Federation has released its Top Ten list of
Holiday Retail Trends for 2009.

1.Americans aren’t ready to declare an end to the recession.  Unemployment is
  forecasted to jump to 10 percent before the end of the year. Retail spending
  does not increase until unemployment falls

2.It’s All About the Economy and gifts will all be about practicality

3.Sales and Promotions are King.  The consumer will not be pulling the trigger
  to shop based upon discounts and sales

4.Payment Methods.  Probably going to be lay-away, not credit card

5.It’s the Thought that Counts, Hallmark and card companies makes a return

6.‘Tis the Season to Eat, again practical given the situation

7.Gift Cards aren’t Dead and apparently they are still increasing in requests

8.When looking at Store Sales, check and compare Internet prices, it is
  forecasted that the web will influence one out of three purchases this year

9.Don’t’ discount Department Stores, there are good prices for the 18-24 year
  old in your family

10.Impulse spending? Fuhgettaboutit  Consumers are tight and so are their
   pocketbooks

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.