October 21, 2008 Issue: 41 Retail Alliance Newsletter   Greetings! Your vote counts next week on Tuesday, October 28! Retail Alliance will host our first Party Politics event on Tuesday, October 28 in conjunction with this year's November elections.  It is the first of its kind to be conducted in the Hampton Roads area, and will serve as a vital tool for voters, at decision time in November.   The event will be held at the Webb Center on the campus of Old Dominion University off Hampton Blvd. and 49th Street in Norfolk. This is an informal event open to public where Hampton Roads citizens will have the opportunity to cast their votes on a non-scientific ballot and meet with several candidates in a casual setting.  Attendees will have the chance to voice their concerns and opinions to political candidates.  Towards the end of the event, the election results will be revealed, and the candidates will have the chance to see where they stand with voters in Hampton Roads.  Please join Retail Alliance for Party Politics and engage with your potential politicians.  Here are a list of candidates that will be attending as of today: Congresswoman Thelma Drake (R) Virginia's 2nd Congressional District Congressman Tom Davis (R) Virginia's 11th District Nathan Larson (Libertarian) Virginia's 1st District William Redpath (Libertarian) Libertarian nominee for US Senate in Virginia Barack Obama (D) Democratic Representative for President John McCain (R) Republican Representative for President Andrea Miller (D) Virginia's 4th District Chuck Baldwin (Constitution Party) Constitution Party Candidate for President Governor Mark Warner (D) Virginia Candidate for US Senate Jim Gilmore (R) Republican Candidate for US Senator from Virginia Glenn Nye (D) Virginia's 2nd Congressional District This event has a $5 entry fee and we encourage everyone to come out and cast their vote! Light hor d'oeuvres and cash bar For more information on Party Politics contact Jen Webber at jwebber@retail-alliance.com.  Retailers Get Smart to Retain Staff Turnover is generally high in the retail industry because of factors ranging from long hours and tedious work to competition for staff from other retailers. Companies that have taken special approaches to worker retention include Finish Line, which developed distinctive strategies to attract and retain Generation Y workers, and Duane Reade, which deployed a work force management application to boost customer service and scheduling flexibility. STORES magazine has the full story. Study: 30% of Shoppers Choose Brand in the Store An Ogilvy Group study has found that 30% of shoppers worldwide choose which brand to buy after they are in the store. The "Shopper Decisions Made In-Store" study, based on 14,000 shopper interviews in 700 retail outlets around the globe, also found various gaps between what customers plan to purchase before entering the store and what they buy. Progressive Grocer has the full story. In This Issue Retailers Get Smart to Retain Staff Study: 30% of Shoppers Choose Brand in the Store Upcoming Retail 2 Retail Sam's Club Virginia Beach Though Costs are Dropping, Prices Don't Always Follow Analysts: Shoppers Eye Smaller Gadgets For Holidays Holiday Window Works Contest Retail 2 Retail 6-8 p.m. Tonight! Fire & Vine 1556 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach, 23451 Click here for directions! Join fellow retailers for an entertaining evening of networking and fun, complete with refreshments. Retail 2 Retail takes place the first and third Tuesday of each month and is free to RETAIL ALLIANCE members. To RSVP call Jen Webber at 757.455.9323   For directions to this R2R and to view upcoming R2Rs click here. Though Costs are Dropping, Prices Don't Always Follow Prices for consumer goods typically change more slowly than driving factors such as the costs of oil and wheat, experts say. So-called "sticky" prices boost company profits when costs drop, but they also work the other way, keeping prices low as costs go up. The Washington Post/The Associated Press has the full story. Analysts: Shoppers Eye Smaller Gadgets For Holidays The slumping economy will discourage consumers from shopping for large high-end products, such as big-screen TVs and gaming consoles, this holiday season, according to tech analysts who say buyers will probably opt for more modestly priced gadgets. USA TODAY has the full story. Holiday Window Works It's not too early to sign up for your chance to win $1500! Click here to learn more and download your sign-up sheet SML members click here!

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