Retail Alliance Newsletter
Greetings!
Your business could win up to $1,500!
Last year, Retail Alliance initiated the Holiday  Window Works (HWW) contest in an effort to get neighborhood merchants to decorate their windows for the holidays, drive traffic and benefit Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD).
One hundred and thirty one area merchants decorated their business windows in 2007 adhering to the theme "The Spirit of Giving." This year's theme is "Holiday Magic." The contest is judged in two different categories, "Retail Alliance® Holiday Window Works Award" and the "People's Choice Award."
The contest is open to independent retail businesses in the Retail Alliance service area within a business district. Click here for the official rules!
Windows should be decorated by Black Friday, 5
November 28. Judges will be randomly showing up at participating locations without forewarning within one weeks of the contest start date, so be prepared!
 Winners will be contacted on December 17, 2008 in both categories and invited to attend the Holiday Window Works Awards Breakfast on December 19, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. to accept their award. The breakfast is open to all Retail Alliance members for $20.
For more information on the HWW contest contact Tanya Profancik at 757.455.9309 or tprofancik@retail-alliance.com.
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Retail Training Institute at MacArthur Center
Loss Prevention Tune-Up for the Holidays
Wednesday, November 12 · 8:00 am - 10:00 am
MacArthur Center, 2nd floor by Nordstrom
$16 members/ $26 non-members
Retailers will learn the latest on loss prevention  topics including methods of internal and external theft, what to look for, hiring the right employees, and what you can do to deter shoplifters and vendor errors during the holiday season.
Designed for all retail managers and employees.
To RSVP, please complete the TCC Non-Credit application and then either fax it to Johnna Coleman-Yates at (757) 822-1160 or drop off the completed form at the MacArthur Center Management Office.
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Holiday staffing slowdown expected
Retailers are dealing with "incredible challenges  heading into the fourth quarter," Rosalind Wells, chief economist for the NRF, said in a statement -- and holiday jobs are likely to be scarce as a result. Stores are watching staffing carefully, but discount retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart are good prospects for holiday employment, according to one expert.
The New York Times has the full story. |
Retailers already creating Black Friday buzz
National retailers are planning big discounts on Black Friday to attract cash-strapped holiday shoppers, according to sales information leaked on the Internet. Sears released a statement last week saying the company knew its Black Friday specials -- which could include deep discounts on home appliances -- "are already creating tremendous buzz online" and encouraged consumers to watch for more deals.
CNNMoney.com has the full story.
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Retail 2 Retail
Stop by, network and grab a bit to eat after you vote! 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday,
November 4
Marco's Pizza
3322 W Mercury Blvd
Hampton, VA 23666
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. |
Americans Will Be Thrifty This Holiday Season, Survey Shows
A recent Information Resources survey of 1,000 consumers suggests that holiday spending this year will be consistent with last year's levels, but there are many signs that Americans are planning more frugal holiday celebrations than last year. Almost twice as many respondents said they will be spending less on their holiday menus this year versus last year, and 91% said private-label products will be on the dining table.
Advertising Age has the full story.
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Debit Cards Gain Ground Over Credit
Consumers are increasingly using debit cards instead of credit cards in an effort to stick to tight budgets during the economic downturn. Debit purchases are likely to rise 13% in 2008 and hit $1.2 trillion, according to research.
BusinessWeek has the full story.
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