Season’s Gettings

As Christmas 2008 approaches, watch the retailers. This is the year when the gloves come off and the white of the knuckles become apparent. Whether it’s a high-end specialty store, or a discount department store, expect to see retailers try anything to get customers this year.

• Sales Sales Sales – even the newest merchandise will hit the shelves at a discount
• Perks – look for retailers to add customer service extras like gift wrapping, bonus buys, special events…
• Internet usage- with the demise of direct mail, and the expense of catalogs, retailers and specialty stores will be focusing on email marketing, online only discounts, and free shipping.  The quick-change ability of the internet makes the medium ideal for reacting to competitors, late trend development, consumer preferences and overstocks
• Huge inventory – because retailers didn’t see the economic downturn coming, they ordered for a typical season. This means the selection will be incredible, and the prices too.

Bottom line, this year is a year to watch the marketing efforts of stores nationwide. Look for highs and lows, keep up on the news, and hold off on shopping until Black Friday or later, you’ll likely be able to scoop up incredible buys. After Christmas, buy big, because you can bet on inventory reduction sales below cost, and you won’t see future inventories or selection anywhere near what we’ve seen in the past.