Rising Above

We have been inundated with bad news on the retail front - store closings, bankruptcies, data breaches rounded out with grim forecasts on holiday spending. But from the ashes, bright spots are emerging. So instead of concentrating on the bad - lets talk about what is good right now.

Retailers Moving Forward
According to a recent article in RIS News, these 10 retailers are continuing to grow with ambitious new store opening for the reminder of 2008 and 2009 (click here to read full story). Retailers include:

• Target
• Aeropostale
• The Buckle
• Family Dollar
• RadioShack
• DSW Shoes
• KB Toys
• Tractor Supply
• Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance
• PriceSmart

Layaway Makes a Comeback
Retailers and consumers alike are embracing "Layaway" this holiday season as a way to help people buy gifts without using credit.

According to USA Today, Kmart launched a national campaign last week and the ads proclaim "beat the rush and pay the easy way with Kmart layaway." They mark the first time many shoppers have even heard the phrase, even though the chain has offered the option for decades.

"In the backdrop of this economy, it all of a sudden has a great deal of relevance," said Tom Aiello, a spokesman for the Hoffman Estates-based subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corp.



Consumers won't be spooked this Halloween
A recent survey from NRF says that Halloween spending is actually up from last year (64.5% vs. 58.7%). "Consumers who have been anxious and uncertain for the past several months, may be looking at Halloween as an opportunity to forget the stresses of daily life and just have a little fun," says Tracy Mullin, NRF President and CEO.

So while things may seem a little scary from a retail perspective this Hallo's Eve - good things are happening and change is coming. Have a happy and safe Halloween!