Retail News Insider

It’s a familiar feeling: that mix of excitement and anxiety that has you sitting on the edge of your chair come Christmas morning. We’re not just talking about the little ones waiting to open their gifts from Santa. That’s also the scene that plays out for most retailers each holiday season. From whether sales will be up or down over last year, to what factors will have the greatest influence on purchasing decisions, to which trends will signal the biggest changes for the coming year—there’s a lot at play this holiday season.

The holiday season has officially begun! Party plans are under way, holiday tunes are in the air and shoppers are out in force, searching high and low for the perfect presents and treats. The good news for Sales Advisors is that a recent National Retail Federation survey showed that over 50 percent of consumers plan to scope out grocery stores for gifts and supplies this holiday season. That means the opportunity is ripe to step up as a helpful elf for your customers this year—and reap the benefits of increased sales in the process.

It’s true that events take on a different feel during this time of year. But many holiday selling strategies can actually teach us a lot about successful selling throughout the year. This month, five-year veteran Sales Advisor David Jordan gives us his tips for the holiday season—and beyond.

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are already upon us and 2014 is right around the corner! 2013 has been a busy and productive year for all of us at Interactions. We’ve welcomed some great new additions to our retail team in recent months, including Jerry Slater, the new Vice President of our Meijer […]

Fruit may be helping U.S. consumers keep their weight in check. Fruit’s rise to become the second most popular food item over the last decade—surpassing milk and soda—has corresponded to a leveling in American obesity levels for the first time in more than a decade . –The NPD Group The use of healthier, plant-based fats […]

1920 The year chocolate gelt, now a Hanukkah staple, was introduced 62% The percentage of people who plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home 7 The number of years it takes to grow the average Christmas tree 16.5 Billion The approximate number of holiday cards and packages mailed each year

Adapted from AllRecipes.com Warm up from the inside out with this festive, grown-up spin on an old winter favorite. INGREDIENTS: 1 oz. coffee flavored liqueur 1 oz. peppermint schnapps 6 oz. boiling water 1 (1 oz.) envelope instant hot chocolate mix whipped cream, for garnish shaved semisweet chocolate, for garnish DIRECTIONS: In a large mug, […]