Black Friday Shoppers Stomp, Kill Wal-Mart Worker

Stores Trying to Believe Holidays Will Provide Jolt

New Yorkers and tourists begin their assent on Macy's in Herald Square in Manhattan as they hope to snatch up deals during what's become a bad economy. (Photo by Lindsay Andrus)

Bad Economy Doesn't Keep Shoppers Out of Stores

Holiday shoppers visit Macy's on 34th Street and 7th Avenue in Manhattan to pick up holiday gifts despite a weakening economy. (Photo by Lindsay Andrus)

Smellin' Like Roses Despite Sour Economy

Shoppers peruse the perfume counters at Macy's in Manhattan to finish up the last of their Christmas shopping. (Photo by Lindsay Andrus)

Holiday Shopping and the Economy: Toys 2008

By Lindsay Andrus

This holiday season the strain on the economy may be effecting sales and how much people are spending this year on gifts, but the one thing shoppers probably won’t skimp on are toys for their children. 

Gerald Storch, CEO of Toys ‘R Us, told BusinessWeek this November “we believe that in good times and bad the last thing parents will cut back from their budget is the Christmas present for their child. There's a lot of research and history behind that statement. We had a very good holiday season last year when much of retailing had a bad season.”  

At the American International toy fair this February the major theme was “play value.” Technology isn’t only for adults. 

There are child friendly cell phones and computer games, even for those as young as 6-months-old.  The top three most popular toys this year, according to a number of market research firms and Web sites, are in conjunction with this technological, interactive, “play value” theme. 

The no. 1 most popular toy this year is Fischer Price’s “Elmo Live.” 

Much more advanced than its predecessor, “Tickle Me Elmo,” the new “Elmo Live” opens and closes his mouth as he speaks to the children while he reads and tells jokes.

Kids can watch “Elmo Live” laugh and speak by tickling him or squeezing his feet or belly.  “Elmo Live” is selling fast and many stores are sold out.  Many people are selling “Elmo Live” on EBay for much higher than its worth due to the demand of the toy.

The second most popular toy for children this season is Hasbro’s Buscuit, “My Lovin’ Pup.”  This life-like toy dog sits, begs, barks and chews his bone all on voice recognition commands. 

The interactive puppy also whimpers when asked if he wants a treat and lifts his paw to shake your hand.  This toy is sold out in many stores, but still available on Amazon.com and on the Toys ‘R Us Web site.

Digital cameras may be too fragile for most little tykes, so Fischer Price came up with one to handle their toughness to sustain the falls and beatings that regular digital cameras can’t endure. 

The kid-friendly camera has a rubber casing and can survive drowning in water for 30 minutes.  This toy is more expensive than the others but it is easier to find and not sold out in as many stores as the other top toys of the season. 

Happy Holidays and happy toy hunting. 

Mom and Pop: Spend More Green to Put Us in Red

By Christine Hetzel

U.S. retailers credit the holiday shopping season with up to 40 percent of their annual revenue, but with the economic quandary the country faces, getting back into the black is harder than ever.

According to SpendingPulse, a service provided by MasterCard Advisors, which tracks consumer spending in a range of categories, there was a 22.9 percent decline in apparel retailers, while electronics sales are down 22.3 percent in comparison to last year and luxury sales fell 34.5 percent.

It’s easy to see how the economic downturn is affecting large retailers and big name chains, but analysts find it hard to predict what will happen to small retailers on the street corners.

Mom and pop stores are known to add character to neighborhoods, but their dependency on holiday shopping raises some concern over their welfare and future.

“Most of the year is pretty slow,” said John McGuinness, owner of The McGuinness Irish Gift Shop in Brooklyn. “We definitely depend on holidays to bring in money.”

The biggest concern for small business owners seems to be the impact the media has on holiday shopping.

“You hear all this doom and gloom, and it makes you wonder who’s going to be buying anything,” said McGuinness.

However, if there is ever a time of year for hope, this may be it.

“People are still going to shop though,” said McGuinness. “They’re still going to spend their money somewhere, and for us it’s the last week before Christmas that we’re counting on. That’s when we see our biggest sales, so I’m not too worried right now.”

Ski into the New Year

So unless you live in New Hampshire or North Dakota, you really haven't seen the snow yet.

(If your reading this in New Hampshire, I'm glad you finally have power. For the Dakotas, pull that space heater a little closer, will ya?)

For the rest of us, if you're thinking about an inexpensive family -- or single -- vacation to go on after the holidays, look no farther north than Vermont. A round trip flight on JetBlue to the mountainous region runs about $160. Quicker than trucking up one of the major Interstates and you don't have to worry about the moose crossing signs.

While maintaining some of your hotel dignity, you can stay in a Doubletree for $90 a night. Not a bad deal considering the brand. Or if you enjoy the college scene -- and all know what those Vermont collegians like to do on the weekends -- the La Quinta runs about $10 cheaper a night.

Some of the closest trails sit just two miles away overlooking Lake Champlain -- he was some French dude, right?

Vegas Baby!

If someone’s ever sat in front of ESPN for hours drooling over the World Series of Poker, now is the chance to live the dream and fly to the strip.

Between now and Jan. 5, 2009, poker enthusiasts – and other casino hounds – can book a room at the Stratosphere for two nights and feel just $70 lighter. $70 for two nights in Vegas. It’s a dream.

The room may not come with a wet bar and six bedrooms, but the king size bed and a view should do.

The hotel has a casino – obviously, this is Vegas after all – and several clubs inside. And for thrill seekers, check out the rides.

Now, the airfare may sound expensive at $260, but think about it as $330 for two nights in Sin City, U.S.A. It’s the perfect way to flush the holiday-with-the-in-laws stress.

Economic Woes Cut into Holiday Budgets

We Can All Use Some Tips...

The economy is making us all tighten up on our spending, but that doesn't mean that we can't enjoy the Holidays.

In order to survive the season with cheer, and money, left over is easy. Here are a few tips and suggestions:

1. If you're used to buying a lot of gifts for a lot of people, think about making it a Secret Santa this year between family, friends, or coworkers. Each person can pick a name and just buy one gift for one person. Everyone gets something and the fun of finding out who got you is great.

2. When purchasing expensive items, do your homework. Research online where it's the cheapest and make sure to get there early to buy it. Lines may be a hassle, but it's worth the saved cash. Also, after you buy it, keep an eye out if it goes on sale cheaper...if so, return and re-buy.

3. Don't be afraid of buy one get one sales. Two sweaters for the price of one? Awesome. When is your dad going to ever meet your boss anyway?

4. Don't go overboard with decorating this year. Do you really have to put lights on everything? Save yourself the time, energy, strained back, and bills.

5. Be careful with those credit cards. I know reward points are tempting. It's like a gold star from your math teacher, but it tricks a lot of people into overspending. Know your limits, make a list, check it twice, and stick to it.

There you go, I hope that was helpful. There are many ways to save money during the Holidays, post some of yours as well.

A Very GREEN Christmas

While your giving out gifts anyway, why not give one to the environment? Your presents alone could inspire others to do the same, or at least live a little bit greener.

Here are some interesting, eco-friendly gift ideas, that will not only benefit the earth, but won't cost you too much either:


1. Solar charger for cell phones
2. Record Label Coasters
3. Recyclable and energy efficient I-pod speakers and dock
4. Auto parts chess set
5. Earthopoly Board Game

Just a few ideas, but if you're feeling inspired there's tons out there. Just google "green gifts" and you'll be bombarded with endless suggestions.

I-pods for Everyone!

Remember when everyone wanted a Tickle Me Elmo? Yeah, me neither.

The simple days of characters with extreme cases of the shakes are over. It seems children are no longer distracted by muppets, or sesame's streets, or even Mr. Roger's compulsively changing his cardigans or shoes.

Instead, it is the era of the i-pod. And just in case you haven't noticed, those things are pricey. On top of the expense is the sad knowledge that your young child, niece, nephew, brother, or sister will use this equipment to download Hannah Montana tracks, or this decade's Hanson, the Jonas Brothers.

Since we can only focus on a limited amount of depressing thoughts at one time, I thought I'd try and help you with at least one problem...the cost.

Searching on the web, it seems the current rate for i-pods is pretty uniform everywhere. However, amazon.com seems to have slightly lower prices. None of the items are used, but there probably will be a shipping fee, unless you qualify for super saver shipping ($25 or more of Amazon sold merhcandise).

The average savings is $10 to $15 cheaper. Not much, but enough to buy some earplugs...I swear to you, if I have to hear "Lovebug" one more time...

The Perfect Gift...Everytime

Who doesn't want to give the best gifts? It seems hard, but when in doubt, ask someone else...or at least their website.

Gifts.com is a great resource for finding that perfect gift this season (or any.) Not only can you browse some pretty unique gifts, but you can shop based on personality. Just answer a few questions about the intended recipient and they will use your answers to recommend the perfect gift.

From "The Devoted Dad," and "The Guy's Guy," to "The Geek," or "The Metro Man," their suggestions will lead you in the right direction. Some of the women's personalities include "The Domestic Diva," "The Hipster," and "The Urban Sophisticate."

With options for youth and senior personalities as well.

If the countless pages of suggestions weren't enough, then the icing on the cake would have to be that gifts.com does not sell these items itself. Instead, it tells you where to find them...for the best price. Let me sum that up for you, best gift + best price = the holiday shopper's dream.

The Gift that Definitely Keeps Giving

I know the Holidays are a time for cheer, love, peace, happiness, etc. etc. However, if you know someone who is dealing with a not-so-friendly break-up this season, I highly recommend this gift.

The Ex-Knife 5-piece Stainless Steel Cutlery set comes in red, black, and silver. Ranging in price from $69.99 to 99.99, it's a guaranteed great gift.

Anyone jaded this time of year will find pleasure in ramming the 8-inch carving knife straight through the holder's heart after cleaning up Christmas dinner. For those who find the heart too cliche, there's also plenty of room for stomach wounds, kneecapping, a playful stab to the thigh, or the always delightful steel-through-skull approach.

If the price turns you off, just remember it's cheaper than therapy, not to mention reuseable. Also, a great conversation starter for your next dinner party. I would, however, recommend putting it away before bringing home your next date. Don't want to scare them off too early...

Plus, how often can you stab someone without sirens blasting down your street? Hardly ever...