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 Friday
Facts - Archives -
Month
of December 2004
Current
Week
December 3, 2004
Holiday shopping season off and running. Weekly email sent to members to gauge results. Member Services: CRMA Global Payments Program announces new rates. Retail News and Notes.
· We realize this is the busy season for so many of you, so this week’s edition of the Friday Facts will be short and to the point.
· Most reports show that the traditional kick off to the holiday shopping season was a mixed bag. Some good, some not so good.
· But as we all know, the holiday shopping season is not a sprint; it is a marathon. The results of the first weekend are important, but it does not end there.
Weekly email sent to members to gauge results:
· Earlier this week, we sent an email to some members asking some straight forward questions regarding how the weekend went.
· We would like to thank the members who responded. The information helps us with the numerous calls that we receive from the press.
· The information is kept in the strictest of confidence and is used as a frame of reference only when we receive press inquires.
· The more information we can review, the better we are at answering press calls. We would encourage any member who wants to review with us how their season is going to give us a call at 860-527-1044.
· If you are interested in receiving our weekly email inquiry please email Cathy in our office at cathy@crmaonline.com
Member Services
· We have good news! Through our partnership with Global Payments we are happy to announce that we have reduced our credit card processing rates. These new rates are available today!
· We understand that everyone is busy at this time of the year but we are available to answer any questions you might have regarding any of your card processing needs. Please call Cathy Peruccio in our office at (860)527-1044 or email her at cathy@crmaonline.com for more information.
· You may not be thinking about your Property Casualty Insurance premium during the holiday season, but just as a reminder we have a great partnership with One Beacon Insurance Co. Please consider contacting Cathy in our office to give her your renewal date for a free, no obligation quote. Call Cathy at (860)527-1044 or email her at cathy@crmaonline.com.
Retail News and Notes
· Black Friday results provide retail optimism
Early results from the National Retail Federation estimate consumers spent $22.8 billion last Friday and Saturday, with 61% of consumers visiting a discount chain and 44% going to department stores. Conversely, slow weekend sales at Wal-Mart caused the retailer to cut its November sales forecast. CNNmoney (11/28), USA TODAY (11/29)
· Online retailers hope for crime-free holiday shopping season
Web retailers are hoping for a strong holiday shopping season, but they are doing so amid growing concerns about identity thefts and other online crimes. Experts say online retailers need to really make sure their Web sites can protect themselves and their customers from crooks aiming to commit online fraud. E-Commerce Times (11/30)
· Hot toys are either high-tech or retro
Cabbage Patch Kids are back in favor, while handheld video electronic devices also are on top of this year's "must-have" toy list. Toys "R" Us is trying to lure customers back from discount retailers with deep price cuts of its own, as well as exclusive offerings. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (11/30)
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