Economic expert explains why Halloween has already invaded retail stores

Bewildering as the premature arrival of Halloween merchandise might seem, the impetus for retailers to get the jump on a holiday can be readily explained as simple economic behavior. Jadrian Wooten, a Virginia Tech professor of economics, explained what drives these early holiday displays.

Gen Z Shoppers Likely Driving Some Small Business Shopping Trends

While the numbers aren’t in just yet on how many people supported small businesses over the holiday weekend, a pre-holiday survey from Bankrate predicted more consumers were planning to shop on Small Business Saturday than on Black Friday. If you would…

What You Should Know About Holiday Shopping

Rutgers experts provide insight on ways to save money while focusing on holiday cheer With Black Friday and Cyber Monday upon us, Rutgers experts weigh in on the holiday retail season. What should consumers do over the next month to know they…

How Much Will Inflation Really Influence Spending This Holiday Season?

Almost everything is more expensive these days: Gas prices have reached record highs. Grocery prices are through the roof. And as we approach the holiday season, all that inflation leaves little money for extras like entertainment, travel, or shopping — or does it?  For the scoop on how inflation will influence the holidays, we checked in with UNLV hospitality professor, tourism researcher, and consumer behavior expert Amanda Belarmino.

URI supply chain management professors talk turkey about holiday supply chain disruptions

KINGSTON, R.I. – Nov. 1, 2021 – This holiday season, consumers will again face product shortages and shipping delays as they try to stock their cupboards for Thanksgiving and fill their closets with holiday gifts, say three supply chain management professors in the University of Rhode Island’s College of Business.While this is the second holiday season since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of empty store shelves may be even worse than last year.

Q&A: What’s in store for retailers during a pandemic holiday season?

The 2020 holiday season, much like the majority of the year, will be like none other before. But what does this mean for retailers? Simone Peinkofer, assistant professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business, discusses what holiday consumerism may look like for consumers and retailers alike.

Small Business Saturday has a real impact on your local economy, expert says

With ecommerce and access to national chains, small businesses can be forgotten during the holiday shopping season. By shopping small on Small Business Saturday, you can make a real impact on your local community, according to Rochelle Layman, regional director of Binghamton University’s…