Scott Krugman
Scott Krugman
beginning consumer consumers create domestic economy good great gross holiday means next season since spending year
A good holiday season means great things for the economy since consumer spending makes up two-thirds of the gross domestic product, It could create something of a slowdown in the beginning of next year if consumers are really splurging right now.
biggest bit counting event holiday january lull month niche season second
It's not a niche holiday by any stretch. It's the first big event after the (winter) holiday season. January is a bit of a lull month for the industry. Not counting back-to-school, Valentine's Day is the second biggest season for spending.
amount apparel definitely fall message planned push question retailers strategic timing
The retailers want to make a big push for fall apparel this year. That's definitely a fact. There's a very strategic message here. This is well planned out in advance. The question isn't so much the timing of the markdowns as it is the amount of inventory.
amount apparel definitely fall message planned push question retailers strategic timing
The retailers want to make a big push for fall apparel this year, ... That's definitely a fact. There's a very strategic message here. This is well planned out in advance. The question isn't so much the timing of the markdowns as it is the amount of inventory.
account busy consumer gift holiday middle percent proved resilient week
The consumer has proved more resilient than many thought. We're still in the middle of a very busy week that can account for 10 to 15 percent of holiday sales, especially with all the unredeemed gift cards. It's not over yet.
budgets consumers early fraction gotten home improvement people projects putting shopping small supplement
It's way too early to actually tell its impact. Such a small fraction of consumers have gotten them. People will use them to supplement back-to-school shopping budgets and home improvement projects people have been putting off.
active aside change consumer cuts government helped layoffs might near putting rate recent skirt tax tomorrow
We might skirt near a recession, and this could change tomorrow ... but layoffs aside for a second, there are some positives. The government is being very active by putting liquidity back into the economy, and recent tax rebates and cuts in the tax rate have helped consumer confidence.
compare considered difficult
Earlier, we were considered optimistic, but it's difficult to compare all the numbers.
affect came costs gas higher holiday impact mostly price prices pump since
While the price of gas didn't have an impact on the holiday season, mostly since prices at the pump came down, this is not to say higher heating costs won't affect post-holiday spending.
boost capture consumers distracted impact provide short spending term
Saddam's capture could provide a psychological boost to consumers who have been distracted by geopolitical uncertainly. However, in the short term it will have a negligible impact on spending trends,
cards factors gift holiday last late playing role season
There are two factors over last year: Gift cards are playing more of a role in the holiday season and the fact that we have such a late Hanukkah this year.
good great holiday season turn
It's enough to turn a good holiday season into a great one.
optimistic tracking
It's tracking very strong. We feel very optimistic about this season.
black friday
This is the most promotional Black Friday we have seen.