What can we expect from our retailers who are trying to exceed their 2009 targets while we try to keep to our budgets within reason moving into this holiday season. The impact on sales is projected to be in an upward swing compared to last years lose during the 4th quarter. Technology will play a big part this final push with a projected 4% sales increase compared to last years 4% decrease. (link 1, link 2)

Last year Circuit City was one of the top places to purchase technology along with Best Buy. Who will fill this gap this year and what will be the top products in technology be? Thinking RadioShack or Rent-A-Center might finally get a little recognition for their part in technology. Can RadioShack keep up with unit amounts need to get this recognition like the big box retailers? Or will they take a step back to allow someone else such as Target.

RadioShack was one of the 1st to launch the Netbook for ATT and Sprint but one of the last to get the word out. However it looks like RadioShack is going to focus on Telecommunications, Netbooks, GPS, Cameras, and accessories when you see their ads and visit their stores. RadioShack tends to go for the reoccurring revenue or immediate profit products.

What this means is stock holders should be happy this holiday season and customers can find less expensive accessories for those big box items as RadioShack doesn’t have to off set the cost to carry those bigger products. RadioShack, Rent-A-Center, Aarons, are all a great kept secret when it comes to avoid long lines for cool technology and great prices even on Blackfriday. And lets not forget there are other ways to have a great holiday season visiting stores like Rent-A-Center. Rent-A-Center will help you get that perfect gift without having to worry about credit.

Overall the retail industry saw about a 2% drop in overall sales this year some are projecting 1 to 2% growth over last year. To me this doesn’t sound like a huge win. Sounds we might be back to normal. (check out this link for more information) While others show a few markets are picking up, inflation is holding, and unemployment is norming out at new high, and the dow is up (faster than expected). With all this said it will be interesting to see who will be right and who will be off the mark. Unlike last year we knew where sales were going compared to this year. So lets have some fun and hope retail has learned from last year to be PROACTIVE before the holiday. (check out this link from MSN)

Here are just a few of the blackfriday sights for you to check your list against to see how you can save during these confusing times for analysts.

http://www.blackfriday.info/ http://www.theblackfriday.com/

Trackback URI | Comments RSS