Readers Respond: Here Comes Santa Claus
Home improvement retailers all over the country have cleared out Halloween merchandise and are setting up displays of Christmas trees and holiday lawn ornaments, among other things. Lowe's advanced Black Friday-like sales into the first of November. Of course, independents are getting in on the festivities, too.
For mass retailers, the name "Black Friday" is derived from the kind of sales that push the business into the black. Spring is the biggest selling season for home improvement, but home centers and hardware stores have shown increased sophistication when it comes to seasonal merchandising -- especially Christmas season.
This week's HBSDealer poll question asks: Compared to recent years, how would you describe your emphasis on Christmas and holiday sales this season?
With more than 80 votes rendered, here are the results:
• Same as always; 50%
• Increased emphasis; 29%
• Decreased emphasis; 21%
The poll question remains active on the right side of this page (or scroll down your mobile device). We invite your extended comments on holiday sales strategy and timing. Share with us here.
For mass retailers, the name "Black Friday" is derived from the kind of sales that push the business into the black. Spring is the biggest selling season for home improvement, but home centers and hardware stores have shown increased sophistication when it comes to seasonal merchandising -- especially Christmas season.
This week's HBSDealer poll question asks: Compared to recent years, how would you describe your emphasis on Christmas and holiday sales this season?
With more than 80 votes rendered, here are the results:
• Same as always; 50%
• Increased emphasis; 29%
• Decreased emphasis; 21%
The poll question remains active on the right side of this page (or scroll down your mobile device). We invite your extended comments on holiday sales strategy and timing. Share with us here.