Forbes Predicts Gloomy Christmas for Retailers
Wall Street’s bloodbath is coming just in time for Christmas. That means little holiday cheer this year, as office parties are slashed and shoppers skimp on gifts at the greatest rate in 17 years.
Holiday sales for 2008 are expected to grow an anemic 1.5% from 2007, according to the latest projections from TNS Retail Forward, a market research firm that specializes in retail.
That would make the upcoming holiday shopping season the worst since 1991, a period when the economy was slowly emerging from a recession. Even the 2001 Christmas season, coming on the heels of the Sept. 11 attacks and a general slowdown that followed the bursting of the Internet bubble, saw a 2.2% gain in sales growth from the previous year.
Colbert’s Christmas Special Adds Toby Keith and Willie Nelson
Toby Keith and Willie Nelson will be a part of Stephen Colbert’s holiday special this year. A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! will air Nov. 23 on Comedy Central. Most of the songs were written by Daily Show executive producer David Javerbaum and Fountains of Wayne bassist Adam Schlesinger. Colbert and Nelson will perform “Little Dealer Boy.” Other musical guests include John Legend, Elvis Costello and Feist. Jon Stewart also appears for a duet with Colbert on “Hanukkah.” A DVD of the special will be released on Nov. 25, with proceeds benefiting Feed America.
ClausNet.com Celebrates Anniversary
ClausNET, The Santa Claus Network, is celebrating its one-year anniversary this September by launching its newly redesigned website.
The ClausNET.com website went through a redesign that includes a revamped navigation and many new sections, features, and services. The enhanced community portal specifically designed for men and women who portray Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, provides users comprehensive access to Santa Claus related resources, news, information, educational tutorials, marketing, and promotional tips.
“We have been working on theses enhancements for a few months now in preparation of our 1-year anniversary”, explains Michael Rielly, Owner and CCO — Chief Christmas Officer — of ClausNET.com. “We are thrilled to get it completed in time for Christmas 2008.”
Since its launch in 2007, ClausNET’s membership has grown exponentially from 10 members in September 2007 to over 350 men and women who faithfully portray Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
“ClausNET has become the web’s premier site for Santa, Mrs. Claus and helpers to share information and create friendships. The community of members is a wealth of knowledge in its own right.”, said, Phillip L. Wenz, a premier professional Santa Claus and the Director of the Mystic Order of Traditional Santas (MOTS), “Our members at the Mystic Order of Traditional Santas are always encouraged to join the ClausNET community. We work hand in hand with ClausNET.com and the membership to help Santas at all levels to perfect their craft.”
About ClausNET
Launched in 2007, ClausNET is the premier Santa Claus community for men and women dedicated to the faithful portrayal of Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Elves, and all others who devote their time to bringing the magic of Christmas to children and adults throughout the world!
ClausNET.com is the Internet’s largest resource for Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Elves for the purposes of sharing stories, advice, news, and information. Most importantly, ClausNET brings people together to build friendships that help spread happiness to the true believers of Santa Claus – the child inside of us.
