NRF: Holiday spending expected to rise slightly

By Kathy Grannis Allen

National Retail Federation

November is here, Starbucks’ red cups are back and the holiday season is well underway. Every year, the National Retail Federation unwraps its holiday spending surveys with fervor, digging until we find the most interesting takeaways for consumers, retailers, the media and other industry aficionados.

Here’s a look ahead at what’s top of mind for us this year, and what retailers can be thinking about when it comes to the $630 billion season ahead.

Holiday spending will be comparable to last year, and that’s good news. Retail sales are expected to rise 3.7 percent and consumers plan to spend an average of $805 on holiday merchandise, similar to the $802 they spent last year. Considering the economic forces at play, retailers are optimistic that we will see healthy holiday gains.

Considerations for retailers: The competition sizzles every holiday season, and though price is still paramount for many holiday shoppers, so are options that save time and provide value. Promotions like a gift card with purchase resonate not only with bargain hunters but also with loyalists, which is why retailers like L.L.Bean have offered this perk in the past. Added value can also take the form of complimentary gift wrapping or “rainchecks” for sold-out items. Target recently announced its holiday marketing plans, which include price-matching and free shipping, as well as an interactive storybook narrated by Neil Patrick Harris and “Wonderpacks” activity kits for kids and their families.

Digital shopping: It’s what’s in store. There’s no question that consumers have become more reliant on digital shopping. Whether it’s “buy online, pick up in store” services or same-day delivery options, consumers have their choice of instant gratification when they shop online. And this season, nearly half (46%) of holiday browsing and buying will take place online, so retailers will benefit from placing those omnichannel offerings front and center both online and in stores.  

- See more at: https://nrf.com/news/goodbye-halloween-hello-holidays#sthash.OUElVFok.dpuf

Considerations for retailers: Retailers that offer omnichannel services should make sure customers know about it — these promotions are a huge hit with consumers young and old. And don’t forget about shipping: 47 percent of holiday shoppers tell NRF they rank free shipping or shipping promotions as a key factor in deciding where to shop during the holiday season. Best Buy got a head start on this idea when the company announced in October it would offer free shipping all holiday season long, and companies like Crate and Barrel promote in-store pickup options on product pages.

THE BIG WEEKEND

The reinvention of the biggest shopping weekend of the year.An estimated 134 million people shopped online and in stores over Thanksgiving weekend last year. While that number seems high, it was actually down from the previous year’s estimated 141 million. NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay noted the shift was a direct result of an improving economy, early holiday promotions and a growing demand for online shopping. What does this mean in terms of the future of the year’s biggest shopping weekend?

- See more at: https://nrf.com/news/goodbye-halloween-hello-holidays#sthash.OUElVFok.dpuf

Considerations for retailers: We know Black Friday isn’t dead, it’s just different. For the millions of Americans who want to shop on the day after Thanksgiving, there won’t be a shortage of online or in-store deals, even if a few retailers take the day off on Black Friday. One thing probably won’t change, and that’s the idea of self-gifting: 77 percent of holiday shoppers bought a non-gift item over the holiday weekend last year, and we’ve already learned that the average shopper this year will spend more on these self-indulgences. Give these shoppers what they want — more ways to find items they don’t have to wrap for anyone else.

MORE TRENDS TO WATCH

I’ve been covering and speaking about holiday trends for NRF for the past 10 years, and can easily say the only thing to expect each year is something new. Here are a few additional trends I’m excited to watch as the season unfolds.

- See more at: https://nrf.com/news/goodbye-halloween-hello-holidays#sthash.OUElVFok.dpuf

Omnichannel Millennials: NRF’s latest survey found 17 percent of 18-24 year olds and 16 percent of 25-34 year olds plan to take advantage of retailers’ same-day delivery options, significantly higher than other age groups. How will the demand for instant gratification hold up against resources to get those products delivered?

Spending on gifts for family members: We already know that “me, myself and I” are on holiday gift lists, but our October consumer survey also found that spending on family members is expected to grow. I’m left wondering what my husband will surprise me with this year!  

The season’s hottest toy: Will Disney’s “Frozen” toys stay on top, or will “Star Wars” emerge as the winner this year? I personally cannot wait to see Harrison Ford in action again as Han Solo.9

Molly Crusen Bishop: Fond memories of Corn Stock; proud of its diversity

The tall, green, curly slide standing tall amidst the trees is my first memory of upper Bradley Park. The next is around age 5, losing one of my cool new Buster Brown shoes with the shark tooth attached on the thick brown shoe string in the sandbox.  I ran around in my cute Garanimals searching for that shoe.  I never did find that shoe. 

But my best memories begin with ushering under Corn Stock Theatre’s magnificent tent with my mom, Joani Crusen. Thursday nights became Joani Crusen and friends night for me, as it was listed in the programs.

Every summer as I grew, every Thursday, every show became something I longed for. Arriving early to stand at your designated ramp to pass out the programs and to guide the guests to their seats was an important job to this little girl.

I went on so many magical adventures in that tent. There was popcorn during intermission after dropping my quarters in the cup for a donation. I loved walking with my bag of popcorn over to the ticket booth to see the pictures of the show’s stars up on the wall. I would see the house lights flash on and off, signaling to the crowd to return to the live music and dancing. I loved seeing the actors’ faces as they made you feel a part of the story.

After the show it was fun talking to the cast and sometimes recognizing the familiar thespians. The conclusion of the night was also fantastic. Should we go to Hunt’s and throw some coins in the bubbling fountain, and eat a tenderloin with ketchup only?  Or should I get the Tiny Tiger Hamburger and a vanilla soda?  We would rotate between Hunt’s on Farmington Road. and Lum’s up on Western.  Lum’s would mean a child size hot fudge sundae and sitting in a special booth. I am sure many Peorians share similar memories.

Into the next couple of decades I had the privilege to see my dearest friend Erica Franken play many roles including Peggy Sawyer in “42^nd Street.”  She auditioned on her 17^th birthday for “42^nd Street” and got the lead.  She was such a young triple threat.  She could act, sing, and dance like nobody’s business, and now runs a successful dance school in her home in Brimfield called The Tap Shack. She is also a professional choreographer for many charity events, including the most recent one for CASA. Anyone who has ever seen her on stage will never forget her or her energy. My favorite role she ever played was a dog in “Sylvia.” She took on the role and lived up to the challenge making you forget a human was panting and peeing over there in the corner. With her long brown hair in side pony tails and kneepads to walk around like a dog, one began to see her as Sylvia the dog.

Moving along the trail of nostalgia, into the 1990s my oldest daughter Amanda (Bishop) Maddalozzo, then 8, caught the acting bug, beginning at Corn Stock Theatre. She auditioned and was then cast as an orphan in “Annie,” with Steve Bertolotti directing. This classic favorite musical was the only time my ailing father saw her on stage.  My Dad, Don Crusen, was a tall and stoic man and my hero in life and he appreciated music. With a twinkle in her eyes and zest in her dancing during “It’s A Hard Knocked Life,” Amanda and the orphans, brought my father to tears with pure joy and pride. Incidentally, Erica’s daughter Toni played little Molly. Years later my younger daughter Maggie Bishop followed in Amanda’s footsteps in “Music Man” at CST, directed by Peggy Breaux Hupp.

Further along the path Amanda and Maggie encountered a nice young man named Bryan Blanks, and they did many shows together, including “Oliver” at Peoria Players Theater. In 2011 Amanda and Maggie and I were all lucky enough to do “Annie” with Bryan at Peoria Players Theater, directed by Mary Ellen Ulrich.  Bryan played the fun and sleazy role of Rooster. I was in awe of his wonderful crooning and eloquent dancing.                                                                                         

Bryan’s connection to Corn Stock began years earlier after auditioning and then being cast colorblind for a role in “Carousel.” Colorblind casting is when a director chooses to forgo casting per the ethnicity of the part. He said being cast in this role gave him much confidence in the future. “Carousel” was a pivotal show in his life. 

Corn Stock and Peoria Players became Bryan’s second homes for more than a decade. The casts, directors, backstage crews, and choreographers became his second family. Bryan said his favorite place to perform or direct is at CST because of the round theater. The audience is close-up in such an intimate space and he said that forces you to be a better actor, dancer, and singer when the eyes and presence of the audience actually becomes part of the energy of the show.  As a director, he said it pushes you to be more creative and innovative with the cast and props, and thinking outside of the box to get the scenes done in a flowing way.

CST is a wonderful theater and does traditional favorites, as well as taking chances on edgier shows such as “Bare” from last year, and most recently “Heathers,” at the Corn Stock Winter Playhouse.

CST has a mission to promote the arts and also use educational components as part of the process. This theater system has made wonderful memories for thousands of Peorians for almost 63 years. Peoria’s population is drastically different than 20 years ago and Corn Stock Theatre is making some big changes, part of which I will tell you about next.  

Why is “Carousel,” education and promotion of the arts, traditional shows, edgy shows, my nostalgia, Peoria’s diverse population, and Bryan Blanks so important in my little trip down memory lane?

Bryan Blanks has just been elected the first African American president of Corn Stock Theatre. Bryan and others with the workshops, tent, and Winter Playhouse are working to incorporate diversity into the theater. The city of Peoria is blessed that Bryan auditioned for “Carousel” all those years ago. He is part of a push and an energy of forward thinking, planning, and purpose. CST wants to be all inclusive and bring all Peorians together.

Corn Stock Theatre is theater for all Peorians.

“It is happening right before our eyes. CST is embracing diversity on so many levels and seeing consistent shows that call for diverse casting, seeing diverse audiences, and in leadership roles within the organization. In the span of one year we will have seen three African American directors, three African American choreographers, president, and even more African American committee members in leadership,” Bryan said.

Bryan walked into the auditions for this year’s “The Color Purple” and said he had chills up his spine to see and know that more than 80 African Americans auditioned for this show. He said it was astounding every night to see a whole new segment of Peoria’s population attending each and every show throughout the entire run of the show. This show led to more minorities auditioning for even more shows, gaining confidence and trusting in the new consistent push for wanting to keep diversity coming into the theater. 

He mentioned “Once On This Island,” performed as the Corn Stock For Kids fall show, as a multi-ethnic show with “Hair,” “Brigadoon,” and “Grease” using colorblind casting, opening once traditionally white roles to all.  This, he said, opens up even more opportunities for minorities to be included. 

There are many minorities besides Bryan in this vision working equally as hard and bringing their hearts to the table.  “The Color Purple” was co-directed by Sharon Samuels Reed and Molly Burroughs and choreographed by Taunya Jenkins. CST has been involved in the Trewyn School Partnership for the past three and a half years. Pamela Rumba is the School Resource Coordinator for this. There has been a partnership made that was developed in which students from Trewyn School could attend productions at no cost. These students also attended The Corn Stock for Kids summer camp with scholarships given by Corn Stock.

Most of these children are African American. Many went on to be involved on stage in summer shows at the tent, including “The Wiz” in 2013 and “The Color Purple.” Paula and Aleisha Graves are mother and daughter leaders within CST who recently directed and choreographed “Once On This Island.”

The students from Trewyn are grateful for their experience with CST because live theater made a huge impact on them.

In 2013 Bryan Blanks invited the older Trewyn kids to auditon for “The Wiz” and they were cast in a tent show and seamlessly integrated into the theater.  “Corn Stock Theatre is truly becoming an accurate representation of our community as a whole. All walks of Peoria are now being represented,” he said.

He is also forward-thinking and cementing the diversity into the permanent fabric of CST. In the summer of 2016 CST will feature the musical “Memphis,” which has a multi-ethnic cast. Bryan believes educating youth about CST and asking them to participate in live theatre will make them enduring patrons who support the arts. The children will be included long-term as performers, patrons, and feel more of a part of the Peoria theater communities. This in turn will leave our future arts programming in Peoria filled to the brim with diversity.

Corn Stock Theatre has three programs. The tent is in its 63^rd season, the Winter Playhouse in its 38^th and Corn Stock for Kids is in its 18^th season. CST is keeping traditional shows  ̶  classical musicals that we all love  ̶  while doing edgier and modern shows and adding inclusive shows for people from all walks of life. I am proud of Bryan Blanks and I see his hope and big ideas and I see the bigger picture.

Thank you Bryan. 

I have so many heart- warming memories of CST from my childhood. I am thrilled that children from all walks of Peoria life will now share in that nostalgia. There is room on the Peoria theatre carousel for us all.

Cat puts silver lining in latest announcement

Caterpillar Inc. says there is a silver lining in its announcement made late Thursday about more job losses, including the likelihood that Building HH in East Peoria will be closed.

The announcement brings to just over 2,000 the number of jobs to be cut, the company said.

That silver lining, however, is that nearly all of the restructuring to be done in the Peoria region is completed, said Henry Vicary, Caterpillar’s director of community relations. That means the number of jobs eliminated in this region will not be nearly as large as many have anticipated, he said.

While any job cuts are tough to accept, the fact the local restructuring is "90 percent completed, and that’s comforting because a lot of people thought it would be worse,” Vicary said in an interview Friday.

Caterpillar announced Sept. 24 that it would go through a restructuring that would eliminate up to 10,000 more jobs – on top of the 31,000 jobs eliminated the previous three years – and would also consolidate some operations and plants.

That day the company also renewed its commitment to Peoria, even though it said construction of its new headquarters campus in downtown would be delayed.

Since then 1,200 salaried and management personnel in Peoria accepted early retirement offers and the company then eliminated another 260 of those types of jobs while ending another 340 agency positions.

On Thursday, Caterpillar announced it will close its undercarriage components facility in Danville, Kentucky, and shift production to various Caterpillar locations and strategic suppliers. That will affect about 75 jobs, 25 of which will be moved to East Peoria. Components that are now made in Danville go into track-type tractors used in construction and mining.

The company also said Thursday it is contemplating moving some production out of East Peoria and eliminate about 230 jobs, both office and production positions. Those jobs are in the manufacturing of components for mining and construction equipment.

The company is considering moving that production to a combination of suppliers and other Cat facilities. If the company decides to go forward with that – with the decision likely early next year – it would begin in early 2016 and would be complete in late 2018.

If this happens, Caterpillar expects to consolidate various production in East Peoria and close Building HH.

Also announced Thursday is the consolidation of its production at Caterpillar Japan Ltd. Component product development and production now done in its Sagami facility - hydraulic, drivetrain and undercarriage components - will move to Caterpillar's plant in Akashi in addition to other Caterpillar facilities, with some going to outside suppliers. CJL will also move a number of office positions from its Yoga and Sagami offices to the Akashi plant. About 690 employees are expected to be affected, 240 of which will relocate to other locations, including Akashi.

“Caterpillar recognizes these restructuring actions are tough and impact its talented and dedicated workforce. While difficult, the company must continue with these efforts given the market conditions and the need to reduce costs,” the company said.

Vicary said Caterpillar is making these moves “from a position of strength.” While the company’s revenues are down since 2012, Caterpillar is still making quarterly profits and remains number one in the world in the manufacture of earth moving and mining equipment. “It is far better to make these moves from a position of strength than from one of weakness,” he said.

The voluntary retirement program, Vicary said, allowed enough people to retire early that it eased the burden on the company enough that it didn’t have to eliminate as many jobs in the Peoria area. “It’s never easy, whether it’s 260 or one, but it’s a lot better than a thousand. And we were able to do that and will be there to support to the extent we can our great employees who we’ve had to separate,” he said, noting the programs made available to them to help them find new jobs.

“We’re leading with our values and we did everything we could to soften the blow in the Peoria area. We’re vastly on the road to being done in Peoria,” he said.   

Vicary said it was understandable that many business people in the area were concerned how the restructuring would affect the region. But he said the company is in the position to recover quickly when the markets it serves rebound. “That’s further good news for Peoria because as Caterpillar grows, obviously the community grows with it. And that protects the next generation of employees,” he said.

The commitment to the community “is unwavering,” he added. “We hope to be here another 90 years.” However, construction of the new headquarters still is being delayed until recovery starts.

Caterpillar Inc. says there is a silver lining in its announcement made late Thursday about more job losses, including the likelihood that Building HH in East Peoria will be closed.

The announcement brings to just over 2,000 the number of jobs to be cut, the company said.

That silver lining, however, is that nearly all of the restructuring to be done in the Peoria region is completed, said Henry Vicary, Caterpillar’s director of community relations. That means the number of jobs eliminated in this region will not be nearly as large as many have anticipated, he said.

While any job cuts are tough to accept, the fact the local restructuring is nearly completed “and that’s comforting because a lot of people thought it would be worse,” Vicary said in an interview Friday.

Caterpillar announced Sept. 24 that it would go through a restructuring that would eliminate up to 10,000 more jobs – on top of the 31,000 jobs eliminated the previous three years – and would also consolidate some operations and plants.

That day the company also renewed its commitment to Peoria, even though it said construction of its new headquarters campus in downtown would be delayed.

Since then 1,200 salaried and management personnel in Peoria accepted early retirement offers and the company then eliminated another 260 of those types of jobs while ending another 340 agency positions.

On Thursday, Caterpillar announced it will close its undercarriage components facility in Danville, Kentucky, and shift production to various Caterpillar locations and strategic suppliers. That will affect about 75 jobs, 25 of which will be moved to East Peoria. Components that are now made in Danville go into track-type tractors used in construction and mining.

The company also said Thursday it is contemplating moving some production out of East Peoria and eliminate about 230 jobs, both office and production positions. Those jobs are in the manufacturing of components for mining and construction equipment.

The company is considering moving that production to a combination of suppliers and other Cat facilities. If the company decides to go forward with that – with the decision likely early next year – it would begin in early 2016 and would be complete in late 2018.

If this happens, Caterpillar expects to consolidate various production in East Peoria and close Building HH.

Also announced Thursday is the consolidation of its production at Caterpillar Japan Ltd. Component product development and production now done in its Sagami facility - hydraulic, drivetrain and undercarriage components - will move to Caterpillar's plant in Akashi in addition to other Caterpillar facilities, with some going to outside suppliers. CJL will also move a number of office positions from its Yoga and Sagami offices to the Akashi plant. About 690 employees are expected to be affected, 240 of which will relocate to other locations, including Akashi.

“Caterpillar recognizes these restructuring actions are tough and impact its talented and dedicated workforce. While difficult, the company must continue with these efforts given the market conditions and the need to reduce costs,” the company said.

Vicary said Caterpillar is making these moves “from a position of strength.” While the company’s revenues are down since 2012, Caterpillar is still making quarterly profits and remains number one in the world in the manufacture of earth moving and mining equipment. “It is far better to make these moves from a position of strength than from one of weakness,” he said.

The voluntary retirement program, Vicary said, allowed enough people to retire early that it eased the burden on the company enough that it didn’t have to eliminate as many jobs in the Peoria area. “It’s never easy, whether it’s 260 or one, but it’s a lot better than a thousand. And we were able to do that and will be there to support to the extent we can our great employees who we’ve had to separate,” he said, noting the programs made available to them to help them find new jobs.

“We’re leading with our values and we did everything we could to soften the blow in the Peoria area. We’re vastly on the road to being done in Peoria,” he said.  

Vicary said it was understandable that many business people in the area were concerned how the restructuring would affect the region. But he said the company is in the position to recover quickly when the markets it serves rebound. “That’s further good news for Peoria because as Caterpillar grows, obviously the community grows with it. And that protects the next generation of employees,” he said.

The commitment to the community “is unwavering,” he added. “We hope to be here another 90 years.” However, construction of the new headquarters still is being delayed until recovery starts.

Molly Crusen Bishop: Finding success swimming with sharks

More than 100,000 people auditioned for ABC’s hit TV show “Shark Tank”. Only two have ever been asked to come back a second time after an unsuccessful first pitch, and one of them is from Peoria.

He is Dave Alwan and he successfully landed a deal the second time around with billionaire Mark Cuban.

Dave Alwan is the owner of Echo Valley Meats Inc. with his wife Dawn. Dave is the third generation in a family-owned meat business and he and Dawn branched out on their own in 1998. They have been incredibly successful in their ventures. They specialize in mail-order and corporate incentives and also have a retail market. And thanks to their success in e-commerce, they now are the online fulfillment center for several other companies.

Dave has the meat business in his blood. He started cutting meat at the age of 11 and purchased his first farm at age 23 to breed and raise Angus cattle. “I know the meat business from conception to consumption,” he says. 

He even travelled to Germany and Denmark in 2002 to become an expert in the art of making smoked hams and sausages.

Dave and Dawn have a daughter named Jessica and a son, Jordan, to whom they are teaching the business as a fourth generation family member. Their children are their motivation to pursue their success even further. 

In the summer of 2012 Dave decided to fly to Los Angeles and audition for ABC’s hit TV show “Shark Tank.”

He didn’t get the deal the first time around but impressed the “sharks” with his products, genuine enthusiasm, and personality. He believes in positivity and it comes through when he speaks. Dave and Dawn are extremely involved in serving the community and Dave is now a professional motivational speaker, doing venues all over the country, including colleges, corporations, and businesses. His speaking website is DaveAlwanSpeaks.Com.

His attitude is contagious. Even though he didn’t secure a deal in season four, his national airtime helped his company’s online sales to increase more than 600 percent. 

Then, Dave was one of only two people to ever get asked to come back for a second chance on the show, and he pitched his business again in season six.  I am sure his energy and attitude had plenty to do with this.

Dave was given multiple offers this time around. He is the only successful entrepreneur in the show’s history to get a deal the second time around. He secured a deal with billionaire investor Mark Cuban. Cuban made Dave a deal for $150,000 and 25 percent interest in equity in the mail-order division of Echo Valley Meats Inc. The show aired on March 13, 2015.

Dave and his mail order company are now working with something called Google Rewards, which has incentives like airlines do with flying miles. He is also selling his products on QVC. Several weeks ago he went on QVC with several thousand units of his sausage and cheese gift set. Not surprisingly, he sold them all in less than seven minutes. Dave’s energy apparently follows through wherever he goes and whatever he tries.

Dave was featured in a six page article in the international magazine Meat and Poultry and he has been on two other magazine covers. He was all over the place in national news as well. Locally he was on WMBD radio and on HOI-19 Daybreak with Gretchen Wirtz Primeau and Mark Welp.

“I see Echo Valley Meats Inc. being a $30 to $50 million company within five years,” said Dave. 

Dave’s love for his family and community and his business all show loud and clear. His success is extraordinary and is the result of an incredibly positive and passionate attitude. He has followed through on ideas many people have but rarely pursue.

Peoria and Central Illinois are lucky to have companies such as Echo Valley Meats, and Dave and Dawn Alwan deserve to be recognized for their huge success. How often is a man from Peoria on a national hit television show? How often does that man successfully secure a deal with billionaire investor Mark Cuban on the television show? How often does that man become a professional motivational speaker all over the country? Hard work and thinking outside of the box have led him to incredible success.

Congratulations Dave and Echo Valley Meats Inc. I see nothing but even bigger and better things on your path and many more successful endeavors.