Holiday sales increased 5% over last year, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse report, marking the largest year-over-year increase since 2011. Christian Magoon, CEO of Amplify, and Melissa Gonzalez, CEO and Founder of Lion'esque Group, join The Long and The Short to recap retail in 2017 and make predictions for 2018.
According to the Mastercard survey, aggressive promotions early in the holiday season were the main driver for the uptick in retail sales. As for the specific categories that saw growth: sales of electronics and appliances increased by 7.5%, and home furnishings and improvement sales jumped 5%. However, women's apparel was negative over the entire year.
Magoon believes mobile commerce is growing by leaps and bounds, which is a direct result of retail sales going up. This is a white-hot growth opportunity for retailers, as smart devices, faster internet, and more trusted mobile payment technology push mobile sales above desktop or foot-traffic. Gonzalez says that retail stores need to start offering perks to their shoppers to get them in the store. Additionally, aggressive discounts were a main driver this year.
New York State will create a commission tasked with considering reparations to address the persistent, harmful effects of slavery in the state under a bill signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday.
Beyonce fans were convinced the long-awaited Renaissance visuals were going to be dropped Tuesday but on Monday, the singer's website crashed when a rumor of a surprise announcement flooded social media.
George Clooney is closing the door when it comes to potentially donning the bat suit again.
Amazon Prime Video shared the trailer for an upcoming series called 'Expats.'
Netflix released the first look of the movie 'Spaceman,' starring Adam Sandler.
Netflix is looking to expand the mysterious and spooky world of the Addams family. Deadline has confirmed that the streamer is in the early development stages of a 'Wednesday' spinoff.
Christmas is days away and those shipping deadlines are approaching fast. The last day to mail a card or envelope via USPS is Wednesday.
If you're wondering what to get for the person who has everything? Here are a few unique options under $100 that should surprise and delight.
Psychic medium Christopher Allen explains how he understands messages from the spirit world and helps people use that information to better their lives.
The Charcuterie Queen Corrina Cafarelli shares some easy ideas for a holiday board that are sure to please all of your guests.
