2011, Retail and Thanksgiving

Well, it is the week of Thanksgiving and 2011 has been a challenging year for many retailers.  Sears continues to post poor results and "dollar" stores continue to attract the bargain shoppers looking to work within their new budgets.  As a whole though, retail sales have been steady as we work ourselves out of this recession.  Unemployment continues to be high at 9% and the effects of Europe's financial mess plagues the news daily.   Housing prices continue to fall causing more loans to go negative.  This could result in additional "walk aways" as families abandon their homes instead of paying on upside down mortgages.  

Enough negative comments....the recession has pushed more people to take control of their finances and establish their own businesses instead of relying on a corporation.  The internet continues to adjust business models thus reducing the pricing to the consumer.  People who could not afford a home 4 years ago are now being offered low rates and reduced prices. 

So with that said, here are some interesting facts about Thanksgiving.  Enjoy 

*  The pilgrims arrived in1620 and only half survived. 
*  The alcohol beverage of choice was beer.
*  First feast included 90 Indians. 
*  Like Woodstock the feast lasted 3 days.
*  In 1941 Congress declared the day an official holiday.
*  Scientist estimate that turkeys have been around for over 10 million years.
*  Corn is associated with Thanksgiving but, it has only been around for 7,000 years.
*  Largest recorded turkey weighed 86 pounds.

As a final comment, the term Black Friday has taken a new meaning, Black Weekend.  More and more retailers are stretching those sales into Thursday.  Sorry for those that have to leave the house to open the doors after a thanksgiving meal.  No one said retail was easy.
Steve

LPDT, LLC offers the only E-Learning training for Retail Loss Prevention at www.LossPreventionAcademy.com. In addition,we offer a FREE job and resume posting board for Loss Prevention at www.LPjobsFREE.com. Check out our awareness posters for shortage and safety at www.LPPosters.com. You can follow us on Twitter under LPACADEMYcom and Facebook under Loss Prevention Academy.