Nov. 23, 2009
Consumers to shop online, give board games
As retailers brace for a ho-hum holiday season, many are already offering their Black Friday deep discounts. But just what might consumers be after this year? Brand and customer expert V. Kumar, professor of marketing at Georgia State University, predicts more shoppers will head to the Internet. "We're going to see a big jump in Internet sales," he says, adding that stores have limited stock on their shelves. Consumers also will be buying more board games. "They will buy more family gifts," he says. Other trends Kumar predicts include the postponement of holiday destination vacations, due to higher airfares. He also notes that there's no real blockbuster movie this season. "People will go out to eat rather than spend money on movies," he says, adding that they'll watch more television. For more perspective on the consumer mindset this holiday season, contact Kumar at 832-723-1604 or vk@gsu.edu.
Strategies to beat the holiday battle of the bulge
It's the holidays, and from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, temptation lurks behind every corner, from grandma's bounteous feast to holiday parties loaded with calories and fat. Georgia State's Christine Rosenbloom, professor of nutrition, has a few suggestions to survive holiday eating. "To start, never go to a party on an empty stomach," she said. "Eat a breakfast everyday to keep hunger at bay and eat a light snack before heading out to a party. A small snack with protein and carbohydrates will help curb your appetite." Rosenbloom also suggests limiting alcohol consumption, evaluating all of your options at a buffet before loading your plate, and eating away from the table. But don't limit yourself to some treats. "Enjoy the foods that are special to the holidays and skip the ordinary," she said. "Why waste calories on chocolate chip cookies when your sister-in-law's homemade baklava is a once-a-year treat?" To speak with Rosenbloom, who is also available to address food safety issues, contact Jeremy Craig at 404-413-1357 or jcraig@gsu.edu.
Shell shocked consumers expect deals
Shoppers hit hard by the recession will be hitting stores expecting deals this holiday season, says Georgia State University economist Rajeev Dhawan. But will shoppers find deals? Retailers better make it look like they're giving them one, he says. "People are pretty savvy and want deals," Dhawan says. "But no retailer wants to get stuck with unsold inventory." Beyond the holiday season, Dhawan says in his latest economic forecast that the current recovery will be slow and drawn out through 2011 and beyond. To speak with Dhawan about the economy and the holiday season, please contact him at 404-867-2286 or rdhawan@gsu.edu.
Small retailers optimistic
Despite the grim sales forecasts for the holidays, mom-and-pop retailers are holding out hope that the shopping season will be better than last year, says Greg Henley, professor of entrepreneurship at Georgia State. "While no one knows how the season will turn out," he says, "they're more optimistic." The credit crunch will still hamper some, but more funding is available, compared with last year, he added. It's a bit of a "brighter outlook" for the smaller retailers, he said. To speak with Henley during the holiday season, please contact him at 813-503-3365 or ghenley@gsu.edu.
Happenings at Georgia State University
GSU School of Music presents the Gala Holiday Concert
Sure to warm the heart of even the crankiest Scrooge in the family, the Georgia State University School of Music's 12th annual Gala Holiday Concert will offer two performances, 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Rialto Center for the Arts. The concert will feature more than 200 student and faculty musicians as part of a university-wide celebration of the season. Conductor Michael Palmer, GSU associate professor, and others will lead soloists and members of the university symphony orchestra, choral, brass, and percussion ensembles in an internationally-themed holiday mix. Tickets prices are $22, $32 and $48. GSU student tickets are half price with Panther ID. For more information, contact 404-413-9TIX or www.rialtocenter.org.
Pour some iron for the holidays
Georgia State University's Holiday Iron Pour, an annual celebration of the art form of fire and molten metal, will be held from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the Edgewood Sculpture Studio, 184 Edgewood Ave., and will include live music, food and a silent auction. Attendees can make a scratch mold and create an iron souvenir to take home. The costs are $10 for a small scratch mold, $15 for a medium and $25 for the molds. A $5 donation for the party is encouraged. This year's event is significant because GSU Regents Professor George Beasley, creator of the Iron Pour, is retiring. For more information on the Iron Pour, contact Liz Babiarz at lbabiarz@gsu.edu or 404-413-1356.