Who Is Going to Win This Holiday Season?

As the holiday season approaches, with customers making purchasing decisions based on their social media feeds and when “free two-day shipping” is the norm, both pure-play and brick and mortar retailers must be prepared to meet high customer expectations.

Despite the “Retail House-is-Falling” headlines, consumer spending is projected to increase 3.5 percent this year. With festivities around the corner, the season will usher in more than tinsel and lights — it will bring more customers to stores. So, what is key to being a “winner” in this competitive environment?

In this edition of “Retail & Consumer: Act Now,” A&M Senior Director Kristin Kohler Burrows, Manager Jana Gold and Managing Director Michael Simoncic examine the five types of retailers that are poised to have a profitable holiday season as well as what best practices each is leveraging on their way to the bank.