Some online retailers have launched a new link on their sites this season to help those still confused about what to get their mom or spouse for the holidays. Click, answer a series of questions, and the “gift finder” will do the shopping for you – or at least narrow your choices.
At online closeout retailer Overstock.com, the gift finder asks shoppers to name the occasion, the recipient’s age, your relationship and the recipient’s interests. Target.com’s gift finder lets shoppers browse by occasion or by price. Yahoo! Shopping has its own gift finder – called “gift-ology” – that groups gifts for a “workaholic woman,” a “sports junkie” and other personality-specific labels.
The “shop by personality” gift finder on Gifts.com has become one of the Web site’s top five sections in the month since it was launched, said Leigh Zarelli, vice president of Gifts.com merchandising. The personality profiler asks four or five questions and then brands the person a “braniac,” “adventurer” or a “guy’s guy,” for example. A page of suggested gifts pops up at the end.
The classic sweater
This year, consumers are turning back to an old classic – with a new look.
Sweater sales are expected to be up 8 percent over last year, and holiday sales are likely to drive the growth, said Marshal Cohen, chief analyst with research agency NPD Group Inc. That compares with a modest 3 percent sales gain in 2005 over 2004.
Traditional gifts such as sweaters are back in vogue this holiday season, after recently falling out of fashion because of new gadgets such as iPod music players and digital cameras in past seasons, Cohen said.
New fashions are also driving sweater sales, Cohen said. This season, it’s all about color options and new styles, including layered looks and long silhouettes for women.
Sweet somethings
Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses or a sour-apple candy cane from FAO Schwarz are just some of the many candy offerings available to shoppers this year. Retailers and manufacturers say candy sales have been brisk this winter, the third largest candy sales season behind Valentine’s Day and Halloween.
FAO Schwarz chief executive Ed Schmults said December sales are growing even faster than November’s 30 percent sales pace.
The retailer has expanded its candy offerings this year. Traditional style hand-dipped candy, such as Elegant Gourmet’s thick sour-apple candy cane and its oversize lollipops in candy cane colors have been big sellers. Another big hit is a Pelican Bay Ltd. gingerbread cookie mix kit that includes a gingerbread cookie cutter.
Candy maker and retailer Dylan’s Candy Bar also offers a gingerbread kit.
“Our gingerbread house kit is always a hit every year,” said buyer Dana Rodio.
The Associated Press offers this weekly holiday notebook of shopping ideas and tips.
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