Words About Things

Retailers are concerned about the possibility of a frugal Christmas despite signs of stabalisation on the high street. Some companies reported rises in sales in September after four months of reduced spending. There is still concern however that some stores will be forced to close for good if they do not do well over the holiday period.

The golden quarter has the ability to make or break. The first quarter of next year will see further distress in the retail sector. I think there will be a few [retailers] coming down with the Christmas decorations.

Retail specialist Robin Knight

A recent survey of consumers found that most intended to spend 15% less than last year on Christmas presents. They expect to spend around £267 on presents and £28 on decorations. Food and drink remains a priority however with an average spend of £182.

One of the most well know names on the high street Marks & Spencer have reported an improvement in sales with the three months to September 2009 only seeing a 0.5 percent drop like-for-like sales from last year. Christmas is a very important time for M&S and a good Christmas would help them to end 2009 on a positive note. Last year they used unprecedented sales to try and lure in hesitant shoppers towards the end of November. They are hoping that their Christmas hampers and other gifts will boost this year’s earnings.

1. A bit of peace and quiet.

2. To fall asleep on the sofa.

3. Just to see the family.

4. His two front teeth.

5. Turkish Delight.

As it begins to get colder and the decorations start to go up our thoughts turn to plans for Christmas day. How best to visit everybody (and potentially get Christmas dinner at each house) and how to make sure you aren’t the one who ends up driving (start drinking first). It’s also the time of year when the bookies start paying close attention to the weather reports for the annual White Christmas bet.

Even those who play online poker and online casino take a break from calculating their stats to weigh up the odds of snow. Sport betting fans look back at the weather’s latest form and horse betting fans actually want bad weather for once.

The BBC Weather site is forecasting widespread rain but they say that everyday (and they’re right most of the time) although I suspect that this is based on pessimism rather than meteorological expertise. Bet365 is offering odds of 3/1 for Glasgow to see snow on Christmas day and 13/8 for Oslo. London has odds of 13/8 for snow and Birmingham 5/1.