The child tax credit could not have come at a better time,

In today's increasingly competitive environment, retailers understand that there is a heightened importance on accelerated growth and differentiation in order to set themselves apart from the pack. We are now seeing retailers refocus their efforts on growth initiatives in an effort to increase sales, expand their consumer base and retain customer loyalty.

Dad tends to be more low maintenance than Mom,

For many retailers, Halloween represents the big kick-off to the fourth quarter,

It is understandable that, after several years of strong gains and record-breaking sales, demand may cool slightly for electronics merchandise this year.

about six to six-and-a-half percent above last year, which was also a very good year.

There's been kind of a general malaise in apparel over the last couple of years. We are still suffering the effects of the change from traditional business apparel to casual apparel. Those (casual wear) carry much lower price points and people still haven't figured out what casual is. People are waiting to see how it's going to shake out. Where a woman may have bought a $100 skirt in the past, she's now buying a $20 skirt.

This is going to have a huge impact on manufacturers who rely on raw materials from overseas,

This is going to be a great season for kids, ... Lots of hot toys out there. A lot of electronic toys, interactive toys. A lot of wonderful things for children.

After a long, cold winter, consumers are ready to pack away their scarves and gloves and hit the stores for their spring wardrobe. The seasonal weather should allow many apparel retailers to breathe a sigh of relief.