NRF predicts subdued holiday sales
Nat'l. Retail Federation expects total holiday retail sales to increase 5% over last year, bringing November-December sales to $457.4 billion. In comparison, holiday sales in 2005 rose 6.1% to $435.6 billion. "Consumers have faced a number of economic challenges this year and have taken them in stride," said NRF chief economist Rosalind Wells. "Although sales gains will not be as robust as last year, retailers can still expect above-average holiday sales growth." Over the last 10 years, the average percentage increase in sales for the holiday season is 4.6%. One-fifth of retail sales occur during the holidays.

Scotts restructures management
Earlier this month, Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. announced a new organizational structure in which operating units will report directly to Jim Hagedorn, chairman and chief executive officer. Robert F. Bernstock, president and COO, left the company. CFO Chris Nagel was named exec. v.p. of the North American consumer business, the company's largest operating unit. David C. Evans succeeded Nagel as CFO. The company eliminated the COO role. Hagedorn said the decision to make leadership change was caused by differing views on long-term strategy and the need to reinvigorate the culture of the North American organization. He said the company will likely launch a search for a chief strategy officer.

Garden products demand to exceed $9 billion
Demand for lawn and garden consumables -- which include fertilizers, pesticides, growing media, seeds and mulch -- is expected to increase 5% per year to $9.1 billion in 2010, according to market research firm Freedonia Group. Growth will be fueled by gains in fertilizer, growing media and mulch, all of which will continue to post annual gains of more than 6%. Sales of organics will grow nearly twice as fast as conventional products, but will remain a small percentage of the entire market. Increasing concern about the environmental impact of agrichemicals will dampen prospects for pesticides.

Park Seed introduces retail rack
Park Seed Co. introduced a retail seed rack this fall. The display includes seeds in colorful packs and an eye-catching rack. The rack can be furnished on a shared-cost basis. Freight and reorders are free. Contact Park Seed Wholesale, (800) 845-3366.

Luxury consumer confidence dips
Luxury consumers' confidence fell during the 2nd quarter 2006, according to a survey by Unity Marketing. The company's Luxury Consumption Index dropped 14 points to 99.2, down from a high of 113.2 at the close of the 1st quarter. Survey respondents reported low expectations about personal financial health and the overall financial health of the country. "A number of factors contributed to luxury consumers worries," said Thomas Bodenberg, Unity Marketing's economic forecaster. "On the home front, gasoline prices have remained high, which threatens more price inflation. They also faced a decline in the housing market, electoral uncertainty as the election season starts to heat up and a reduction in the rate of economic growth." Worries about continued unrest in the Middle East also factored into plummeting confidence, Bodenberg said.

Worth a visit
Retail consultant Ian Baldwin says it's time to look at one home-run aspect of retailing known to succeed with all customers: the use of hot spots and prime space. Only on GreenBeam.com.