Stores in Wisconsin are bracing for big crowds on Black Friday, the official start of the Christmas shopping season. Madison-based retail consultant Doug Johnson says it was pretty dismal last year, but it seems to be picking up now. But Johnson concedes some things are just out of retailers’ control. “We’ve got to make that we don’t have bad weather. We’ve got to hope that we don’t have any kind of national or international political or other crisis,” said Johnson. “That said, there’s reason for retailers to be cautiously optimistic.” [Read more...]
Guard against theft of & from vehicles
November 27, 2009 By
Call it a holiday plea for some “situational awareness.” Black Friday shoppers should guard against theft, because winter weather and holiday shopping bring opportunities for thieves. “We’ll see an increase with the colder weather of people starting up their cars to warm them up, leave them unattended, and someone provided that opportunity will take off with their vehicle.” says Janesville Police Department Sergeant Brian Donohoue.
Donanue’s words of caution hold true for Black Friday shoppers. “Sometimes we get distracted during the holiday season, and we forget about locking our car. We keep packages and such in plain view, which offers the opportunity for people to steal things,” he says, adding that police usually see an increase in thefts during the holiday season. “If you do have packages or you do have valuables, but them in the trunk or take them out of the vehicle. People do to take the opportunity, if they see something they like, to get into the vehicles.”
Bob Hague (:40) AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (:40 MP3)
Audio Beth Wheelock, WCLO
Is layaway a good deal?
November 27, 2009 By
Shoppers turning to layaway plans to buy gifts this holiday season are being urged to read the fine print.
Layaway plans can be a good option for picking up that must-have holiday gift. However, Ran Hoth with the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau says shoppers should get some basic questions answered first. [Read more...]
Site spots dangerous toys
November 27, 2009 By
A new online tool is aimed at helping shoppers identify dangerous toys on store shelves.
The site from WISPIRG contains tips for determining if a toy is safe to give to a child and links to a report that highlights some of the unsafe products on the market this holiday season. [Read more...]
Packers should extend Lions recent misery on Thanksgiving Day
November 26, 2009 By
Detroit Lions fans were energized by last week’s come from behind win over Cleveland, a game in which their quarterback Matthew Stafford tossed five touchdown passes. Unfortunately for Lions fans, Stafford hurt his shoulder late in that game and isn’t expected to play this week, and wide receiver Calvin Johnson could also miss the game with injuries.
Missing those two players would render the Lions offense punch-less. The Packers won the first meeting 26-0 at Lambeau Field earlier with Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson sitting that one out as well.
Detroit has had the upper hand on the Packers on Thanksgiving Day (11-6-1), but recently, they’ve struggled. The Lions were blown out by Tennessee last year and in the last 5-seasons, the Lions have been outscored 179-62 on Thanksgiving Day. [Read more...]
