RECESSION OVER: It may not feel like it is over but the recession ended more than a year ago. That is according to an independent group of economists known as the National Bureau of Economic Research. Based on their analysis, our 18-month economic downturn officially ended in June of 2009. That makes this recession the worst since the 43-month long Great Depression. Understandably, this news may come as a surprise with nearly 15-million people still out of work. But the unemployment rate is considered a lagging indicator, typically rising well after a recession ends.
WAL-MART SMALL STORES: Wal-Mart is trying to tap into the urban market in a move to boost sluggish U.S. sales. The world’s largest retailer is planning an aggressive roll-out of new, small format stores. They are just a fraction the size of the super-centers. It is looking for locations around 20,000 square feet in cities like New York and San Francisco. Expansion plans are to be spelled out next month.
TOYS R’ US 2010 LIST: It may only be September, but retailers are already gearing up for the holidays. Toys R’ Us has just created a list of the hottest toys for 2010. Among the toys on the list: the Calico Critters luxury townhouse. It also expects the Disney Princess and Me dolls to be hot this year. Along with the Monster High Cleo De Nile and Deuce Gorgon doll set and the Sing-A-Ma-Jigs also make the cut. The six characters are sold separately and sing in harmony when they come together.