Tag Archives: Holiday Shopping

How Much Will This Holiday Season Cost You?

By StatePoint

According to one festive and fun annual economic indicator, the cost of this holiday season for shoppers is not expected to rise a significant amount over last year.

For more than 30 years, PNC has calculated the combined estimated price of the gifts from the classic carol “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Known as the PNC Christmas Price Index, the results can indicate what holiday shoppers might expect at the register. This year, the index calculated the total price of all 12 gifts to be $34,558.65, a modest 0.6 percent increase over last year.

While the average consumer is unlikely to shop online or at the mall in search of geese-a-laying or a partridge in a pear tree, the Christmas Price Index can be informative for those planning their holiday shopping, as the cost for these gifts often increase or decrease at a rate consistent with the U.S. Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation produced by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“The U.S. economy is growing at a sustainable pace, fueled by higher consumer confidence, low unemployment, modest wage gains and low interest rates,” says Thomas P. Melcher, chief investment officer for PNC Asset Management Group. “However, The PNC Christmas Price Index rose at slow steady pace of 0.6 percent in 2017, as companies appear hesitant to pass through price increases to the consumer.”

A few factors largely have driven changes in the index over the years. The Internet makes it easier to find the gifts from the song online, but these goods and services tend to be expensive, mainly due to added shipping and handling costs. The price of services overall has increased, while the price of goods has slowed. Fuel costs, which have been especially volatile over the last few years, have a major effect on the cost of shipping.

So, while you may have no need to buy anyone on your list any maids-a-milking, it is good for jewelry lovers to know that the price of golden rings jumped more than any other gift that may be on their true love’s wishlist this year!

Something For Everyone At Walnut Hills Village

Staff Reports

Walnut Hills Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just ½ block west of Grand Avenue, with easy access from the 60 and 57 freeways.

Walnut Hills Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just ½ block west of Grand Avenue, with easy access from the 60 and 57 freeways.

Walnut – Things can get hectic this time of year. Not only do you need to finish your holiday shopping, but you’ve got a party to plan, you can’t forget to drop off the cleaning (again), and you have friends coming over for dinner tonight. How do you get it all done?            Walnut Hills Village could be your answer! Conveniently located with easy access, the Village truly has something for everyone. With more than 30 stores in one location, and anchored by Stater Bros., this is one-stop shopping at its finest. And with so many independent merchants, this is the perfect opportunity to shop small by shopping local.

Drop your pet off at Sophie’s Wags To Whiskers boutique for a holiday grooming, while you relax at Newen’s Beauty Salon or Art Nails. You can run some errands at several retailers, and grab a quick lunch at Baby Elephant Thai Cuisine. There is even time to schedule that dental or vision appointment that you’ve been putting off, get your banking done, and run into Dollar Tree for some stocking stuffers. Asian Kitchen Express will even set you up with delicious Pho-Thai party trays for your celebration, while Royal Florist takes care of your table centerpiece. And, the UPS Store is right there to help mail your gifts to out-of-state family and friends. Suddenly, the holidays don’t seem so hectic with so many options in one place.

So, don’t let the hustle-bustle of the holidays get you down. Stop by Walnut Hills Village and amaze your family with your holiday organizational skills. The Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just a ½ block west of Grand Avenue in the City of Walnut. See the full page ad on page 4 of this publication for a full listing of all retail establishments.

 

 

 

 

SGV: Shop Local. Shop Small.

Staff Reports

SGV – Are you an over-achiever who jumped up at the crack before midnight to complete your holiday shopping on Black Friday (and are now kicked back, relaxed, and watching everyone else scramble); or are you an adrenaline junkie who loves the chase of the last few hours on Christmas Eve?

Whatever your shopping style, cities, chambers of commerce and retailers are encouraging you to “Shop Small.” When you keep your hard-earned dollars local, more of what you spend helps to support the communities where you live by sustaining parks, recreation, schools, libraries and other local services.

The City of Walnut is even promoting a “Walnut Selfie Business Campaign,” to remind residents to shop locally this season. Residents are encouraged to take pictures of themselves shopping at local businesses and forward them to the City of Walnut Community Development Department via email. Selfies will be posted to the City’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages. The campaign is going on now through Wed., Dec. 31. Show your civic pride and send your selfie to dwomble@ci.walnut.ca.us.

According to the Regional Chamber of Commerce of San Gabriel Valley, there are some very good reasons to shop small, by shopping locally:

  • Shopping local creates jobs. Shops in your town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local community.
  • Local, independent shops invest more in their communities. Local businesses are proportionately more generous in their support of local charities, schools and community events. Supporting local shops means a financial impact on your community.
  • Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices. Many people fall out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available.
  • Shopping local saves you money. Out of town shops have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive. If you add travel, fees to transfer items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher.
  • Shopping local retains communities. People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns, but don’t equate this to how they spend their money.
  • Shopping local retains your distinctiveness. Independent shops create unique shopping experiences. Local businesses respond quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.
  • Shopping local saves the environment. Local shops often stock a high percentage of locally sourced goods which do not require long car and bus journeys, helping to reduce our global footprint.
  • Local shops are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops easily and this is especially important for the elderly and young generations, and those without transportation.
  • Local shops value you more. Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service.
  • Shopping local saves services. Private and public sector services tend to cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants, etc.

Statistics say that each dollar spent locally can return up to five times that amount within a community through city taxes, employee wages, and the purchase of supplies and services at other local companies. Locally owned, independent businesses return about 80% of each dollar to their community, as opposed to big box or chains, which contribute about 40%.

So get out there and shop…but shop small. Happy holidays!

 

Shop Eastvale This Holiday Season

Eastvale Chamber President Jorge RazoJorge Razo, President

Eastvale Chamber

It’s the end of the year and important family time, but you still need to pay attention to your business. Our networking breakfast and holiday mixer is approaching. So it’s important for business owners remember: START MARKETING TODAY!

Remember to Shop Eastvale and support your local city and chamber. We have partnered up with the City of Eastvale to remind our community to shop locally and keep those local dollars inside the city wherever possible.

Don’t forget to effectively market your business and prepare for the upcoming year. Here are a few tips to effectively market your business:

1. Cut out what’s not important.

Be as clear and efficient as possible. Watch verbosity, keep the words to a minimum. The customer probably doesn’t want to hear about the company’s history, so don’t explain it unless they ask for it. We are all trying to network and market to many people.

2. Explain things before you thoroughly. Use layman’s terms. Big words may impress but it wont always make the sale. Explain so people understand. Educate them.

3. When possible, use analogies.

Comparing a complicated scenario to a common problem is helpful.

4. Be funny.

Making people laugh relaxes them. They like emotions, and laughter is one of the best emotions.

We hope these tips help, and with this month’s events, which are open to all community members, Chamber members have the opportunity to begin marketing their businesses and services while spreading the word on what they do.

So please be sure to bring plenty of business cards, flyers, coupons, or samples of your products. Keep the conversation lean by giving each person you meet a 45 second commercial with literature to complete your presentation so you, and they, can market to other members at the event.

I hope to see many of you out there letting people know of the business products and services you provide, as the time is NOW to get out there and market. If people don’t know you exist, how can you provide your services and products to them? Shop Eastvale and remember that It’s YOUR community, the more you put into it, the more you’ll get back from it.

Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

Holiday giftsBy Your Local L.E.A.F.F. Organization

Eastvale – With the holidays swiftly approaching, thefts and burglaries, as well as fire risks, are elevated.  Help keep your loved ones safe this season by following these important tips:

Indoor House Safety

• Treat your Christmas tree like another houseplant.  When you water your houseplants, check the water in your tree, and make sure and check for any dead branches, and remove them.

• Keep your tree away from electrical sources and outlets.  This includes fireplaces and burning candles.

• Before hanging lights on the house or tree, inspect the lights for rips and tears and bulbs that may be burned out or broken.

• Make sure your tree is suitable for your house.  A 10-foot tree should not go in a room with a 9-foot ceiling, and so forth.

• Make sure your tree is safe, secure and upright to prevent it from falling on children, pets or guests.

• Keep pets away from lights and trees.  Animals, especially young ones, like to chew on cords, which can cause an electrical shock and even spark a fire.

• When you are not at home, leave blinds and curtains closed so that your tree and gifts are not on display for curious criminals.  When you are home at night, it is okay to open blinds and “display” your tree.

• Boxes from the big ticket purchases like plasma TVs, X-Boxes, Play Stations, etc., should not be thrown in the outside trash container as they draw attention to what is inside your house.  Instead, flatten boxes and throw them away at work or in a local dumpster.

• Retrieve mail and packages immediately.  Do not allow them to sit on doorsteps or in the mailbox as thieves regularly break into mailboxes and steal packages right off the porch.

Shopping Safety

While out shopping, be aware of your surroundings and never shop alone.  Keep an eye out for suspicious persons or people that appear to be “watching” you. If at all possible, shop during the day and try and only go to one store.  If you need to shop multiple stores, check your purchases into the store’s bag-check instead of leaving them in your trunk. Thieves will often watch shoppers as they go from store to store, drop items off at their car, and return to shopping.  Once you have left your car, especially at night, they break into your car and grab your purchases.  If you must put things in your trunk, try to at least cover purchases with blankets or other items to make it more difficult for thieves to grab and go.

Personal Safety

When you attend holiday parties and other celebrations, make sure you designate a responsible driver or call a taxi or a friend if you drink too much.  Also be aware of your surroundings and your neighborhood.  If something looks out of place or is questionable, call the police.  According to L.E.A.F.F. President, Rigo Arrellano, local law enforcement would rather you call them than not. You never know when your suspicion could catch a criminal or save a life. In other words, don’t just talk about it, be about it.