Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/90974
RETAIL TRENDS Shopping is a key draw here, has been fairly strong this year. The mall itself has experienced low single- digit increases, and we expect that to continue through the holidays." The mall, which opened in 1984, Zielinski notes, "Retail, as a whole, draws 16 million shoppers each year, Zielinski says. And while 20 percent of the mall' and December, the mall does 25 percent of its business during those two months. In addition to remodeling projects s traffic comes in November at two of the mall's six anchor stores (JCPenney and Target), Zielinski points to new retailers and restaurants in and around the mall as adding interest and traffic, including H.H. Gregg (electronics), Ann Taylor Loſt (women's apparel) and Italian restaurant Buca di Beppo. Among the specific items he " Zielinski says. "The " she adds. big-ticket items are starting to become reasonably priced; tablets are taking over computers, and you'll see a big jump in tablet sales. "The high-end category has performed really well across the country, including here. Those people in the upper demographic who have large amounts of disposable income will continue to buy. and children's and teen apparel to continue their strong showing, but believes inexpensive home décor and specialty items will see slower sales. "Specialty sales really follow consumer trends," he says. "This is a very price- conscious market. He also expects electronic toys " predicts will do well are electronics. "Big-ticket items have dropped in price considerably, to seek out outlet shops, such as those at The Outlet Shoppes of Oshkosh. "The outlet center industry is definitely the hot subject in the retail industry, president of marketing for the mall's " says Gina Slechta, vice Those looking for deals are also likely " over, but people are still very tight with their dollars. But they still want designer names and designer styles," she says. "The holiday season is good for owners, Horizon Group Properties. "We may say that the recession is everybody… across the board. You'll see that about 20 percent of our business is holiday business." Slechta notes that recent capital improvements to the mall, along with efforts to re-tenant with higher-end brands such as Coach, should pay off this holiday season. Outside the box, so to speak, smaller retailers are hoping for a profitable season as well. Lisa Betley, owner of Bellybeans, a maternity and children's apparel shop in downtown Appleton, says, "I've noticed year aſter year, our holiday season has gotten stronger. I attribute a lot of that to Appleton Downtown Inc. on shopping local. In Green Bay, shoppers can choose FOX VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CENTER Appleton, Wisconsin " and its focus dreams At MIRON CONSTRUCTION, our commitment reaches beyond construction; our passion brings DREAMS to life. Sometimes it's the dream of a new building, but often it's so much more. We are proud to serve as program manager for the Fox Valley Technical College referendum projects and help the college fulfill the career dreams of countless students. Join the conversation at miron-constructionnews.com An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. 32 | INSIGHT • miron-construction.com November 2012 www.insightonbusiness .com