The Holiday deals are here again

There are lots of statistics floating about regarding this year’s retail numbers and what this spells for the economy. The National Retail Federation (NRF) said there would be a 1% decline in this year’s retail sales. That could be a relief to many who were expecting worse. On the brighter side, Forrester Research is calling for an 8% increase this year in online retail sales.

Forrester adds that one in three consumers is doing more research this year for the best prices and online coupons are being used by at least twenty percent of shoppers. Almost 40 percent will wait until items are on sale before they purchase. Sensible, no-nonsense strategies, right?

More on the surprising side, the NRF says that 32% of Americans will have their holiday shopping done by Thanksgiving. Aren't they waiting for the big blockbuster sales that weekend? And this one throws me as well--only less than 10% will leave their shopping to the last week! We can only hope that means more parking spaces at the mall and less ridiculous lineups.

To help those seeking out the best online deals (and to help make the parking situation for the 10% like me more tolerable) PayPal has just started their 2009 Holiday Shopping Campaign and there are compelling deals from stores such as American Eagle Outfitters, Barnes & Noble and Walmart.

For the die-hards who want something here about Web hosting: Pronethosting.NET is offering 1-year deals on Linux and Windows Web Hosting for $25, free setup, no strings. Cirrus Tech, based in Markham, Canada just announced 40 percent shared hosting discounts and 50% savings if you commit to 2-year deals.