In seeking a gauge for last weekend's holiday shopping, which would include Black Friday, research firm ShopperTrak says retail sales Friday and Saturday edged up 0.9 percent, while customer traffic fell 2.7 percent compared with last year.
According to an Associated Press story, ShopperTrak, based in Chicago, says total sales for Black Friday and Saturday reached $16.77 billion.
Saturday showed a bigger sales increase than Friday as shoppers continued to buy discounted items.
ShopperTrak says that U.S. traffic slipped 2.5 percent on Friday, compared with an 18 percent drop in the year-ago period.
Traffic fell 3.2 percent Saturday, compared with a 17 percent drop a year ago.
-- Joe Rutland
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Laredo recognized on Fox News for supporting troops ...
Laredo received some national airtime on Fox News in regard to a recent fundraising activity toward supporting the troops. Here's the piece. Fox News interviews Mayor Raul Salinas about the event. Just click on the link below.
http://video.foxnews.com/11928626/no-place-like-home?category_id=51159be5212057bdece5a791436b44246af96bf8
-- Joe Rutland
http://video.foxnews.com/11928626/no-place-like-home?category_id=51159be5212057bdece5a791436b44246af96bf8
-- Joe Rutland
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Pre-Black Friday highlights for Laredo ...
Probably some of you are pulling out those sneakers and jeans, getting ready for the most exercise-filled day of the year.
I mean ... between pulling out your credit cards, dashing from one store to another, running from row to row in stores, yanking down clothes to wear, trying out electronic gadgets and on and on ... there's probably little doubt Black Friday is going to wear a few people out.
OK, so "maybe" Black Friday isn't going to be filled with primo exercise. Yet retailers locally are hoping people enjoy their Thanksgiving Day feasts, then come out and feast on discounts and deals.
Retailers are looking for Mexican shoppers to fill their spaces in great numbers, both downtown, at Mall del Norte, in south Laredo and north Laredo.
At Mall del Norte, shops will be closed for Thanksgiving Day.
Friday, stores will open at 7 a.m. Some retailers are planning 5 a.m. openings, such as Aeropostale, Children's Place and Disney. Mall stores will close at 10 p.m. Friday. Saturday shopping hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday shopping hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
For more information on the mall's holiday shopping plans, hit its Web site at www.malldelnorte.com.
H-E-B Plus! stores are offering customers deals on toys and other holiday items.
Plasma TVs, Apple iPods, cameras, Snuggies, kids toys, family board games and a multitude of other goodies will have discount prices for Black Friday.
Check out their deals at www.heb.com.
Meanwhile, Border Media Laredo also will be out on location to make sure Mexican shoppers stay and shop in town.
According to a release from Border Media Laredo, stations La Ley 100.5 and Digital 107.3 will be broadcasting live from the Welcome Point, located at 811 San Dario Ave., right off International Bridge 2.
"Border Media recognizes the Mexican shopper as a vital contributor to Laredo's economy and we simply want to say 'thank you' and, above all, 'welcome to our city,'" said Miguel A. Villarreal Jr., vice president/market manager, with Border Media Laredo. "In this competitive environment, customer service plays an integral role in strengthening our local economy. Welcoming Mexico to Laredo is a small token of our appreciation for the opportunity to have Mexican nationals shop in Laredo."
Happy shopping, Laredoans!
-- Joe Rutland
I mean ... between pulling out your credit cards, dashing from one store to another, running from row to row in stores, yanking down clothes to wear, trying out electronic gadgets and on and on ... there's probably little doubt Black Friday is going to wear a few people out.
OK, so "maybe" Black Friday isn't going to be filled with primo exercise. Yet retailers locally are hoping people enjoy their Thanksgiving Day feasts, then come out and feast on discounts and deals.
Retailers are looking for Mexican shoppers to fill their spaces in great numbers, both downtown, at Mall del Norte, in south Laredo and north Laredo.
At Mall del Norte, shops will be closed for Thanksgiving Day.
Friday, stores will open at 7 a.m. Some retailers are planning 5 a.m. openings, such as Aeropostale, Children's Place and Disney. Mall stores will close at 10 p.m. Friday. Saturday shopping hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday shopping hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
For more information on the mall's holiday shopping plans, hit its Web site at www.malldelnorte.com.
H-E-B Plus! stores are offering customers deals on toys and other holiday items.
Plasma TVs, Apple iPods, cameras, Snuggies, kids toys, family board games and a multitude of other goodies will have discount prices for Black Friday.
Check out their deals at www.heb.com.
Meanwhile, Border Media Laredo also will be out on location to make sure Mexican shoppers stay and shop in town.
According to a release from Border Media Laredo, stations La Ley 100.5 and Digital 107.3 will be broadcasting live from the Welcome Point, located at 811 San Dario Ave., right off International Bridge 2.
"Border Media recognizes the Mexican shopper as a vital contributor to Laredo's economy and we simply want to say 'thank you' and, above all, 'welcome to our city,'" said Miguel A. Villarreal Jr., vice president/market manager, with Border Media Laredo. "In this competitive environment, customer service plays an integral role in strengthening our local economy. Welcoming Mexico to Laredo is a small token of our appreciation for the opportunity to have Mexican nationals shop in Laredo."
Happy shopping, Laredoans!
-- Joe Rutland
Monday, November 23, 2009
Paul Young Auto Group moving Easy Auto ...
Easy Auto will be taking over the space once filled by Paul Young Hyundai on Saunders Road.
Paul Young Family Group has placed a large sign in the parking lot of its previous dealership, located just across the street from Family Chevrolet and Family Nissan.
No word as to when Easy Auto will officially move from its present location.
So when word is received from Paul Young Auto Group chief operating officer Greg Morgensen, then it'll be passed along.
-- Joe Rutland
Paul Young Family Group has placed a large sign in the parking lot of its previous dealership, located just across the street from Family Chevrolet and Family Nissan.
No word as to when Easy Auto will officially move from its present location.
So when word is received from Paul Young Auto Group chief operating officer Greg Morgensen, then it'll be passed along.
-- Joe Rutland
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Honor a Veteran ...
While this usually stays on business-related topics, today (Wednesday) is Veterans Day.
My father served in the Korean Conflict and was stationed with my mom in England.
I am proud of my father, for what he did for me and my country.
So ... in honor and memory of John Dudley Rutland of Austin, TX, and all of the veterans here in Laredo and all across the United States ... and for those who lost their lives on the battlefield ... thank you.
-- Joe Rutland
My father served in the Korean Conflict and was stationed with my mom in England.
I am proud of my father, for what he did for me and my country.
So ... in honor and memory of John Dudley Rutland of Austin, TX, and all of the veterans here in Laredo and all across the United States ... and for those who lost their lives on the battlefield ... thank you.
-- Joe Rutland
Class was, and is always, in session ...
Sometimes, I get too caught up in what's going on in my own world (professionally and personally) that a unique opportunity to tell others about how and what I and we do at Laredo Morning Times is a gift.
Such was the case recently when St. Augustine High School students dropped by for an hour-long tour of LMT's operations.
Showing students where retail advertising, classified advertising, editorial content and page designers work to produce a daily newspaper was pretty hip for me.
They also got a peek at the mailroom and press areas which, as many know, were consolidated with our Hearst Corporation fellow publication, the San Antonio Express-News. I believe it was important to show them these areas and let them see and know about their importance.
I also believe they found something of interest which can help them formulate ideas, thoughts and concepts about their future endeavors in journalism.
To me, journalism and newspapers are two different entities altogether.
Journalism is a vocation, albeit one which gets rapped every day for something -- and it matters not whether the fairest, well-written story ever appeared in print media. Trust me, someone will find fault with it. That's human nature.
Newspapers are a vehicle for journalism, one which has a vast history of providing readers with records of births, life and deaths. It also has a background of recording history's triumphs and tragedies, too.
So it was my honor to act as tour guide for the class.
They were attentive students, willing to walk around, see and ask questions.
Hopefully, it let them know journalism and newspapers will be around in some way, shape and form for years to come.
-- Joe Rutland
Such was the case recently when St. Augustine High School students dropped by for an hour-long tour of LMT's operations.
Showing students where retail advertising, classified advertising, editorial content and page designers work to produce a daily newspaper was pretty hip for me.
They also got a peek at the mailroom and press areas which, as many know, were consolidated with our Hearst Corporation fellow publication, the San Antonio Express-News. I believe it was important to show them these areas and let them see and know about their importance.
I also believe they found something of interest which can help them formulate ideas, thoughts and concepts about their future endeavors in journalism.
To me, journalism and newspapers are two different entities altogether.
Journalism is a vocation, albeit one which gets rapped every day for something -- and it matters not whether the fairest, well-written story ever appeared in print media. Trust me, someone will find fault with it. That's human nature.
Newspapers are a vehicle for journalism, one which has a vast history of providing readers with records of births, life and deaths. It also has a background of recording history's triumphs and tragedies, too.
So it was my honor to act as tour guide for the class.
They were attentive students, willing to walk around, see and ask questions.
Hopefully, it let them know journalism and newspapers will be around in some way, shape and form for years to come.
-- Joe Rutland
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A trip to Central America for what?
Once again, city leaders are heading out on a business-related trip ... this time they are going to Central America.
Ahh, nothing like Costa Rica in the winter, eh?
I am quite interested to see how this trip will affect overall business in the Greater Laredo area. From what I understand, there will be some city leaders, led by our esteemed Mayor Raul Salinas, headed down to meet colleagues, develop relationships and shake a lot of hands.
Beautiful.
Didn't a group head down to the Port of Lazaro Cardenas for a similar reason? You know, meet colleagues, develop relationships and shake a lot of hands?
In the immortal words of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, "You betcha."
I also understand there will be some educators along for the, ahem, ride from Texas A&M International University.
Why? What do they know about international trade?
Isn't this a business trip?
Look, taxpayer money is being spent on a "fishing expedition" which everyone has seen over and over again.
Tell me who will benefit from this trip.
Roll off the names of those who are going and, well, I just wonder if the entire Greater Laredo business community is involved in this effort.
Are the "good buddies" of these people going down to Central America going to get first crack at the business? Just asking here.
I have yet to see one solid, concrete business project announced from Salinas' office or through the Laredo City Council from their Lazaro Cardenas trip. Yeah, yeah, I know ... economic downturn, tough times, peso troubled, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Mind you, I am truly all for building up communities and bringing in new business to the Laredo and Nuevo Laredo region. It would be nice, though, to have a plan.
Is there a plan? Can someone please show me a plan? Show me a plan where it is simply laid out, in black and white and plain English and Spanish, on what are the key expectations city leaders will be asking for from these meetings.
You know, my sense is there is no plan. Oh there's a plan all right ... a plan to keep the wool over our eyes (that means taxpayers like you and me) and entrust our elected leaders to do the bidding.
Here's another thing about this working vacation.
Where are the key business leaders involved in this trip? Are Kansas City Southern Railroad and Union Pacific representatives part of this party? Show me.
What about customs brokers here in Laredo? They actually DO business involving international trade. Are they going on this trip?
How about commercial and residential real estate representatives? They could present concrete ideas on what is available to these Central American representatives which city leaders will speak with on this excursion.
Frankly, I'd like to see people like Les Norton, Gary Jacobs, David Killam and others as part of this trip. Heck, they KNOW about business in Laredo and have family roots that go far, far back. Farther than mine personally, that's for sure.
OK, OK ... call me crazy, call me nuts for simply putting this out there.
I really hope and pray this trip is worth it.
After all, it's all about business.
Uh-huh.
-- Joe Rutland
Ahh, nothing like Costa Rica in the winter, eh?
I am quite interested to see how this trip will affect overall business in the Greater Laredo area. From what I understand, there will be some city leaders, led by our esteemed Mayor Raul Salinas, headed down to meet colleagues, develop relationships and shake a lot of hands.
Beautiful.
Didn't a group head down to the Port of Lazaro Cardenas for a similar reason? You know, meet colleagues, develop relationships and shake a lot of hands?
In the immortal words of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, "You betcha."
I also understand there will be some educators along for the, ahem, ride from Texas A&M International University.
Why? What do they know about international trade?
Isn't this a business trip?
Look, taxpayer money is being spent on a "fishing expedition" which everyone has seen over and over again.
Tell me who will benefit from this trip.
Roll off the names of those who are going and, well, I just wonder if the entire Greater Laredo business community is involved in this effort.
Are the "good buddies" of these people going down to Central America going to get first crack at the business? Just asking here.
I have yet to see one solid, concrete business project announced from Salinas' office or through the Laredo City Council from their Lazaro Cardenas trip. Yeah, yeah, I know ... economic downturn, tough times, peso troubled, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Mind you, I am truly all for building up communities and bringing in new business to the Laredo and Nuevo Laredo region. It would be nice, though, to have a plan.
Is there a plan? Can someone please show me a plan? Show me a plan where it is simply laid out, in black and white and plain English and Spanish, on what are the key expectations city leaders will be asking for from these meetings.
You know, my sense is there is no plan. Oh there's a plan all right ... a plan to keep the wool over our eyes (that means taxpayers like you and me) and entrust our elected leaders to do the bidding.
Here's another thing about this working vacation.
Where are the key business leaders involved in this trip? Are Kansas City Southern Railroad and Union Pacific representatives part of this party? Show me.
What about customs brokers here in Laredo? They actually DO business involving international trade. Are they going on this trip?
How about commercial and residential real estate representatives? They could present concrete ideas on what is available to these Central American representatives which city leaders will speak with on this excursion.
Frankly, I'd like to see people like Les Norton, Gary Jacobs, David Killam and others as part of this trip. Heck, they KNOW about business in Laredo and have family roots that go far, far back. Farther than mine personally, that's for sure.
OK, OK ... call me crazy, call me nuts for simply putting this out there.
I really hope and pray this trip is worth it.
After all, it's all about business.
Uh-huh.
-- Joe Rutland
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
National employment remains in perilous position ...
According to the ADP National Employment Report released Wednesday, October was the seventh consecutive month during which the decline in employment was less than in the previous month.
The report also states, though, employment (despite recent indications showing overall economic activity is stabilizing) which usually trails overall economic activity is likely to decline for at least a few more months.
October's ADP Report estimates nonfarm private employment in the service providing sector fell by 86,000. Employment in the goods-producing sector declined 117,000, with employment in the manufacturing sector dropping 65,000.
In October, construction employment dropped 51,000. This was the 33rd consecutive monthly decline. It brings the total decline in construction jobs since the peak in January 2007 to 1,675,000.
Employment in the financial services sector dropped 18,000, the 23rd consecutive monthly decline.
-- Joe Rutland
The report also states, though, employment (despite recent indications showing overall economic activity is stabilizing) which usually trails overall economic activity is likely to decline for at least a few more months.
October's ADP Report estimates nonfarm private employment in the service providing sector fell by 86,000. Employment in the goods-producing sector declined 117,000, with employment in the manufacturing sector dropping 65,000.
In October, construction employment dropped 51,000. This was the 33rd consecutive monthly decline. It brings the total decline in construction jobs since the peak in January 2007 to 1,675,000.
Employment in the financial services sector dropped 18,000, the 23rd consecutive monthly decline.
-- Joe Rutland
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)