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Holiday Edition
Happy Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Black Friday still big deal for brick-and-mortar stores BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Staff Writer
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lack Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year and from Scottsdale to Ahwatukee, Phoenix to east Mesa and Gilbert, malls and retail centers are putting their best foot forward to get shoppers in the door. That also puts extra pressure on local police, who are planning to deploy extra resources to retail destinations during the post-Thanksgiving buying rush. Analysts have predicted a rosy sales season for retailers, with the National Retail Federation predicting up to a 4.8 percent bump in sales during the holiday season. One driver of that bump could be toy sales as retailers jump to fill the vacancy left by the Toys R’ Us bankruptcy, according to CBRE’s 2018 U.S. Retail Holiday Trends Guide. The guide shows that retailers like Target and Walmart are expanding their toy selection See
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Both the Scottsdale Fashion Square and Chandler Fashion Center will be teeming with people on Black Friday in spite of the popularity of online shopping. Major retailers are figuring ways to coordinate their online and brick-and-mortar selling so that physical stores still play a major role in the holiday shopping season.
Many places to help needy kids, adults – and pets BY JASON STONE Staff Writer
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he holidays traditionally bring an increase amount of services for less fortunate people. But the Arizona Animal Welfare League is going to the dogs this holiday season. The Unleashed Holiday Bazaar is returning to the Omni at the Montelucia resort Nov. 27. Event proceeds will benefit the state’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter.
The shelter doesn’t receive government funding, so it relies entirely on donations and adoptions. More than 4,000 animals are rescued, re-homed and rehabilitated through the shelter. Locally made clothing, purses and accessories, foodie-friendly gifts and a handful of doggie boutiques will be available for your pets. Pets begging for a home this holiday season will also be available to adopt. Plus, what Christmas event wouldn’t be complete without picture of your pet with Santa?
Registration is $39 per person and $59 for two. VIP admission prices are $99 per person and $179 for two. Log on to AAWL.org/unleashed to register. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. at 4949 E. Lincoln Dr. in Scottsdale. The Unleashed Holiday Bazaar is just one of dozens of events local non-profits are hosting this holiday season to help pets and people alike. For a list of where you can give in the spirit of the holiday, see page 9.