Winter Holidays

WASHINGTON -- As the holiday season gets underway, retailers have reason to be optimistic, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF) here, which revised its annual holiday forecast yesterday, following a recent flurry of healthy economic indicators.

WASHINGTON -- With gift cards ranking third on consumers' wish lists this year, there is no sign that the popularity of the products is slowing down, according to the findings of the latest National Retail Federation (NRF) survey. The third annual NRF Gift Card Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, found that gift card sales will total $18.48 billion this holiday season, a 6.6 percent increase over 2004, when holiday gift card sales hit $17.34 billion. The average consumer will spend $88.03 on gift cards this holiday season, 15.6 percent of their holiday gift budget.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- As part of its push to up the quality of its offerings, Wal-Mart has begun to carry certified Wild American Shrimp in nearly 900 locations.

LUFKIN, Texas -- Brookshire Brothers staged its first-ever cooking show yesterday at the civic center in its headquarters town here, drawing in hundreds of would-be gourmands, and building recognition of its new Fresh Harvest banner. The company plans to hold the event annually, and eventually take it on the road to some of its 70 stores, Bruce Bryant, the chain's advertising director, told Progressive Grocer.

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons Inc. yesterday debuted a new consumer lifestyle publication, titled easy, in its food stores nationwide.

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Aiming to help families -- especially those who are culinary- or time-challenged -- gather at home and share a festive meal, Food Lion here is offering store-cooked dinners, including turkey, dressing and all of the fixings.

Wilmington, Del. -- Wal-Mart and the Produce For Better Health Foundation (PBH) based here are setting the stage for millions of shoppers to Go Wild With Fruits and Vegetables during a one-day retailtainment event featuring characters from DreamWorks' "Madagascar" film being released in video form next week.

LOS ANGELES -- Arden Group, Inc., parent company of Gelson's Markets here, reported third-quarter sales of $113.8 million for the 13 weeks ended Oct. 1, a 0.4 percent increase over the year-ago period.