Fowler, who has tracked retail trends for years, is the author of “Retail Category Management,” which focuses on the nature of retail processes and concepts. She has partnered with a variety of major companies, including teaching a class on retail trends as well as a course that allows graduate students to analyze and present a profit-making plan to a major retailer.
ExpertDeborah Fowler, professor of retail management, (806) 834-1779 or [email protected]
Talking points • Sales are expected to be up this year. The National Retail Federation estimated retail sales would be up 10 percent from last year and Deloitte estimated a 19 percent increase in online sales.• Black Friday ads are available online, but don’t expect offerings that vary significantly from previous years, either in product or price.• Shoppers need to make a list and stick to it; a sale tag in the excitement of Black Friday doesn’t make a purchase good. Also keep receipts in case the prices drop again by Super Saturday (the last Saturday before Christmas).