Every year, the French loosen their purse strings to stock up on baubles, vin chaud and festive cheer at Christmas markets across the country. And although the economic crisis looks set to hit holiday purchases this year, with average household spending down for the first time since 2010, France's popular "marchés de Nöel" (Christmas markets) will be booming, according to a report this week. The festive markets used to be common only in the Alsace and northern regions of France, but each year new markets spring up and now they can be found as far south as Bordeaux and even Nice. The hugely popular Christmas markets usually run from the last week of November until Christmas Day, or New Year’s Eve, and 2013 will see 37 official Christmas markets across the country selling artisan crafts and local produce. And according to a joint report by the British Centre for Retail Research (CRR) and French website Bons de Reduction, France's yuletide markets will welcome a … [Read more...] about Christmas markets set to resist crisis in France
Christmas
Norwegians shun kitchen for prepacked Christmas
Why bother trying this at home? Ribbe served with red cabbage salad. File: AnneCN/Flickr Norwegian culinary skills at Christmas could take a back seat as more revelers choose to get their seasonal food from a box, local media reported on Friday. Making the fad Norwegian Christmas sausage look appetizing is a hard task even for the most skilled homemaker, but that hasn't stopped food producers Fjordland from adorning its website with a picture of a pre-cooked version of the greyish fare. Surely no Christmas celebration would be complete without pork mixed with a modern addition of skimmed-milk powder and a dose of preservatives? While Norwegian traditionalists may be balking at the advent of pre-packed Christmas food and the additives they bring to the dinner table, the producers nonetheless expect to triple its sales this festive season. About one in fifteen Norwegians will open not only Christmas presents but a box for dinner this year, according to estimates released … [Read more...] about Norwegians shun kitchen for prepacked Christmas
How you can help deliver presents with Royal Mail this Christmas
Royal Mail is looking for 'Christmas casuals' to deliver happiness this upcoming festive season. The postal service says: "The Christmas period is naturally a very busy time of year for Royal Mail . To help us handle the increased volumes of mail we require casual workers to sort mail in our mail centres with start dates between mid-October through to mid-December. "You will work as part of a team ensuring we continue to deliver the high standards of service our customers expect." This seasonal processing role involves a variety of warehouse responsibilities, such as unloading mail from vans, moving mail around, and sorting parcels and letters. Better still, no experience is necessary and full training will be given to successful candidates. The Christmas casuals play a vital role ensuring that family wishes and memories are delivered on time for a season to remember. Royal Mail adds: "It is a fast paced and efficient environment and you'll be working to meet our business … [Read more...] about How you can help deliver presents with Royal Mail this Christmas
What’s open and closed during Christmas in the Lehigh Valley?
You can count on government and post offices to be closed on Christmas Day and, especially because it falls on a Sunday, Christmas Eve. But what about restaurants, retailers and pharmacies?There are quite a few retailers open on Christmas Eve for any last-minute shopping needs. On Christmas Day, it’s mostly convenience stores that remain open, plus a slew of restaurant chains.Here’s where you will find open signs during the holiday. Be sure to check your local listing for up-to-date or slightly modified hours.Christmas EveTarget: Closes 10 p.m.Walmart: Closes 6 p.m.Kmart: Closes 10 p.m.Kohl’s: Closes 6 p.m.J.C. Penney: Open 7 a.m.-6 p.m.Macy’s: Closes 6 p.m.Sears: Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.Big Lots: Open 7 a.m.-10 p.m.Whole Foods: Open 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.Trader Joe’s: Closes 6 p.m.Giant: Check local listingWalgreens: Regular hoursCVS: All day and nightRite Aid: Check local listingToys R Us: Closes 9 p.m.Barnes & Noble: Open 7 a.m.-6 p.m.Best Buy: 8 a.m.-6 … [Read more...] about What’s open and closed during Christmas in the Lehigh Valley?
Despite Black Friday and Christmas Barking and Dagenham’s shops must brace for difficult winter, says retail guru
PUBLISHED: 09:44 23 November 2017 | UPDATED: 13:47 23 November 2017 Tom Horton The launch of the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2017. Simon Green addressing the attendees Archant Retail discounts are integral to the success of Barking and Dagenham’s high street shops as they brace for a difficult winter period, says retail guru Simon Green, president of the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce. With £3 in every £5 of the average person’s Christmas shopping set to be spent online, the borough’s high street stores must strive to offer something different, he says. “Black Friday and associated promotions will be an important element of the retail offer,” he says. Mr Green is also the regional centre director of Barking’s Vicarage Field Shopping Centre. Retail company results and sales predictions from Visa suggest high street spending will suffer over the winter period. “I do not envisage there will … [Read more...] about Despite Black Friday and Christmas Barking and Dagenham’s shops must brace for difficult winter, says retail guru