For many retailers, Halloween represents the big kick-off to the fourth quarter.

February was a successful month for clearance merchandise and many retailers are relieved to have winter gear out of their stores, ... Retailers appear pleased with their pricing strategies for spring and are encouraged that consumers are heading to the stores in larger numbers.

Though Mother's Day celebrations and gifts will vary, many consumers see this as an important day to honor the women in their lives. With all the sacrifices mom has made over the years, Mother's Day is an opportunity to give something back.

With Easter falling two weeks earlier this year, Mother Nature will play a part in apparel sales. Consumers, many of them still shoveling snow off their sidewalks, are not yet feeling compelled to go shopping for spring clothes.

It is understandable that, after several years of strong gains and record-breaking sales, demand may cool slightly for electronics merchandise this year.

Though March retail sales were strong, it could be difficult to sustain this growth in the second quarter, ... Year-over-year comparisons will become more difficult and the economy is still facing lingering concerns including rising energy costs and instability in Iraq.

Dad tends to be more low maintenance than Mom.

Tax time provides a monetary and psychological boost to consumers, as there is something exceptional about getting money back from the government.

Though parents still spend the majority of their back-to-school budget on clothes and shoes, spending on electronics has soared in the past several years, ... Electronics have become affordable for most families, enabling parents to continue their children's education at home.