Nov 23, 2017

11/23/2017: Would you rather deal with Santa traffic or online traffic?

The billions of dollars spent on holiday shopping each year leaves out one big piece of the gift-giving puzzle. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

It is now officially holiday shopping season. According to a recent survey, 91 percent of people who said they'd be shopping this holiday weekend are going to do at least some of it online. However, shopping online doesn't mean you can skip all the crowds, online traffic is proving to be an issue for popular retail websites. If you are one of those people that will still go to the mall this holiday season, chances are you will see a line of people waiting to take their picture with Santa Claus. Santa visits are a big draw and can translate into big sales for retailers. But if you're trying to see him at the Macy's in New York’s Herald Square, you'll have to make an appointment first.

Also on today's show: How the "Peanut Butter Grandma" changed food regulations, including what's on your Thanksgiving table.

Segments From this episode

Coastal area in Florida begins to plan for sea level rise

by Marketplace Contributor

Nov 23, 2017

A small Florida city founded by rocket scientists eye building codes and zoning as a way to plan for future vulnerability.

City Manager Courtney Barker says for for Satellite Beach sea level rise represents an economic threat.

Amy Green/ for Marketplace

LISTEN

EMBED

Growing up in "Cartoon County"

by Molly Wood , Shaheen Ainpour and Hayley Hershman

Nov 23, 2017

Author Cullen Murphy talks about his new book and what it was like having a dad who was a cartoonist.

John Cullen Murphy's Big Ben Bolt (July 26, 1978)

LISTEN

EMBED

Online shoppers can't escape all the holiday crowds

by Andy Uhler

Nov 23, 2017

According to the latest holiday shopping survey from Deloitte, 91 percent of the people who said they’d be shopping this holiday weekend are going to do at least some of it online. These online shoppers skip the crowds at the brick-mortar stores, but they still experience delays and frustration when the online retail sites can’t […]

LISTEN

EMBED

In holiday shopping season, brick and mortar stores have Santa advantage

by Tracey Samuelson

Nov 23, 2017

Macy’s flagship store in New York’s Herald Square now requires an online reservation for visits with Santa. “Santa’s a popular guy,” goes the explanation. Some 250,000 visitors come to Macy’s “Santaland” each year, according to the company. Santa visits are a big draw and can translate into big sales for retailers. Click the audio player above to hear […]

LISTEN

EMBED

It is now officially holiday shopping season. According to a recent survey, 91 percent of people who said they’d be shopping this holiday weekend are going to do at least some of it online. However, shopping online doesn’t mean you can skip all the crowds, online traffic is proving to be an issue for popular retail websites. If you are one of those people that will still go to the mall this holiday season, chances are you will see a line of people waiting to take their picture with Santa Claus. Santa visits are a big draw and can translate into big sales for retailers. But if you’re trying to see him at the Macy’s in New York’s Herald Square, you’ll have to make an appointment first.

Also on today’s show: How the “Peanut Butter Grandma” changed food regulations, including what’s on your Thanksgiving table.