Dad's gift may be a wee bit less luxe this year
Dads, don't be upset, but your kids and wife may be spending a little less on your Father's Day gift this year, according to a recent survey.
Higher prices at the gas pump and grocery store may cut into Father's Day budgets. According to a National Retail Federation's survey, shoppers plan to spend $94.54 on Dad, compared to $98.34 last year.
"Unfortunately, consumers are torn between their love for Dad and their need for gas this year," said NRF President Tracy Mullin.
Total spending is expected to reach $9.6 billion. The survey found that about 41 percent of consumers will treat Dad to a special outing and will spend an average of $20.
Other popular gifts include clothing, 36 percent; books or CDs, 22 percent; gift certificates and gift cards, 32 percent; sporting goods, 13 percent; consumer electronics or computer accessories, 18 percent.
So, don't be offended, dads, if the bottle of cologne is a little smaller this year. The fact is, gas prices are high and with the summer months approaching, energy prices are also spiking.
Trendy cut: BeautyShoppe.biz opened its first store recently at Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park.
The shop features more than 3,000 salon-exclusive hair-care products and accessories as well as skin care, cosmetics, nail-care and styling tools combined with salon services for the family. Cuts, color, texturizing and styling are included in the salon-service mix.
All night long: Teens can spend the entire night at Golf Mill in Niles. However, the stores will be closed. The Niles Teen Center Youth Council is holding its first lock-in event tonight beginning at 9:30 p.m. A midnight movie, dancing, entertainment and Guitar Hero and relay-race contests are some of the planned events. Participants must be Niles Teen Center members.
Sportswear strength: Kohl's has been named the exclusive U.S. retailer for a variety of Hang Ten merchandise.
The new collection from Hang Ten, California lifestyle clothing for young shoppers, will include apparel and accessories and launch next spring in about 240 Kohl's stores and at Kohls.com. It will then expand to all stores.
The collection, with the distinctive footprint logo, is designed to strengthen the sportswear area of the store. Fila Sport is expected to launch this fall.
Old Orchard openings: The first Zara, an international fashion boutique, is opening its first Chicago-area store this fall at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie.
Zara, featuring men and women's clothing, is known in international circles for its trendy designs. Opening in the fall, the shop will be on the north end of the center.
Other shops coming soon to the Skokie center include:
L.L. Bean, with a two-level 26,500-square-foot flagship store opening in time for the holiday shopping season.
Crate & Barrel, in time for the holidays.
Guess, rejoining the outdoor shopping mall this fall in its original location near Nordstrom.
The English Garden, early this summer. The shop specializes in garden artistry, offering everything from landscaping and fresh flowers to wedding bouquets.
Mrs. A's Cupcakes & Cookies, which highlights freshly baked goods and is located across from AMC Garden Cinema.
Nature's Home, an earth-friendly boutique carrying eco-friendly product lines. They include biodegradable and chemical-free cleaning products, all-natural bath, body and baby products, and clothing made from organic cotton.
Kim Mikus covers retail. She welcomes comments at (847) 427-4567 or kmikus@dailyherald.com.