Arlington Life & Style

Viva la Paris... Not

Everywhere you turn, retailers are pushing Paris. Why?

With a recent royal wedding, the Summer Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, I can understand if all eyes are on London. But it seems retailers are busy pushing Paris. Everywhere I go I see Paris-themed products. From Target to Neiman Marcus, Paris is plastered on sheets, plates, cubs and canvas. The Eiffel Tower is more prominent in American stores than the Statue of Liberty. What is up with that? Remember just a few years ago, after the French opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq, we had folks using the term “freedom fries” to describe french fries? Now it’s Viva la Paris! The other day, while strolling through Pentagon City Mall, I noticed Bath & Body Works promoting its new Paris line of body products. There's a big …

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Cyber Monday Promises Stiff Competition

So you thought the Black Friday deals were amazing? Fasten your seat belt, Cyber Monday will take you for a spin on the wild side!

Ahhh...the holiday season is truly upon us.  The lack of adequate parking, long check-out lines and miles of walking (or running) to the next store is finally here.  For many of us,  Cyber Monday has replaced the legwork of Black Friday with simple finger dexterity, a credit card and just the slightest amount of internet savvy. To sum it up: Black Friday may have met its match.  Cyber Monday originated during the holiday season of 2005 and has grown (by millions of dollars) every year since. While typically Black Friday sales are geared for lower to middle-income individuals and families, Cyber Monday is aimed at those who are more tech-savvy with significantly higher/disposable incomes.  According to the National Retail Federation, nine …

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