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FAST FACTS HAWAII
NATION
Believe it or not, sweaters are back
NEW YORK » This year, consumers are turning back to an old classic -- with a new look.
Sweater sales are expected to be up 8 percent over last year, and holiday sales are likely to drive the growth, said Marshal Cohen, chief analyst with research agency NPD Group Inc. That compares with a modest 3 percent sales gain in 2005 over 2004.
Traditional gifts like sweaters are back in vogue this holiday season, after recently falling out of fashion due to new gadgets like iPod music players and digital cameras, Cohen said.
New fashions are also driving sweater sales, Cohen said. This season, it's all about color options and new styles, including layered looks and long silhouettes for women.
Federated Department Stores Inc.'s Bloomingdales featured a $228, long cable cardigan by BCBG Max Azria recently on its Web site. Gap Inc. is featuring a cable knit cowl-necked sweater with a shirt peeking out below, for $48. Macy's, another Federated division, is selling $69.99 cashmere sweaters in eight colors.
American Eagle Outfitters Inc., which is featuring tunic-style sweaters in stripes, is enjoying better sweater sales this season over last year, said spokeswoman Jani Strand.
Be careful about giving weird gifts
Most employees expect a bottle of wine or a fruitcake from their co-workers during the holidays. How about a stuffed rattlesnake?
In a survey of 250 advertising and marketing executives, the Creative Group asked what was the most unusual office gift. Responses ranged from sea monkeys to frozen potatoes to a life jacket.
The most disturbing? One co-worker gave a likeness of his own head mounted like a deer.
"In general, it's best not to go too far out on a limb and instead give gifts that are thoughtful and can be enjoyed by the recipient," said David Wilmer, executive director at the Creative Group. Wilmer offers the following tips:
» Size matters: Don't give extravagant or pricey gifts. Stick with homemade cookies or small tokens of appreciation.
» Think practical: Gifts that can save your colleagues time during the frantic holiday season -- like gift-wrapping kits -- are always a plus.
» Remember the details: Dress up your gift with elegant wrapping and a bow and don't forget to include a handwritten note.
» Timing: If you get too busy during the holiday season to buy office gifts, give out presents for the new year like a 2007 calendar or a journal.
Survey looks at office dental habits
More men practice healthy dental habits at the office than women, according to a recent survey from the
Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.
Two in five men either brush or floss their teeth at work after a meal or snack, while the number of women find the practice inappropriate or impolite. Only 26 percent of women said they would brush their teeth at work, and just 22 percent would floss.
However, nearly 90 percent of all respondents said there was a strong connection between overall physical health and dental hygiene.
"It would seem obvious that anyone who is concerned about their teeth would pick up a toothbrush or some dental floss at the right time, which would be after a meal," said Dr. Richard Goren of Guardian. "But clearly the perceived social awkwardness of being seen brushing your teeth outweighs that concern."
On a positive note, seven in 10 adults visit the dentist at least once a year, while nearly 35 percent make it once every six months.
The survey polled 1,000 consumers over the telephone in late September.
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