Why Consumer Prefer to Shop Online Rather Than in Stores During the Holidays

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is the world's largest retail association. Its members include department store, specialty, discount, catalog, Internet, and independent retailers, and chain restaurants and grocery stores. Their predictions and reports are highly regarded amongst both small and large retail businesses. According to the NRF, these are the top reasons that consumers prefer to shop online, rather than in stores, during the holidays:

1. To avoid crowds (#1 reason)
2. More convenient to shop online
3. To avoid lines at the store
4. Easier to compare prices
5. Easier to find items online
6. Easier to compare products
7. Better Variety online
8. High gas prices

We found this interesting and hope that you will also.

Quote of the Day - "Rise on wings of hope and courage, and soar the skies of endless possibility." - Anonymous

Boyds, Boyds and More Boyds. . .

Beacon's Glow Collectibles is pleased to announce that we got in several new Boyd's Harvest and Holiday pieces late on Friday.

The Christmas Boyd's Jim Shore Bear Collection is great, and we all really like the soft sculpture Christmas trees with four different folk-art designs by Jim Shore.

Also included in this shipment are several pieces from the Boyd's Flurries Collection to include:

• Blizzard and Friends
• Meltin O. Flurries
• Windy N. Flurries

Although the National Retail Federation (NRF) is not expecting Christmas to be quite as prosperous as last year, nonetheless a 4 percent rise in sales is certainly not shabby. The weak housing market and current credit crunch are being blamed for lackluster sales for the upcoming holiday season.

Quote of the Day - "Success lies within reach of those who reach beyond themselves." - Anonymous

New Boyd's Bears Collection

We have finally received in all pieces from two of Boyd's Bears latest collections - Rosebearies, and Country Patchwork Collection. And, it was definitely worth the wait as these new collections are great!

Boyd's Rosebearies Collection has several very nice pieces and the rose floral corduroy material that is used is so pretty and colorful.

Pieces from the Rosebearies Collection includes:

• Lesetta Rosebeary
• Lesetta's Tote Bag
• Malinda I. Rosebeary
• Verna with Hatbox
• Victoria Rosebeary

The Country Patchwork Collection consists of:

• Amy Quiltbeary
• Annie Quiltbeary
• Betsy Quiltbeary
• Betsy's Wall Hanging
• Jake Quiltbeary with Patches

We have also received in several Boyds Christmas resin pieces and an adorable Let It Snow Tote Bag specially priced for this holiday's season.

Quote of the Day - "Without freedom, no art; art lives only on the restraints it imposes on itself, and dies of all others." - Albert Camus

Clean Sweep Closeout Sale Now in Progress at Beacon's Glow Collectibles

Beacon's Glow Collectibles is holding their first of many "Clean Sweep" Closeout Sales. For a limited time, all prices on Ginny Dolls by Vogue are drastically reduced.

Look for the image above on our homepage to access this sale directly.

Please shop early to get the best selection, and stay tuned for other Clean Sweep Closeout Sales.

Quote of the Day - "Every challenge is an opportunity to discover who we are and see what we can be."

Deb Canham Designs Halloween Collection

Most of Deb Canham's Halloween Collection arrived late last week and we are expecting several more pieces to arrive in this week. (Beacon's Glow Collectibles now carries over 100 of Deb's soft miniature figurines).

As with all of Deb's pieces, her Halloween items are so very detailed and just adorable. (Perfect for those collectors who are low on space also. . . . ) They are made from the finest materials - mohair, ultra suede, felt and velvet.

Here are just a few of these wonderful Halloween pieces:

Peter Pumpkin (new for 2007)
Sabrina Witch Bear (new for 2007)
Spells Witch Bear
Spookie Miniature Bear (new for 2007)
Tabitha Halloween Mouse (new for 2007)

For all of you Halloween lovers, we have a special "Halloween & Fall" gift category under our "*Holidays & Gifts" main category.

Quote of the Day - "Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Marie Osmond's "Becoming Butterflies" Dolls

For those of you that haven't heard, the "Becoming Butterflies" Collection from Marie Osmond was started late in 2006, and has continued to grow throughout the year 2007. Tranquility was the first in Marie's "Becoming Butterflies" series, with Inspiration and Harmony soon to follow. Beacon's Glow Collectibles is excited to be receiving a Retail Exclusive sometime in October named Radiance. She is quite an incredible doll and is sure to be very popular.

Marie has a fond love for butterflies and the reason she choose the name for her "Becoming Butterflies" Collection is as follows: "I've always been fascinated with butterflies. Theirs is one of nature's most captivating and dramatic transformations, changing an apparently lifeless chrysalis into a breathtaking butterfly. Much like the transformation of a butterfly, the the gifted sculptors who I am privileged to work with possess the talent of taking a lifeless lump of clay and actually transforming it into a spectacular work of art. And even more importantly, I chose "Becoming Butterflies" to reflect the inherent beauty that lies within each one of us, and hope that we comes to realize that our destiny is not to remain sheltered in a lonely cocoon, but to spread our wings and fly."

Quote for the Day - "I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge -- myth is more potent than history -- dreams are more powerful than facts -- hope always triumphs over experience -- laughter is the cure for grief -- love is stronger than death." - Robert Fulghum

Marie Osmond Dolls Arriving Daily

We here at Beacon's Glow Collectibles hope that you are enjoying this time of the year. Autumn officially begins on Sunday, September 23, but we are hearing from our wonderful customers that they are beginning to start decorating for Halloween. The holidays are quickly upon us, and it is a welcome change for us all.

For those of you Marie Osmond Doll fans, it looks like Charisma is getting their inventory issues straightened out after their big move, and Marie's new Fall 2007 dolls are arriving daily.

For a sneak peek, here are some of the dolls that we have received in so far:

1. Baby Elvis
2. Baby Mein Liebling Holiday
3. Cuddle Me Huggs & Kissy Twins
4. Edelweiss
5. Falling for You
6. Halloween Keepsake 2007
7. Love Ewe
8. Strawberries & Cream (a personal favorite - her little pouty full face is just adorable)
9. Strawberry Cheesecake Rag-A-Muffin
10. Susie Butterfly Tiny Tot

Please check back often, as we have several more of Marie's dolls on order. (If you are interested in a doll that we don't yet have in stock, please let us know and we will seewhat we can do to get her ordered for you).

Quote of the Day - "Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend." - Albert Camus