What's New At the Mall? It's All About YOU Shopper

As the season changes, there's a flurry of activity to get ready for the warm days and (hopefully) endless sunshine.

For so many of us, a trip to the mall (or time spent online shopping) is the way to reduce the list of acquisitions needed for home and closet.

Retailers will be happy to see consumers - in a recent survey from American Express Canada, businesses such as restaurants, grocery, gas, pharmacy and apparel are very optimistic about the next 12 months, with 85 per cent of them saying the future looks bright.

But what does this mean for consumers? What's the lure for us to keep the economic flow going in Canada?The inaugural Canadian Retail Insights Report shows a rosy financial future - one that is all about keeping customers loyal and offering them more.

Retailers have figured out we're spending plenty of time online, and are investing in social media to share information, contests, promotions and discounts with consumers - especially for those in apparel, fine dining and fast food sectors. In addition clothing retailers are putting more money into their e-commerce.

There's also a focus on service - something that all of us appreciate. Whether its via social media or in-store, 95 per cent of those surveyed know that loyalty is the key to keeping customers happy and coming back.

Additional lures for the shopper include increased sales, discounts and product offerings at many stores, but will be conservative in their approach to new locations, new markets within Canada or internationally.

For shoppers it's music to our ears to be the fixation of big box stores and local boutiques - and to know that we're valued for our opinions as much as our credit cards and wallets.