Is It The Holiday Season Already???

Most companies try to show their appreciation for their employees’ hard work by rewarding them with a holiday party. But they aren’t only social gatherings, they are to be taken seriously because no matter what you think, you are always being watched by someone.

Holiday Party Do’s and Don’ts…


1. Don’t get intoxicated.
Most holiday parties have an open bar, which you may be tempted to take advantage of. No one’s saying that you and your guest (s) shouldn’t have a good time, but moderation is the key. In the same manner, don’t eat too much at the buffet. Either way, getting drunk or looking like a pig does not make a good impression at all. You can always eat and drink more after the party.


2. Don’t pull the nightclub attire from your closet for the event.
Do ask whether the attire is formal or casual. The party is still a business function, so conservative party clothes are always a good choice. Keep your reputation for good taste intact.


3. Do take the time to network with people at the party who can influence your career.
Take the time to talk with people who you may not see regularly, such as top management, people from other departments, and employees from other locations. A holiday party is a great event to begin building or strengthening business relationships, so do introduce yourself and build your network.


4. Do keep all conversations positive and upbeat.
Don’t spend the evening complaining, bragging, correcting, whining, or ridiculing. Avoid using the office party as an excuse to blow off steam. You also want to stay away from controversial subjects, such as religion, politics, and making off-color jokes. It’s still a company function, and you have to remain professional at all times.

We all know that with this bad economy there are a lot of businesses hurting and going under. Here is a list of stores that are closing around the country—check your local shopping districts and malls to see if any of these are closing in your area:

Circuit City (filed Chapter 11)

Ann Taylor 117 stores nationwide closing

Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine's to close 150 stores nationwide

Eddie Bauer to close stores 27 stores and more after January

Cache will close all stores Talbot’s closing down specialty stores
J. Jill closing all stores (owned by Talbots)
Pacific Sunwear (also owned by Talbots)

GAP closing 85 stores

Foot Locker closing 140 stores, more to close after January

Wickes Furniture closing down

Levitz closing down remaining stores

Bombay closing remaining stores

Zale’s closing down 82 stores and 105 after January

Whitehall closing all stores

Piercing Pagoda closing all stores

Disney closing 98 stores and will close more after January

Home Depot closing 15 stores 1 in NJ ( New Brunswick )

Macys to close 9 stores after January

Linens and Things closing all stores

Movie Gallery Closing all stores

Pep Boys Closing 33 stores

Sprint/Nextel closing 133 stores

JC Penney closing a number of stores after January

Ethan Allen closing down 12 stores

Wilson Leather closing down all stores

Sharper Image closing down all stores

K B Toys closing 356 stores

Lowe's to close down some stores

Dillard's to close some stores

IT’S PARTY TIME QC!!!

P.S. Preferred Spots

Monday, December 8
Marketing Mondays @ Rustic Martini, 616 N. Tryon St., doors open at 7:00, free to the public, Featuring guest presenters and organizations.

Tuesday, December 9
A Peace of Jazz @ KISS, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd., doors open at 7:00, cost is $10 all night, hosted by Jaye Delai of V101.9

Wednesday, December 10
Individual Poetry Slam @ Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s Spirit Square, this event lasts Dec. 10-13, call 704-372-1000 for more details, tickets begin at $10.00

Thursday, December 11
Cufflinks and Cocktails: Code Red @ Chima, 139 S. Tryon St., doors open at 6:00, cost is complimentary, Come show support for HIV/AIDS awareness.

Friday, December 12
Celebrity Friday hosted by Allen Iverson and Kardinal Offishall, NV Nightclub, 20924 Torrence Chapel Rd., All Sagittarius get in FREE until 11:30, ladies free until 10:30, cost varies after 11

Saturday, December 13
EPMD performing live @ ALIVE in NODA, 2909 N. Davidson Street, tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door

P.S. Preferred Partners

Getting married? Got a bachelorette or bachelor party to plan? Or do you and the
girls just want to get away for a relaxing spa day? Look no further, we have the
perfect solution for you! This week’s featured sponsor is Posh Socialites, a fantastic
event planning firm who will take care of all the details so you can relax and be fabulous! Please visit http://www.poshsocialites.vpweb.com/ for further details.