GAFS growth turned positive in October after 13 consecutive months of downward movement. Furthermore, recently released reports of third-quarter earnings tell us that margins and balance sheets are healthier than they were last year. A number of retailers exceeded their own projections for the quarter and raised guidance for the rest of the year. Still, as we enter the heart of the holiday shopping season, many consumers remain cautious. Some are delaying their holiday shopping, hoping to see a repeat of last season's deep discounts. Retailers need to be creative to get these shoppers spending both in stores and online.