We asked some of our experts what they wanted under the tree this holiday season. Here's what they told us.
Who
Emily Deveaux, retail strategist
What she wants
"I keep it small, with just enough on it for family members who insist on buying me something," said the executive director of the U of A's School of Retailing. But there is something on her list that Santa's not likely to deliver anytime soon, but ought to: "If I could wave a magic wand to change the retail landscape to improve customer experience or product offerings … what would that be? In two words, my dream for Edmonton would be valet parking."
Why she wants it
"It's a key component of the customer experience that's often overlooked by shopping malls and retailers because of cost, space and liability, but we have so many great stores with challenging parking. Los Angeles is a driving city so everywhere you go has valet. It helps keep traffic flowing in areas where parking is a challenge. Take the parking nuisance out of the equation and you increase customers."