Retail Roundup

To ease the stress of preparing those scrumptious holiday meals,

Boston Market has introduced Boston Market broth, which appeared on

grocery store shelves in November.

It comes in three flavors: roasted chicken, savory beef and

reduced-sodium chicken.

And get this: There’s a peak season for broth sales -- September

through January. About 60% of the sales occur in that five-month period.

So instead of spending countless hours in the kitchen to create the

perfect home-cooked broth, you can entertain your guests or spend time

doing things you enjoy this time of year, while your pecan-stuffed squash

or savory stuffed mushrooms bake in the oven.

The black cans with the Boston Market logo sell for about $1.29.

And what percentage does Santa rake in?

Discounts will abound today at Fashion Island, where shoppers can get

discounts at several stores in the mall. It’s all part of the first-ever

Holiday Jingle Mingle from 6 to 9 p.m., where visitors can stroll through

the mall while enjoying carolers and seasonal treats from several stores.

Shoppers who spend $50 in a children’s store will receive a

complimentary pass for the Kiddie Train Express, and those who spend $100

or more at any Fashion Island store will receive a complimentary Santa

Claus photo certificate.

And for Christmas, Santa, I want a refund of $100.

Among the store offering discounts tonight are Fitigues, which will

serve cookies and coffee and provide a 15% discount on any $100 purchase;

Build-a-Bear, which will offer free sticker sheets and $5 off any

purchase of $25 or more; This Little Piggy, which will have sugar cookies

and ornament-making crafts for children; Between the Sheets, which will

offer $100 off any regularly priced sheet set; and Aerosoles, which will

serve cider and dessert and offer $10 off any $50 purchase and $25 off

any $100 purchase.

Mmm . . . cider and dessert.