Retailemployment typically swells during the holiday season, last year rising by an estimated 46,600 from November and 186,400 from October.

If you’re not sure where to do your shopping, choices of retail establishments abound. In 2004, there were 149,831 clothing and clothing accessories stores; 9,360 department stores; 10,345 hobby, toy and game shops; 33,956 gift, novelty and souvenir shops; 22,902 sporting goods stores; 28,772 jewelry stores; and 11,218 book stores across the nation.

The number of malls and shopping centers dotting the U.S. landscape as of 2005 totals 48,695, a total that increased by approximately 12,000 since 1990.

· U.S. Christmas tree farmers in 2005 racked up sales totaling $485 million. Oregon was the top state in tree sales at $126 million, followed by North Carolina, Washington and Michigan.

· The value of U.S. imports of Christmas tree ornaments from China between January and August 2006 totaled $605 million. China was the leading country for such items and was the leading foreign source of artificial Christmas trees shipped to the U.S. ($65 million worth) during the same period. There were 116 establishments in the U.S. that primarily manufactured dolls and stuffed toys in 2004; they employed 2,386 people. California led the nation with 17 such locations.

· There were 723 locations that primarily produced games, toys and children’s vehicles in 2004; they employed 16,465 workers. California again led the nation, this time with 117 establishments.

· Places with names associated with the holiday season include North Pole, Alaska (population 1,778 in 2005); Santa Claus, Ind. (2,283); Santa Claus, Ga. (242); Noel, Mo. (1,515); and–if you know about reindeer–the village of Rudolph, Wis. (422). On top of that there is Snowflake, Ariz. (4,958); Dasher, Ga. (807); and a dozen places named Holly, including Holly Springs, Miss., and Mount Holly, N.C.