The holiday shopping season is in full swing. And if you're in the business of selling electronics, you probably already know just how important this season is: According to the Consumer Electronics Association, $22 billion in electronic purchases is up for grabs. So how can you stand out from your competitors? It would help to understand your consumers. This Advertising Age article takes a look at results from a new survey by Omnicom's Integer Group. It provides some valuable clues to help you woo holiday shoppers:

• About one-third of shoppers surveyed bought electronics based on an offer or promotion. The most popular? Rebates and sale prices.
• Shoppers went online an average of more than three times to do research before buying.
• When shoppers do get to the store, they prefer the online merchandising and in-store marketing match.
• Men and women have opposite shopping styles; women tend to look at specific brands before looking at products, while men decide what product they want before reviewing the brand choices.

If you're trying to attract more women, Kim Menier, senior VP-director of account planning for Integer says to try positioning your store as "a place where people can find everyday values."

Dessert-only restaurants are part of a growing trend specializing in satisfying the growing sweet tooth of Americans. We've heard about restaurants exclusively selling ice cream and cupcakes, but now, a traditional yummy treat is making a comeback: pudding. Thrillist.com added New York's Chikalicious Puddin' to its hot list. The take-out-only coffee, tea and pudding bar serves items like Steamed Apple Puddin', Brioche Bread Puddin' and French-Verona-based Adult Chocolate Puddin'.

For tips on how to start your own dessert-only restaurant, check out this article.

According to the 2007 American Family Business Survey, sponsored by the Kennesaw State University Coles College of Business, MassMutual and the Family Firm Institute, family-business owners are reporting a positive outlook for their economic future. About three out of four firms surveyed said they've increased revenues over the past three years, while 22 percent expect double-digit growth.

But the research study also found some things family businesses need to improve upon. "To ensure continuity and future growth and security, family-business owners need to focus attention on succession, estate planning and other family business and financial issues," said Beth Wood, marketing director for U.S. Insurance Group, MassMutual. In fact, among family-business owners expecting to retire in five years, less than half have selected a successor.