Empathica Inc., a leading provider of Customer Experience Management (CEM) solutions to some of the world's most respected brands, announced that its Second Quarter survey of more than 11,000 American consumers reveals that the majority are spending more in today's economy.
Last quarter 67.2% of American respondents cited they were moderately to significantly cutting their spending, yet in Q2; this number fell slightly to 61%. Q2 also saw an increase in respondents indicating they were spending more (6.8%), compared to 4.8% in Q1.
Men appear to be slightly more optimistic than women, with 50.6% of men reporting that they expect their financial situation to be somewhat better in the next six months, while only 48.2% of women feel this way. Similarly 53.1% of women say they are finding more financial difficulty compared to six months ago as opposed to only 45.4% of men.
Optimism is clearly a state of age, not just mind. Belief in ones financial situation improving in the next six months decreases steadily for those who have been in the working market longer. From 30's onwards, it declines steadily with age.
Of those surveyed, 42% claim they are optimistic about the economy, down from 48% reported last quarter. Those who cited they were pessimistic jumped four percentage points, with 32.8% in First Quarter 2010 moving to 36.8% in Second Quarter 2010.
It should be noted that despite widespread pessimism for the "overall" economy, slight movement is detected in more consumers feeling better about their individual situations. In the next six months, 31.2% of consumers feel their financial situation will be somewhat better, as compared to 29.3% who cited that in Q1.
"The dichotomy of increased pessimism along with some increased spending perhaps can be attributed to the fact that individuals feel they are generally better off than their peers," said Gary Edwards, EVP of Client Services at Empathica. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the unemployment rate declined in June and remained static at 9.5% in July. Private-sector payroll employment, in particular, increased by 71,000 in July.
"Many people are realizing they have sacrificed long enough and are now in a position – or have a desire – to spend money on more discretionary items like hardware purchases or travel," continued Edwards. "Yet it's perce fashion jackets online ived that the overall economy still has a long way to go, to get back to where we were. In general, it appears that consumers are becoming more sophisticated in their response to the economic downturn. They may be spending more, but they're doing more bargain shopping. It's a more thrifty spend."
Coupon redemption, for instance, continues to drive consumer behavior. In Empathica's Second Quarter Consumer Insights survey, one in four consumers indicated they are seeking coupons online more often than ever before.
"Consumers still seek value in their purchases, and brands must accommodate this demand," added Edwards. "And when you're in a situation where consumers are in the mindset to spend, offering them extra value will be the opportunity to move from best current deal to actually boosting their brand loyalty. It eventually comes full circle. The more satisfied consumers are with their in-store and overall brand experiences, the more they will spend. Since consumer spending strengthens the economy, this can translate into more jobs and retail profits."
Richard Hastings, Macro and Consumer Strategist with Global Hunter Securities, LLC pointed to some potential reasoning behind the findings.
"Consumers are spending but the pattern of spending is generally more erratic than in the past, some of it the result of spending priorities, and some of it directly and indirectly influenced by social networking and tech," said Hastings. "One of the biggest challenges for retailers, brands and advertisers comes from this constant change in spending priorities. During certain months, certain age tiers will focus on clothing, then switch their priorities over to tech, and then back to clothing. For others, the swapping into and out of product channels creates challenges.
"The dollars might not be what they were four years ago, but the bigger issue is figuring out how to create more consistent spending patterns on a more profitable basis," Hastings added. "It looks like the consumer is figuring out how to use technology to step ahead of the trouble and spend in a new way."
About the Empathica Consumer Insights Panel:
The Empathica Consumer Insights serves as an authoritative voice on consumer based economic indicators; the retail, financial services and restaurant industries; consumer shopping intentions and customer satisfaction as reported by thousands of consumers in the U.S. and Canada. Results from Empathica's Consumer Insights, led by Dr. Gary Edwards and Empathica's Consumer Insights' team, are published on a quarterly basis. The results are based on outbound Internet surveys with Empathica's growing Insights Panel, derived from more than 30 million consumer surveys per year. Results have been weighted to reflect latest Census distributions in the U.S. and in Canada, including Region, Gender, Age and Income.
Aforementioned data is reported by the Empathica Consumer Insights Panel – Q2 2010, Issue 1.
For more information, visit http://www.empathica.com/insights/.
About Empathica:
Empathica provides Customer Experience Management programs to more than 200 of the world's leading brands, ranging from multi-unit retailers, to banks and restaurants. Its rich analysis of survey data using state-of-the-art surveying and dashboard reporting software allows for performance-improvement solutions, evidence-based marketing insights, and customer experience management consulting. Annually, Empathica's 30 million customer surveys in 17 languages reach more than 70,000 locations. A privately-held organization, Empathica is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and also has offices in Birmingham, England and Alpharetta, GA, in the United States. For more information about deriving actionable insights that enhance a brand's operational excellence, visit Empathica at http://www.empathica.com.
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The National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) today awarded $20,000 in grants to aid the needy in nine communities. Ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, the monies are part of the Society's annual Friends of the Poor? Grant Program and will provide several forms of assistance, such as food, utility bills, housing and rent assistance, and medicine.
SVdP locations receiving the grants are in: Martindale, Texas; Elgin, Texas; Kyle, Texas; Manor, Texas; Austin, Texas; El Campo, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; Montgomery City, Mo.; and St. Louis, Mo. The current funding cycle reviewed applications from the SVdP's Midwest and South Central Regions ― hence, the large number of Texas locations because of the latter region. A total of 20 SVdP locations from these regions applied.
This disbursement is part of $164,000 in Friends of the Poor? grants that the Society has made this past year throughout the United States. Grant applications are reviewed and awarded annually on a regional basis. Funding comes from the general public and the Society's members.
"The program employs a simple, standardized application process and ensures accountability from start to finish," said Joe Flannigan, national president fashion jackets of the Society. "Grants are targeted to the specific needs of the poor that are above and beyond those available to our Councils and Conferences."
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay organization of more than 690,000 men and women throughout the world who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually and offer person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in 142 countries on six continents. Programs include home visits, housing assistance, disaster relief, job training and placement, food pantries, clothing, transportation and utility costs, care for the elderly and medicine. With the U.S. headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., membership in the United States totals more than 146,000 in 4,600 communities.
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Littlewoods Europe, part of the Shop Direct Group, recently announced that it is to offer substantial discounts on over 500 lines of children's toys in the run up to Christmas. The offer, which includes leading toy brands such as VTech, Lego, Disney Princess, Baby Annabell and Toy Story, will allow customers to enjoy savings of up to 50%.
Many of the 500 toy lines included in the up to half price off offer are tipped to be amongst the most popular brands and most wanted toys for Christmas this year. Perennial favourites like Lego, VTech and Fisher Price are all present and accounted for, along with licensed toys from popular film and television shows, including Star Wars, Toy Story, Dr Who and Power Rangers. Also on offer are modern favourites like Zhu Zhu Pets, Zingzillas and Ben & Holly toys.
With financial uncertainty still in the air and many household budgets under pressure this winter, customers can benefit from substantial discounts on the toys their children really want this Christmas, allowing parents to give their kids a Christmas to remember without placing undue strain on their bank accounts.
A spokesperson for Littlewoods said: "With ongoing economic uncertainty throughout Europe, household budgets are being even more challenged and mums are having to really keep a close eye on their bank balance this Christmas. They are becoming more and more savvy at making their budget stretch, seeking out the best special offers, such as Littlewoods Europe discounted toy offers to help them create the perfect Christmas."
Littlewoods Europe expects many customers in France, Germany, Spain and Portugal to avail of its discounted toys offer and advises shoppers in these countries that last order date for Christmas delivery is Friday 10th December 2010.
About Littlewoods Europe:
Littlewoods Europe is part of Shop Direct Group who is the UK's largest online and home shopping retailer with sales of circa ?1.7 billion. It is aimed at women who want the convenience of home delivery from one of their favourite British on-line retailers. The delivery cost is 5 regardless of size of order. Delivery is within 7 working days, with 28 days home approval guarantee.
The Littlewoods Europe site features over 14000 product lines, from core categories of clothing, including dresses and footwear, Christmas gifts (http://www.littlewoodseurope.com/christmas/en/christmas.page) and childrens toys (http://www.littlewoodseurope.com/toys-games/e/b/5132.end) including board games (http://www.littlewoodseurope.com/toys-games/games-puzzles/e/b/5230.end), kids games (http://www.littlewoodseurope.com/toys-games/games-puzzles/childrens-games/e/b/5231.end) and VTech toys (http://www.lit women's jackets tlewoodseurope.com/vtech).
Brands within the Shop Direct Group portfolio include Very.co.uk, Woolworths.co.uk, Littlewoods Ireland, Littlewoods Europe, Additions, Great Universal, Choice, Kays, Empire Stores and Marshall Ward.
PR Contact:
Michelle Miller
Consumer PR team
Shop Direct Group
Skyways House
Speke Road
Speke
L70 1AB
0844 292 2570
http://www.littlewoodseurope.com
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Debenhams has launched one of the first UK deals on Facebook, which allows customers to check into Facebook from their mobile and claim special offers, rewards and discounts from top brands. Customers will also have the chance to share these benefits with their Facebook friends so they can take advantage of them too.
Part of Facebook Places, Facebook Deals helps users find offers in their local area from their mobile phone or discover money-saving tips from their friends through their News Feed.
Many big brands are taking part alongside Debenhams, including Starbucks, Argos, Alton Towers Resort, Benetton, Mazda, O2, YO! Sushi and pop star, Usher.
Joanna Shields, VP EMEA, Facebook said: "We all love a bargain so whether you're on the lookout for a special offer at your favourite restaurant or tips from a fashionista friend about a discount on shoes or beauty offers (http://www.debenhams.com/beauty) in a department store, Facebook Deals will help you find it.
"Facebook is built around people and sharing personal experiences and Deals is a great extension of this. By bringing valuable and relevant offers to you wherever and whenever you want them, Deals delivers a powerful experience tha fashion jackets t combines technology and location in a way that a pure online or offline experience could never deliver."
Harriet Williams, head of digital development at Debenhams (http://blog.debenhams.com/) commented: "The ultimate tool for social shoppers, Debenhams Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Debenhams) Deals will transform the way customers shop, making sure they are getting the very best offers from Debenhams, right when they need them. With over 60 per cent of our customers active on Facebook and 164 Debenhams stores across the UK, we predict a rush of keen shoppers will be checking into our stores and checking out our Deals."
On February 14th Debenhams and Benefit (http://www.debenhams.com/beauty/benefit) will be giving away over 1,000 free mascaras and makeovers for the first 10 check-ins at each Benefit make-up (http://www.debenhams.com/beauty/make-up) counters at Debenhams stores across the UK.
In order to take advantage of the deal, Debenhams customers will need to log on to Facebook on their mobile, open 'Places' and then click 'Check In'. A list of nearby places will appear and a yellow ticket will show the places that are offering deals. Customers can then view the deal and check in to claim it. Users then show their phone to the shop assistant when they redeem their deal.
Types of deals available include Individual Deals which offer a one-time discount, free merchandise or other reward; Friend Deals, offering deals that friends can claim when they check-in together; Loyalty Deals which reward users for being a frequent customer and Charity Deals, allowing businesses to donate to a particular cause when users check in.
About Debenhams:
Debenhams is a leading department stores group, and has a strong presence in key product categories including children's wear, women's clothes, day dresses, shoes, bikinis, jeans, men's clothing, home ware, make-up, health and beauty, accessories, perfume and lingerie with DD+ bras?and matching bra and underwear sets.
PR Contact:??
Ruth Attridge
PR Manager - Menswear,?Beauty, International & Retail Services
Debenhams?
33 Wigmore Street
London
W1U 1QX
0207 529 0172
http://www.debenhams.com
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When shoppers shop online DermStore, they can "gobble" up new Thanksgiving promotions and save $20 when they purchase $100 or more at the DermStore. All customers have to do is find $100 worth of incredible products from the DermStore and enter promo code 2THANKS to enjoy this great offer at the checkout.
There are an array of skin care products that are offered at the DermStore. One can find makeup products, facial cleansers and lotions to improve one's skin at the DermStore. Online shopping has never been easier for individuals who want to take care of their skin without a visit to the dermatologist. By shopping at the DermStore, shoppers can enjoy significant discounts on skin care products that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars.
The DermStore is also a great place to do one's holiday shopping this season. All natural cosmetics from leading brands like Essie and Stila can be found at the DermStore. Shoppers should take advantage of the $20 discount soon, because this deal is only lasts from November 16 to November 19. Also, customers should note that the discount cannot be combined with other offers.
"The DermStore is the perfect place to treat one's self to a giftset with facial creams or a new set of makeup. Men can find shaving treatments that will soothe their skin, and women can find an array of luxury fragrances. When customers shop online at the DermStore, they will be able to save lots of money on brands like Burt's Bees and "philosophy," commented Lina Andrade, spokesperson for MyReviewsNow.net.
For more information or inquiries, individuals can contact Lina Andrade at info (at) myreviewsnow (dot) net. This press release was issued by SEO Champion.
About MyReviewsNow.net Shopping Mall
MyReviewsNow.net is one of the leading shopping malls on the Internet. With hundreds of professional and customer reviews, it is the perfect place to learn about the hottest offerings on the Internet. It is also a great place to find the best deals on expensive brand names and designer clothing. This business directory makes it easy for people to learn about new products and save money on them. MyReviewsNow.net offers professional and consumer reviews that are 100% free and available to the public at all hours of the day. Shoppers can also visit the MyReviewsNow Shopping Blog to read about the latest in products and services.
About SEO Champion
Michael Rot Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) kin created SEO Champion in 1999, and it has become a leading provider of internet marketing services ever since that date. By providing business owners with an alternative to pay-per-view advertising, businesses are able to save hundreds of dollars on their marketing strategies. Michael Rotkin believes in the power of SEO keyword placement as a way to improve the ranking of companies on internet search engines. A company can expect to place in the top three rankings when it decides to invest in the services of SEO Champion.
Fret not, She She Me's here. On the newly revamped She She Me web site, your favorite style guru hosts a blog to solve every fashion problem a girl could possibly have.
"What's a fashion magazine for, if not to be fashionable itself and tell you how to be similarly fashionable?" says Carla Laney, co-owner and executive editor of She She Me. "Our new look reflects our unique sense of style, and the She She Me blog is our new one-stop resource for style queries."
The She She Me web site (available online at http://www.shesheme.com) looks jazzy and fresh, prominently featuring many of its trusted features -- Style Scoop, Beauty Bubbles, Style de Vie, New Mom Chic, Classy Classifieds, She She Mall, and the She She Scene.
In addition is the Ask She She Blog (available online at http://www.shesheblog.com), newly available to answer questions on fashion, beauty and lifestyle. She She Me blogs about the latest styles and hottest trends, and she welcomes the thoughts and comments of all She She Girls, bringing an interactive element to the blog.
The She She Mall, ( Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) available online at http://www.sheshemall.com) in particular, welcomes five new stores into its online premises -- the Lucky Brand Jean Show, La Redoute, Armani Exchange, Fashion Chateau, and Romeo and Bella -- all offering hot savings and discounts on the web site. She She Mall is a chic fashion marketplace with 14 departments and more than 120 store listings. It promotes quality fashion destinations from the biggest online stores such as eLUXURY, shopbop.com, Overstock.com and Beauty.com, in addition to specialty stores such as Fashion Chateau, C'est Bella, and simplysoles.com. Pricing, value-added marketing services and She She Me traffic make this a no-brainer of a marketing decision.
Online since 1999, She She Me is well-known for chic and witty fashion articles that are published and distributed weekly to subscribers worldwide and posted online at http://www.shesheme.com. The She She Me fashion newsletter keeps on top of the latest, hottest, most chic fashions. "The pink theme tells you right away that this e-zine is just for girls, and we don't mean little girls, either," says Laney. "We mean big girls who like to shop, have serious cash to spend or a generous credit limit, but don't want to break the bank."
She She Me's motto is "a tall skinny double shot of chic," and it delivers the goods -- the latest must-have, whether it's clothes, accessories, entertaining or attitude. Each edition of the newsletter carries a different focus. In every section -- the She She Scene (a day in the life of She She Me), Style Scoop (fashion reviews and advice), Beauty Bubbles (spa, beauty and accessories advice), Style de Vie (lifestyle, personal entertaining and fashion advice), and New Mom Chic (fashion and lifestyle advice for the expectant and new mother) -- the attention never veers from the latest in chic.
She She Me newsletters top the industry in click-throughs, with CTRs (click-through rates) consistently topping 50 percent. They also enable the company to drive advertising and merchandise sales. These metrics dwarf the industry averages of 39 percent for opens and 9 percent for click-throughs
"I like She She Me because of the way they present their information," says Kimberly Wouters, a fan from Portland. "It's fun, informative, insightful and not TOO girlie! I like the clean format with pleasant graphics that aren't too 'out there' or 'frou-frou'. The web site, the newsletter, the mall -- all very nicely done without being over the top. Perfect for women like me, trying to get through each day without looking like we've been through a whole week!"
"I like She She Me because it's a fun way to find out about the latest fashion trends", says Anne Blackstock-Bernstein, a new subscriber from New York. "The commentary is upbeat and clever, and I love using the links in the emails to see pictures of "killer shoes" or a "sassy skirt." The website and emails give me an idea of where to shop and what to buy. It tells me about fun websites too. She She Me also gives me ideas for outfits—what goes well with what, and what to wear in certain environments. It also helps organize the millions of clothing items that are online, and only shows me the ones worth actually looking at. So it saves me time and energy, and does it in a fun way. Basically, I like She She Me because it makes me feel girly and it lets me indulge myself and my shopping tendencies. It's a great site, and I love being on the mailing list."
Current and past advertisers also praise the performance they get by advertising with She She Me. "Avenue You spends a lot of money on direct advertising, CPC, and banner placements, and per dollar spent, She She Me has been extremely successful," says Brian Esposito, CEO of the Avenue You Beauty Store. "Their layout is exactly the kind of web site we would want our business associated with. We go through a lot of research and time before choosing a company to promote and market our business, and it only took a few hours to pick She She Me as a perfect match for Avenue You."
"She She Me is a great web site -- well written, with a beautiful layout," says Alle Fister of Shopbop.com. "It is a wonderful site to be featured on, as its dedicated, fashion-forward readers are action-oriented and really check out all of the sites and products featured."
"She She Me is an All-Star favorite at boscia," says Caren Conrad, general manager of boscia. "The boscia beauty team all started out as subscribers who couldn't wait to read the She She Me newsletter updates. Now we are enjoying a partnership in marketing and advertising with their savvy and entertaining She She Me marketing program. We really wanted to speak to the stylish set of beauty mavens on-line, and She She Me is the coolest! Thanks for helping boscia to drive sales and awareness with your great service and creativity in such a fun and upscale format."
"We're very happy to see the positive reaction about our new web site and especially the Ask She She Blog," says Gary Laney, President of Emerge First, parent company of She She Me. "We are working hard to create an online fashion community that offers free fashion advice to fashionistas everywhere."
Press Contact: Press
Company Name: She She Me
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 925-253-7355
Website: http://www.shesheme.com
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