SavvySugar -- It Makes Sense. http://www.savvysugar.com/ It Makes Sense. en Which Brand-Name Items Have You Replaced With Store Brands? http://www.savvysugar.com/2472167 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/45_2008/6224390ecfca06c2_brands.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline xlarge" height="185" width="305"></span>More often than not, store brands are priced lower than name brands and sometimes it's <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1772930/" >difficult to differentiate between the two</a>. Now that stretching our dollars is more of a priority, it appears that more consumers are catching on to the fact that buying store branded items can reduce your grocery bill. </p> <p><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122592835021203025.html" target="_blank">According to a recent survey</a>, 40 percent of primary household shoppers have started buying cheaper store-brand paper products. Which brand-name items have you replaced with store brands on recent shopping trips? </p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2472167#comment consumerism I'm Asking saving Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:30:25 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2472167 Has the Economy Driven You Into the Arms of Wal-Mart? http://www.savvysugar.com/2472050 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2472050"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2472050',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2472050');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>The troubled economy has been bad news for everyone but deal-driven Wal-Mart. The world's largest retailer is <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/06/business/06shopping.html/" target="_blank">preparing for a booming holiday season</a> to follow its successful Summer and Fall sales numbers. One Deutsche Bank analyst predicts it will be “a Wal-Mart Christmas,” and Ken Perkins of Retail Metrics surmises, "It’s going to be a primary destination for a lot of people who may not have gone there in recent years, but who will elect to go there for the price and the value." </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/45_2008/87d195022e144421_walmar.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="353" width="530"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2472050" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Has the Economy Driven You Into the Arms of Wal-Mart? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I've been shopping at Wal-Mart more since the economy started to crumble.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I'm not shopping there any more than I was before.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I'm still not shopping at Wal-Mart.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2472050" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2472050#comment consumerism economy poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:30:28 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2472050 Money Tip: Estimate the Cost of Your Outfit Before Buying More http://www.savvysugar.com/2463135 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/45_2008/0ddbe606567c36d5_shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="379" width="250"></span>Shopping might <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2433373/" >feel good after a bad day</a>, but you're doing more harm than good if you're spending money beyond your budget. There are <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1942670/" >questions you can ask yourself</a> when you're deciding whether or not to make a purchase, but after a bad day those questions might fly right out the window. The best solution is to steer yourself away from going into stores in the first place.</p> <p>Here is a trick that has come in handy for me: Add up the cost of everything that you are currently wearing. Start with your shoes and work your way up, estimating the price of each item and adding those numbers together. The awareness that you spent x amount of money on your outfit, but are considering shopping for no reason, can help deter you from buying things you don't need on a mood-driven shopping trip. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2463135#comment consumerism shopping tip Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:15:22 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2463135 How Women Have Been Cutting Back, Compared to Men http://www.savvysugar.com/2464092 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/45_2008/fae22406980efdf8_women.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="320" width="240"></span>Spending more wisely is the mantra of the moment, and while most everyone is doing it there are differences in the extent that men and women have been making cutbacks. <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm/" target="_blank">Consumer Reports conducted a poll</a> and published the results in its December issue, showing that over the last year women have been modifying their habits more drastically than men. A larger percentage of women took steps to be more economical than men in every category. </p> <p><center></p> <table id="space" border=1> <tr bgcolor=#F398Bf> <td>What they did</td> <td>Total</td> <td>Men</td> <td>Women</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Spent less on entertainment and eating out</td> <td>56 percent</td> <td>49 percent</td> <td>62 percent</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Reduced credit card spending</td> <td>53</td> <td>49</td> <td>57</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Planned to cut down on holiday spending</td> <td>50</td> <td>36</td> <td>63</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Put more money into savings</td> <td>40</td> <td>39</td> <td>40</td> </tr> <tr> </table> <p></center></p> <p>See the rest of the chart when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2464092">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2464092#comment consumerism economy spending Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:30:00 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2464092 Teen Vogue Takes Marketing to the Next Level http://www.savvysugar.com/2448464 <p><a href="http://www.teenvogue.com/" target="_blank">Teen Vogue</a> is well aware that retail is in big trouble as reflected by its new concept for the 2008 holiday season. Retailers are thirsty for teenage girls to spend like they used to, so <b>Teen Vogue</b> is taking advertising for the demographic to the next level. This is one campaign that doesn't involve the magazine's go-to heartthrob Zac Efron and actually leaves out boys altogether — the magazine has tried to develop the ultimate girls spot in hopes of loosening up wallets. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/b7b2a45bfc19d9f3_teen-vogue.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center outline preview" height="99" width="550"></span></p> <p>The magazine is forming a presence in malls with temporary pop-up stores, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/30/business/media/30adco.html/" target="_blank">formally called the Teen Vogue Haute Spot</a>. The store won't sell anything but hopes to inspire the urge to splurge by providing makeup and perfume stations, racks of clothing for trying on, informal modeling, and snacks. The stores will be staffed with stylists who are there to give advice and ultimately escort the girls to stores in the mall where they can buy the products they've fallen in love with. </p> <p>Aside from the holiday season stores open from November 28 through December 26, <b>Teen Vogue</b> plans on opening pop-up stores for prom season and back-to-school shopping. Do you think <b>Teen Vogue</b> is on to something, or is their hands-on marketing scheme a dead end in this economy? </p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2448464#comment advertising consumerism holiday news shopping Sun, 02 Nov 2008 07:00:15 -0800 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2448464 Will You Be Shopping For Halloween Stuff on Sale? http://www.savvysugar.com/2448117 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2448117"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2448117',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2448117');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/f56968893fea48a1_candy.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarge" height="213" width="305"></span>Those who celebrate Halloween often spend the day after recovering from two types of hangovers, one of them being from sugary sweets. You might not want to think about candy right now, but there are always big discounts on Halloween treats and decorations starting Nov. 1. Will you be scooping up any of these holiday items on sale? </p> <p><a href="http://www.candywarehouse.com/candycorn.html/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2448117" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Will You Be Shopping For Halloween Stuff on Sale?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I'll shop for post-Halloween discounts. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Maybe, but I won't go to the store for the sole purpose of getting Halloween items.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I won't be shopping for discounted Halloween items.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2448117" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2448117#comment consumerism Halloween poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:00:59 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2448117 Does Shopping Feel Good When You've Had a Bad Day? http://www.savvysugar.com/2433373 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2433373"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2433373',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2433373');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/44_2008/897b4d0b8e435af6_shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="351" width="530"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2433373" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Does Shopping Feel Good When You&#039;ve Had a Bad Day?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, shopping puts me in a better mood after a bad day.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Sometimes, but it's not my go-to bad day remedy.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't use shopping to make me feel better.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2433373" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2433373#comment consumerism poll retail therapy Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:15:17 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2433373 Cash Is Making a Comeback, but Will It Last? http://www.savvysugar.com/2398783 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/43_2008/253ad985fc5e68b2_cash.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="202" width="305"></span>It's bad news for retailers, but good for financial health. Cash is making a comeback as <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/22/news/economy/retail_cash/index.htm/" target="_blank">the preferred method of payment</a>. Online retailers are particularly troubled by consumers shying away from their credit cards, and according to the founder of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services Howard Dvorkin, "With credit cards, consumers spend 30 percent more (on purchases) than with cash." </p> <p>Americans have usually gone back to ol' reliable cash when the economy is troubled, like after the Sept. 11 attacks. Dvorkin thinks consumers will return to their credit-spending ways when the economy gets on its feet, saying, "It's hard to to teach an old dog new tricks. Consumers have short memories. When the economy turns around, they'll return to the same old ways." </p> <p>Do you think consumers will learn their lesson this time around, or will most resume reliance on credit cards when the economy turns around? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2398783#comment cash consumerism news shopping Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:00:51 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2398783 What's Up With Coffee Shops Asking "For Here or to Go"? http://www.savvysugar.com/2377072 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/085f60ef1ea59940_coffee.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="200" width="300"></span>When you're stopping in to your neighborhood coffee shop for a little pick-me-up, the cashier might ask whether you'll be enjoying your beverage "for here or to go." She's not asking out of curiosity, and she's not just trying to find out if your coffee should be presented in a paper or ceramic cup — she's asking to find out whether or not your purchase should be taxed. </p> <p>This policy is going to vary depending on your state's tax laws, but here in California we are taxed when the answer is "for here." To have a nontaxing experience, tell the cashier you want your goodies to go. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2377072#comment consumerism taxes tip Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:30:50 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2377072 What Would You Do? Shopping Spree For You Not Me http://www.savvysugar.com/2377802 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/72cd76589261da09_shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="360" width="270"></span>Having a shopping partner can sometimes make an excursion more enjoyable, but most of us know this isn't always true. A girlfriend described a recent experience she had shopping with her extremely wealthy aunt, which started out as a girls' day at Bergdorf's and ended in a lot of money spent. Her aunt tried on clothes for two hours and spent $10,000 with one swipe of her card, and then she told my friend it was time to shop for her. Find out what happened when you </p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2377802">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2377802#comment consumerism shopping Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:09 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2377802 Have You Ever Bought Something on Layaway? http://www.savvysugar.com/2370195 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2370195"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2370195',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2370195');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/layaway.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="375" width="250"></span>Walmart is among the <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2063752/" >retailers that have started showing</a> their holiday spirit and, surprisingly, the chain's recent commercials advertise the option to buy gifts on layaway. The retailer <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/14/news/companies/walmart_layaway/index.htm/" target="_blank">retired layaway in 2006</a> and has brought it back this holiday season to entice consumers that are more likely to spend if they have this option. </p> <p>Layaway became less popular when people began relying on credit cards, but now that so many Americans are in credit trouble Walmart has reverted to its old policies to keep consumers spending in its stores. Have you ever used layaway? </p> <p><br clear=all> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2370195" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Have You Ever Bought Something on Layaway?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I've used layaway before.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I haven't used it but I'd consider it.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I've never used layaway.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2370195" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2370195#comment consumerism poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:00:22 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2370195 Do You Only Shop Sales? http://www.savvysugar.com/2358112 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2358112"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2358112',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2358112');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/42_2008/sale.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="300" width="300"></span>When we have the urge to update our wardrobes, window shopping sometimes just doesn't cut it. Sales offer a way for us to buy without paying full price and that makes us feel great because we've gotten a deal, but only shopping sales limits our choices and we may be left wanting for something that makes us more excited than the sale rack offerings. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2358112" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Only Shop Sales?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I generally limit my shopping to sales.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No, I shop sales and non-sale racks equally.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2358112" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2358112#comment consumerism poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:30:57 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2358112 Women Spend $1,500 on Dry Cleaning Each Year http://www.savvysugar.com/2338511 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/41_2008/dry-cleaning.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="242" width="300"></span>The economic turmoil has produced some unexpected bedfellows, and the newest of these partnerships is between freshly scented laundry detergent and a well-known retail brand. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/10/business/media/10adco.html/" target="_blank">Procter &amp; Gamble has partnered with Ann Taylor Loft</a> to launch its Tide Total Care and Downy Total Care detergents. Upon purchase of machine washable clothes, the stores will dispense samples and coupons for the detergents, which claim to help clothes looking new for up to 30 washes.</p> <p>Proctor &amp; Gamble is confident its two detergents will help cut down on dry cleaning costs, which can become pricey over the course of one year. Kash Shaikh of Proctor &amp; Gamble explained, “Women spend $1,500 a year on dry cleaning, and 65 percent of those clothes are actually machine washable.” A partnership between a consumer packaged goods company and a fashion retailer is atypical, but these are not typical times. Robert Luzzi, Chief marketing officer for Ann Taylor states, “The economy is fairly tough right now, and we want to deliver value for our clients."</p> <p>How much do you usually spend on dry cleaning? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2338511#comment advertising consumerism economy news shopping Sun, 12 Oct 2008 07:00:09 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2338511 Everybody Wins With Free Samples http://www.savvysugar.com/2273239 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/41_2008/sample.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="390" width="260"></span>Everyone loves something free, even if it's just a nibble of food or a tiny sip of something. So, those little pieces of cut up scones at Starbucks aren't the product of a barista's boredom; they are there because your taste buds are tied to your wallet. Trader Joe's has a tasting station in the back of their stores and more often than not the featured item smells delicious, drawing customers to visit the other end of the store when they may just be there to pick up a few items. </p> <p>According to a study from Arbitron, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/business/06drill.html/" target="_blank">35 percent of shoppers bought</a> an item the same day they sampled it, and 58 percent said they'd buy an item they sampled in a later shopping trip. Two-thirds of shoppers offered free samples accept them no matter if they've heard of the product before or not. Do you always accept free samples when they're presented to you? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2273239#comment advertising consumerism Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:27 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2273239 Value Is Hot Right Now: Food Companies Fighting For Profit http://www.savvysugar.com/2120085 <p>Convenience items like canned soup and frozen meals were the focus of millions of advertising dollars spent trying to portray the products as premium compared to fast food, but new campaigns show that certain brands now want consumers to <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122264268066983843.html" target="_blank">see their products as value choices</a>. Campbell's has particularly taken a renewed interest in value marketing, and has gone so far as dubbing its line of five condensed soups "the original dollar menu." </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/40_2008/soup.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="279" width="550"></span></p> <p>Look for other Campbell's soup ads paired with Kraft Singles cheese, calling grilled cheese and tomato soup the "wallet-friendly meal your family will love." Food marketers know that popularity of these items can pay off by increasing profit margins, because the products don't cost much to produce. These big brands can't help but notice the boost in sales of store-brand items, and these new value-focused ads are meant to help the big names stay competitive. Even the milk industry is feeling the pinch and has signed Suze Orman as the face of its new campaign that claims, "Even at today's prices, a glass of milk only costs about a quarter . . . " </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2120085#comment advertising consumerism food groceries shopping Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:30:40 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2120085 Store Credit Card Strategy Backfires on Retailers http://www.savvysugar.com/2117710 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/40_2008/target.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="388" width="260"></span>The years of consumer excess have finally begun to take their toll on retailers — they constantly asked people to sign up for credit cards in exchange for discounts, and now that strategy is backfiring as consumers struggle to pay back their debt. Hopefully those of you that are <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1848162/" >carrying store credit cards</a> in your wallets are not part of the growing population that are falling <a href="http://www.nypost.com/seven/09282008/business/the_next_shoe_drops_131140.htm/" target="_blank">behind on their store credit card</a> bills. </p> <p>Stores like Target, Home Depot, and Macy's are caught in a bad place going into the holiday season. More and more customers are defaulting on their store cards, which can erode the stores' margins, and the higher delinquency frequency comes at a time when retailers are already anticipating the worst holiday sales in years. Customers with pattern defaults may discover their cards canceled without any say, as the banks that own the store credit portfolios are proactively trying to protect themselves. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2117710#comment consumerism credit card credit card debt debt news Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:00:40 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2117710 Got Milk Wants to Get Inspired by Teenagers http://www.savvysugar.com/2104180 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/39_2008/got-milk.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="418" width="270"></span>The concept of asking consumers to develop advertising campaigns for certain products hasn't been addressed by the marketing minds on <a href="http://www.buzzsugar.com/tag/Mad+Men/" >Mad Men</a>, but today's advertising agencies are increasingly seeking consumer-driven marketing ideas. The Got Milk campaign has recently <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/26/business/media/26adco.html/" target="_blank">recruited California high school students</a> to develop ideas for ads that could run next year and are meant to inspire teenagers to drink more milk. </p> <p>The California Milk Processor Board is hardly alone in challenging consumers to be creative; it's a trend that's becoming more common in marketing today. Jeff Goodby, co-chairman at Goodby, Silverstein, explains: "The idea is that it’s fine to involve people in the solution of problems. And people love to see if they can do as good a job as the professionals." The kids are getting a peek into what it's like to work in advertising while the Got Milk campaign is getting fresh ideas from the consumer group they're trying to win over — sounds like it could be a winning combination. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2104180#comment advertising business consumerism news Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:30:09 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2104180 Is It Too Early For Stores to Advertise the Holidays? http://www.savvysugar.com/2063752 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2063752"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2063752',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2063752');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/39_2008/holiday.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="300" width="300"></span>Many of you have already <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1942858/" >started shopping for holiday gifts</a> or plan on starting to make a dent in your list sometime soon, and the appearance of holiday displays in stores serves as a not-so-subtle reminder to get cracking. Summer is barely behind us and the holidays are still months away, but is it acceptable for stores to have started decorating with their empty, gift-wrapped boxes? </p> <p><br clear=all></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2063752" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Is It Too Early For Stores to Advertise the Holidays?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, it's too early. Let's get through Halloween first! </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I don't like the early advertising tactics, but I understand why they've started.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, it's not too early to begin advertising for the holidays.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2063752" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2063752#comment advertising consumerism holiday poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:00:11 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2063752 Do You Stock Up When Something Is on Sale? http://www.savvysugar.com/2037149 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2037149"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2037149',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2037149');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/cans.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="303" width="300"></span>Locking in the sale price for future use can be a great way to save on groceries. For those of you that have kitchen space to spare, do you stock up on non-perishables and frozen or freezable items when they are on sale? </p> <p><br clear=all> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2037149" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Stock Up When Something Is on Sale?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I stock up on things I know I'll use when they're on sale.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I would do this if I had the storage space.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't stock up on any food items. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2037149" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2037149#comment consumerism food poll saving Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:00:19 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2037149 Will You Be Reducing Your Holiday Shopping Budget? http://www.savvysugar.com/2033151 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2033151"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2033151',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2033151');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>According to new poll results from Reuters, this year's holiday season may not mean breaking budgets in the spirit of giving. In fact, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN1641434720080917/" target="_blank">more than 44 percent of people</a> surveyed plan on spending slightly less or a lot less on gifts compared to what they spent last year. Are you planning on paring back your holiday shopping budget this year? </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/38_2008/shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="353" width="530"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2033151" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Will You Be Reducing Your Holiday Shopping Budget? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I plan on spending much less than last year. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I plan on spending a little less than last year. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I'll probably spend about the same as last year. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> I plan on spending more than I did last year.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2033151" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2033151#comment budget consumerism holiday poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:30:29 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2033151 Do You Ask About Return Policy Before Buying Something? http://www.savvysugar.com/2015087 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-2015087"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2015087',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2015087');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>It's good to double check a store's return policy before making a purchase, especially if it's somewhere that you don't normally shop. Some places will offer store credit only or store credit after two weeks — not exactly ideal if you see something you like better at another store. Do you ask about return policy when you're shopping? </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="475" width="475"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2015087" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Ask About Return Policy Before Buying Something?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I typically ask about return policy.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Sometimes I ask, but only if I'm questioning whether or not I really want the item.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I usually don't ask about return policy.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. See my comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2015087" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/2015087#comment consumerism poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:00:18 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2015087 What Do You Know About 99 Cent Stores? http://www.savvysugar.com/2006753 <p>The cheap-stuff chain stores with the 99 Cents Only name thought long and hard about <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1860515/" >raising their prices above 99 cents</a>. They've reached a decision that will help their bottom line and technically avoid pricing their items as $1: The highest price you'll find is 99.99 cents. What do you know about the consumer-friendly stores that love their nines? </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/99.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="372" width="500"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/2006753">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/2006753#comment consumerism economy How Money Are You quiz Savvy quiz Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:30:37 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/2006753 I'm Asking: Do You Have a Small Spending Weakness? http://www.savvysugar.com/1984210 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/change.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline preview" height="300" width="300"></span>Small or large, most of us have spending weaknesses — in fact, if you have none, I seriously commend you for your ability to resist temptation. I know which items make you weak in the knees and <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1521774/" >may drive you to splurge</a>, but like our friend (I wish!) Warren Buffett says, we should keep an eye on the <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1964490/" >small expenses that can add up</a>. </p> <p>Do you have any small spending weaknesses, like always buying snacks on the go or buying items conveniently positioned at a store's counter when you're about to pay? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1984210#comment consumerism I'm Asking shopping spending Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:00:44 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1984210 The Latest Trend in Grocery: Bigger Is Not Always Better http://www.savvysugar.com/1970733 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/grocery.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="305" width="300"></span>Grocery store fads aren't limited to the items stocked on shelves or the three-for-the-price-of-one special in aisle five. The latest trend in grocery has to do with the size of the stores: There's a shift of <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/10/business/10grocery.html/" target="_blank">chain stores creating more compact versions</a> of their original supermarket selves. </p> <p>The large grocery chains aren't closing their existing behemoth stores, and their move to gain market share by opening smaller stores with less choices is a statement in choice itself. When we're making a quick trip to the store to buy a couple of items or maybe something for a meal, entering a store with thousands of options is more time-consuming than it needs to be and often leads to spending more money than we intended. </p> <p>If you're thinking what I was thinking — that these stores are simply channeling 7-11 — the smaller locations will focus on prepared meals and fresh produce and not the traditional convenience store taquitos. Would smaller markets with known names appeal to you? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1970733#comment consumerism food news Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:00:26 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1970733 Mrs. Fields Is Bankrupt — No Wonder Mall Mania Is Over! http://www.savvysugar.com/1965720 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/37_2008/992_250x250.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="250" width="250"></span>The last ten years or so hosted a period of mall mania, but store closings during the past year have <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122100092574816923.html" target="_blank">left malls with large, vacant retail spaces</a>. Overbuilding was contagious in shopping centers throughout the country, not unlike certain areas of the US that overshot demand for new housing developments. The glut of open retail space is expected to linger for years to come. </p> <p>Perhaps, then, it is unsurprising that the bankruptcy rate for major retailers has been <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fortune/0809/gallery.kimes_retailbad.fortune/index.html/" target="_blank">double this year compared to 2007</a>. A total of 15 retailers filed for bankruptcy in 2008, including iconic Mrs. Fields. I can't think of a mall without smelling those chocolatey, chain-prepared baked goods, so it makes sense that the struggle of Mrs. Fields comes at a time when malls are not feeling the love from consumers. </p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1965720#comment bankruptcy consumerism economy news real estate shopping Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:00:17 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1965720 How Early Do You Shop For the Holidays? http://www.savvysugar.com/1942858 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1942858"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1942858',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1942858');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/gift_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="313" width="313"></span>I don't know about you, but holiday themed catalogs have already begun making their way into my mailbox. The end of Summer is a fair-game signal for retailers to begin their campaigns to get shoppers in the holiday spirit. </p> <p>Back in June I reminded you to <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1734590/" >start saving for the holidays</a>; will you be taking any of those savings to begin holiday shopping soon, or have you already started? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1942858" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>How Early Do You Shop For the Holidays?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> I've already been looking for holiday gifts.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I'll start holiday shopping very soon. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I'm a last minute shopper. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1942858" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1942858#comment consumerism holiday poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:30:09 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1942858 Three Credit Cards to Avoid http://www.savvysugar.com/1919061 <p>While it may give you a temporary headache, reading the fine print on credit card offers does pay off. <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm" target="_blank">Consumer Reports</a> composed research to narrow down the best credit cards available, and in the process it found a few so bad it had to warn us to stay away in its October issue. Here are the three cards they say are the pits; if you come across other cards with similar terms, steer clear.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/cc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center outline preview" height="375" width="500"></span></p> <ul> <li><b>First Premier Bank Card</b>: Its 9.9 fixed APR is fine, but the card comes with first-year fees up to $276! There's a $29 account-setup fee, a $95 program fee, $48 annual fee, a $7 monthly servicing fee, and sometimes a $20 additional annual fee.</li> <li><b>American Dream Card from HSBC</b>: Each time you charge something you're entered into a lottery for prizes up to $25,000 and you'll be prompted to fill out surveys for chances to win additional prizes. The card comes with a 15 to 22 percent APR.</li> <li><b>New Millennium Visa or MasterCard</b>: There's a $59 annual fee, $100 processing fee, a 19.5 percent APR, and no <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/tag/grace+period/" >grace period</a> before your balance begins incurring interest.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1919061#comment Consumer Reports consumerism credit card Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:30:13 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1919061 Resisting the Retail Therapy Downward Spending Spiral http://www.savvysugar.com/1909648 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/retail.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="310" width="227"></span>Stress often leads to poor money decisions that can create even more stressful situations than we had before. Using retail therapy to soothe our bad day or bad luck can instigate a downward spending spiral, but <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB122020712953286661.html" target="_blank"><b>The Wall Street Journal</b> has some pointers</a> for keeping us above water when the itch to spend can't be scratched. </p> <ul> <li>Ask yourself why you have the urge to spend money and focus on solving those problems first.</li> <li>Avoid the rationalization that overspending for work attire is necessary. Digging yourself in to debt will create bigger problems later, so figure out what you can realistically afford and go shopping for the best deal.</li> <li>Plan for your bigger purchases by saving a certain amount each week until you have enough.</li> <li>Scale down pick-me-ups by going for smaller, more inexpensive purchases or skip the shopping and grab coffee with friends.</li> <li>Keep track of your day-to-day finances to establish a sense of control, and planning for purchases will become a more natural habit.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1909648#comment consumerism retail therapy shopping Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:30:27 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1909648 How Money Are You: Trip to the Grocery Store, Safeway http://www.savvysugar.com/1908155 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/36_2008/TripGroceryB.preview_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left outline preview" height="450" width="253"></span>My trip to Safeway in San Francisco this weekend showed me that even grocery stores get in on classic Labor Day sales. I got some great deals on everything from cleaning products to snacks, but some items haven't been on sale all Summer and the holiday was no exception. </p> <p>Let's see if you can guess the prices for the items I purchased this weekend. How money are you?</p> <p><a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1908155">read more</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1908155#comment consumerism food How Money Are You quiz Safeway Savvy quiz Trip to the grocery store Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:00:10 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1908155 Your Two Cents: Will You Be Shopping Labor Day Sales? http://www.savvysugar.com/1899706 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1899706"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1899706',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1899706');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/35_2008/labor-day-shopping.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="400" width="267"></span>Stores are doing their best to motivate shoppers to spend their hard-earned money over the long Labor Day weekend which is, a bit ironically, in recognition of hard-working Americans. </p> <p>The National Retail Federation has projected that some retail categories will have stronger sales figures than this time last year, thanks in part <a href="http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/2008/08/28/stores-tempt-shoppers-with-labor-day-sales.html/" target="_blank">to the higher-than-usual discounts</a> some stores are using as bait. Are there any particular store sales you plan to check out, or will you be holding onto your moolah this weekend? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1899706" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Your Two Cents: Will You Be Shopping Labor Day Sales? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I'm planning on shopping for some things I need (or want!).</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Maybe, I haven't decided if I'll shop the sales yet.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I'm staying away from shopping this weekend.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1899706" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1899706#comment consumerism Labor Day poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:00:11 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1899706 How Zero-Interest Cards Could Harm Your Credit http://www.savvysugar.com/1886551 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/34_2008/82177483.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left outline preview" height="413"></span>Best Buy's "featured offer" seems like a no-brainer for buying brand-new electronics — two years with no interest comes across as a great way to buy it now and pay later without punishing interest charges. If you're not turned off by the notion of being accountable for <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1827267/" >yet another credit card</a>, then here's something else to consider that might make you think twice about financing your new TV with a store's zero-interest proprietary card. </p> <p>You know that a credit inquiry can temporarily <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1859470/" >shave points from your score</a>, but the low credit limit on these store cards may have a more negative impact. Your credit-to-debt ratio makes up a large part of your overall credit score, and <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121885517390146749.html" target="_blank">The Wall Street Journal emphasizes</a> that "credit bureaus look at how much of all your available credit is borrowed as well how much you've used on each card." The article uses the example of purchasing a $2,000 TV on a card with a $2,500 limit; that's utilizing 80 percent of available credit, which doesn't do any favors for a consumer's credit score. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1886551#comment consumerism credit card credit score Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:30:37 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1886551 Subway to Combine Loyalty Program With Your Credit Card http://www.savvysugar.com/1886063 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/34_2008/2371162.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview"width="306"></span>A new program called SingleSwipe could be a win-win for consumers and business owners alike. Loyalty cards aimed at winning your consistent business often go to waste. They may end up collecting in your wallet and forgotten about until the next time you visit a store, at which point you inevitably can't find the little card. </p> <p>SingleSwipe will <a href="http://www.wjactv.com/money/17245902/detail.html" target="_blank">enable retailers to enter loyalty programs</a> directly into your credit card. Subway and Tully's Coffee are the first to adopt the new system and will be able to print your rewards on your receipt, like if you are eligible for a free cookie on your next trip. The company's website can also track your rewards, making it easy to see how your loyalty is paying off. Do you think the program will encourage greater customer loyalty?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1886063#comment consumerism credit card news Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:00:54 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1886063 Personalized, In-Your-Face Marketing: Creepy or Clever? http://www.savvysugar.com/1885904 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1885904"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1885904',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1885904');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/34_2008/82195095.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview"width="340"></span>An in-the-works, in-store type of advertising wants to get to know you — so much that companies are <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121927508211958397.html" target="_blank">experimenting with facial-recognition technologies</a> that can identify shoppers' approximate age and sex. The development comes as the power of TV ads are dwindling due to the DVR. </p> <p>The ads would appear in shopping aisles and recommend products based on previous selections — like showing an ad for conditioner after you choose a bottle of shampoo — and your demographic details. Dunkin' Donuts has started testing the technology with ads at cash registers inviting customers to return for a certain treat on their next break. What do you think of the new in-store technology? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1885904" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Personalized, In-Your-Face Marketing: Creepy or Clever?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Creepy!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Clever!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Undecided. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1885904" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1885904#comment advertising consumerism poll Savvy poll Your Two Cents Sat, 23 Aug 2008 11:00:07 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1885904 Guess the Olympic Sponsor http://www.savvysugar.com/1878539 <div id="guesswho-view-1878539"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/guesswho/view/1878539',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var guesswho=$('guesswho-view-1878539');guesswho.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p>NBC's research shows that women ages 18 and older have made up about 49 percent of those viewing the network's 2008 Olympic coverage. Advertisers know who's watching and aim some ads at female consumers, including this shot below of Nastia Liukin. Can you guess the Olympic sponsor? </p><p><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/34_2008/guess who.jpg" alt="Guess the Olympic Sponsor" title="Guess the Olympic Sponsor" class="image preview" /></p><p><form action="/1878539" method="post" id="guesswho_guess"> <div><div class="guesswho_form"><div class="form-item"> <input type="text" maxlength="128" name="edit[guess]" id="edit-guess" size="20" value="" class="form-text form-autocomplete" /> </div> <input class="autocomplete" type="hidden" id="edit-guess-autocomplete" value="http://www.savvysugar.com/taxonomy/autocomplete/47" disabled="disabled" /><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1878539" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Guess" class="form-submit" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="I Give Up" class="form-submit" /> <input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="guesswho_guess" /> </div> </div></form> </p></noscript> http://www.savvysugar.com/1878539#comment 2008 Olympics advertising consumerism Nastia Liukin women Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:30:32 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1878539 News Flash: Menus Minus Dollar Signs Attract Spending http://www.savvysugar.com/1875926 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/34_2008/200410816-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="336"></span></p> <ul> <li>Restaurants to begin sacrificing the dollar sign for profit? New research shows that menus that list prices without dollar signs get customers to spend an average $5.55 more per meal. — <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/independentstreet/2008/08/18/to-get-customers-to-spend-more-drop-the-dollar-signs/" target="_blank">The Wall Street Journal</a></li> <li>Business school isn't for everyone: A journalist turned Harvard Business School student wonders if the school is promising its students too much. — <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/business/17shelf.html/" target="_blank">The New York Times</a></li> <li>Real estate agents are building an online presence through blogging and social networks. It leaves the door open for flashy marketing, so be on guard and search for substance if using these forums to find your agent. — <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/15/AR2008081501825_pf.html/" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1875926#comment consumerism news news flash Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:30:57 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1875926 Cosmetics Class Action Suit: Free Products Up to $25 http://www.savvysugar.com/1873480 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/33_2008/200315469-001.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="435" width="300"></span>In a matter of a few months, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Filene's, Lord &amp; Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue will be giving away $175 million in free cosmetics including makeup and fragrances. This isn't a gesture of generosity but the terms of a class action settlement. </p> <p><a href="http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/08/16/a_sweet_deal_in_antitrust_case/" target="_blank">According to The Boston Globe</a>, the department stores and cosmetics companies "conspired to sell products at the manufacturers' suggested price only - never at a discount. It also alleged that special promotions were coordinated in a way that ensured there would be no competition among stores."</p> <p>The giveaway is projected to begin in January 2009, and consumers can get up to $25 in free merchandise after signing a form stating they purchased products at the particular store between May 29, 1994 and July 16, 2003. No receipt or proof of purchase is necessary and you'll have to get your goods on a first-come, first-served basis. Find a list of product lines available in the giveaway and additional settlement details at <a href="http://www.cosmeticssettlement.com" target="_blank">the settlement's official website</a>. </p> <p>Will you be showing up to receive free stuff at the beauty counters? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1873480#comment business class action consumerism lawsuit news Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:04 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1873480 Economy Has Nothing on Liquor and Lollipops http://www.savvysugar.com/1862924 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/33_2008/73766996.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="420"></span>The recession that's been threatening countries across the globe <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080812/recession_party.html" target="_blank">hasn't stopped consumers from</a> going out for drinks, smoking cigarettes, or chewing on candy. Most people aren't giving up buying any of these items, despite the general rise in cost of living due to more expensive mortgages and soaring food prices. </p> <p>The news goes to support the time-tested theory that sin stocks — stocks of companies that are in businesses like gambling and liquor — are usually money-making investments during tough economic times. And while chocolate isn't necessarily considered sinful, it does offer cheap comfort when money is tight. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1862924#comment consumerism economy news Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00:41 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1862924 News Flash: Hollywood Vulnerable to Weak Economy http://www.savvysugar.com/1851953 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/movies.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="327"></span></p> <ul> <li>Traditional thinking has been that Hollywood is recession-proof because consumers will continue to go to the movies in lieu of more expensive entertainment. A recent study has caused some doubt about whether this remains true for today's economy — it found that going to the movies may actually be one of the first activities cut by cash-strapped consumers. — <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121807252231319149.html" target="_blank">The Wall Street Journal</a></li> <li>Bummer for bank employees: Compensation consultancy firm Johnson Associates has projected some bankers' bonuses will be about half of last year's payouts, and most can expect a 15 percent to 25 percent reduction. Other employees could see their bonuses go down as much as 30 percent. — <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/08/06/news/economy/wall_street_bonuses/index.htm/" target="_blank">CNN Money</a></li> <li>Are you an ex-urban? You might know the answer by asking yourself if you spend half your housing expenses on gas. Ex-urbans, country-dwellers with city jobs, are being crushed more than most by relentless gas prices. — <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Business/PainAtThePump/Story?id=5526511&amp;page=1/" target="_blank">ABC News</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1851953#comment bonus consumerism economy gas news news flash Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:00:30 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1851953 Do You Have Any Store-Specific Credit Cards? http://www.savvysugar.com/1848162 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1848162"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1848162',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1848162');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/credit-card.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline center preview" height="342" width="535"></span></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1848162" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Have Any Store-Specific Credit Cards? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I have at least one store credit card. I'll tell you which store in my comment below!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't have any store-specific cards in my wallet.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I used to have one, but got rid of it. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1848162" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1848162#comment consumerism credit card poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:00:55 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1848162 Whole Foods Trying to Shed Whole Paycheck Image http://www.savvysugar.com/1846443 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/73393168.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="444" width="300"></span>Whole Foods received a warm welcome when it entered the grocery scene, with its emphasis on organic and high-end goods, but the tough economy's effect on the chain's performance has caused it to rethink some of its strategies. Namely, the pricing that earned it the not-so-endearing nickname <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1704261/" >Whole Paycheck</a>. </p> <p>Bargains are hardly synonymous with the store's image, but it's thinking hard about how to change that. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/02/business/02food.html/" target="_blank">The New York Times</a> calls Whole Foods's efforts to offer discounts and lower-priced store brands a sign of the times, and the company's co-president Walter Robb is confident they can be competitive. He told the <b>Times</b>, "I’m getting a little tired of that tag around our neck. We are a lot more competitive than people give us credit for. We challenge anyone on like items."</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/NYT.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center outline preview" height="174" width="550"></span></p> <p>I appreciate the store's efforts to focus more on value, but it will take a lot for the company to change its image in the eyes of a public who has become accustomed to the store's reputation. I'll certainly be taking advantage of the newly introduced Value Tours led by store employees — will you do the same? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a> and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1846443#comment business consumerism economy food news shopping Whole Foods Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:20:29 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1846443 You Get What You Pay For: Where to Skimp and Splurge http://www.savvysugar.com/1842332 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/img98m.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview"width="320"></span>Is there anything in your wardrobe or household that you're confident will stand the test of time? An <a href="http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/HomeMortgageSavings/ShouldYouSplurgeOrSkimp.aspx#pageTopAchor/" target="_blank">MSN Money article called</a> "Should you skimp . . . or splurge?" doubts our ability to judge the value of quality things, and points out that our preference for disposable goods is related to credit cards. Dayana Yochim, a writer at The Motley Fool, brings up some interesting points. </p> <blockquote><p>Credit cards let us instantly satisfy our retail desires. Our grandparents had to delay that gratification. They figured that if they had to save for it, they'd better get the best they could. Now retailers want to catch that fleeting desire. We're looking at pricing before quality.</p></blockquote> <p>The article offers some suggestions on where to skimp by purchasing items that aren't the best of their kind, and where to splurge by investing money in items that will last. </p> <ul> <li><b>Splurges</b>: Mattress, eight-inch chef's knife, overcoat.</li> <li><b>Skimp</b>: Men's dress shirts (as long as the suit is well-tailored), women's shirts (especially the trendy stuff), accent chair, table linens.</li> </ul> <p>Do you agree with the article's recommendations? Where do you usually skimp or splurge?</p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1842332#comment consumerism money Savvy ATM work attire Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:53 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1842332 New Yorkers Feeling Euro-Envy This Summer http://www.savvysugar.com/1843273 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/32_2008/81579660.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="423"></span>To understand what's happening with the dollar right now, you need only walk around the shopping centers of cities like New York and San Francisco. At first glance you'd think that Americans were busy blowing their dollars on whatever they please, but given a closer listen, you'll find these shoppers aren't American at all — they're European. </p> <p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/fashion/03tourists.html?pagewanted=1&amp;_r=1/" target="_blank"><b>The New York Times</b> examined</a> the reactions of some Manhattanites who have come down with a collective case of Euro-envy this Summer, as they jealously watch European shoppers have at the city. The dollar's weakness compared to some currencies abroad has allowed travelers earning even modest incomes to enjoy all New York has to offer. </p> <p>One 30-year-old New Yorker explained his feelings about his purchasing power: "It’s Psych 101 — jealousy. I’m jealous that I can’t go to Italy and buy 12 Prada bags, but they can come here and buy 18 of them." Another woman said her European friends visit New York and treat it like it's Candyland. While some New Yorkers are apparently a little bitter, all of the international traffic can only be good for the economy and for business owners who are able to profit. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1843273#comment consumerism currency dollar news shopping Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:04:33 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1843273 Do You Spend More When You Shop On an Empty Stomach? http://www.savvysugar.com/1819588 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1819588"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1819588',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1819588');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/31_2008/stk32817bsr.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="400"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1819588" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Spend More When You Shop On an Empty Stomach?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes! I've noticed I spend more when I'm hungry. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Hunger only makes me spend more when I'm grocery shopping.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't spend more when I shop on an empty stomach.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1819588" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1819588#comment consumerism poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:30:52 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1819588 American Airlines Pulls Out of Some Price Comparison Sites http://www.savvysugar.com/1817232 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/81954181.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview"width="350"></span>American Airlines' Internet presence will be reduced when, on August 1, its fares disappear from a couple of the most popular travel comparison websites. <a href="http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2008/07/update_american_confirms_its_w.html" target="_blank">According to Budget Travel</a>, American's fares will no longer be included in search results on Kayak.com and Sidestep.com, but they'll continue to appear on Mobissimo (has anyone ever used that site?) and Farecast. </p> <p>There's some speculation — backed by a comment from Kayak's CEO Steve Hafner on a related Techcrunch post — that American wanted the site to stray from its proconsumer philosophy by suppressing search results from competing sites. Comparison shopping is one of the most powerful tools we have as consumers, but it's more time-consuming to visit individual airline websites along with comprehensive sites that publish fares from multiple carriers. Will you remember to visit American's website when you're looking for flights? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1817232#comment airlines consumerism travel vacation Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:04:22 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1817232 Definition: Extremeness Aversion http://www.savvysugar.com/1811472 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/stk20327wne.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview"width="300"></span>Preparing for a purchase by comparison shopping before we get into the store is ideal — but let's face it, there are times when laziness ensues and we find ourselves staring at three items that on the surface appear to be identical. Most of us are inclined to pick the one with the mid-ranged price rather than veer to the high and low extremes. Thus, as shoppers we often have extremeness aversion when we're comparison shopping in the moment. </p> <p>Depending on what it is you're looking to purchase (a bottle of wine vs. a microwave) there's one tip for suppressing this aversion aside from researching ahead of time. Rather than focus on price as the sole component, decide which features you must have and select the item that fits your price range with the most characteristics that match your ideal. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.savvysugar.com/1811472#comment consumerism Savvy Vocab shopping Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:29:16 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1811472 Do You Rationalize Purchases by Calculating Cost-Per-Use? http://www.savvysugar.com/1811411 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1811411"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1811411',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1811411');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/stk318535rkn.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="330" width="350"></span>The other day <a href="http://www.gigglesugar.com/" rel="nofollow">GiggleSugar</a> told me that when she's considering purchasing something that's on the pricey side, she thinks about how much wear or use she'll get out of it versus a cheaper version. If a more expensive item is significantly better in quality, the cost-per-use can be more economical in the long term. </p> <p>I definitely use that rationale when I'm deciding whether or not an item will make it up to the register with me. I'm sure those calculations are sometimes inaccurately skewed if my heart is set on an item, but in general I think keeping this in mind can be helpful and especially when selecting classic or trendy items. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1811411" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Rationalize Purchases by Calculating Cost-Per-Use?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I often consider cost-per-use when shopping.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Sometimes, but I'm not sure it actually pays off.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I don't consider cost-per-use when I'm considering a purchase.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Something else. I'll tell you in the comments below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1811411" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.savvysugar.com/1811411#comment consumerism poll Savvy poll shopping Your Two Cents Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:30:37 -0700 SavvySugar http://www.savvysugar.com/1811411 Product Placement Making Its Way Onto TV News Sets http://www.savvysugar.com/1805344 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/10/104165/30_2008/2779680.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image center preview" height="360"></span></p> <p>We might be used to the <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1785367/" >ever-present Coke cups</a> in front of Simon and Paula during American Idol, but this type of product placement has, until now, been absent on TV news sets. A few weeks ago, the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/business/media/22adco.html?partner=rssuserland&amp;emc=rss&amp;pagewanted=all/" target="_blank">morning anchors at Las Vegas KVVU</a> started delivering news and lifestyle information with cups of McDonald's iced coffee in front of them. </p> <p>The station's news director indicated that the cups would be removed if a negative report of McDonald's surfaced. The price of the deal was not revealed, but the arrangement is meant to boost advertising revenue. The news director adds that he won't include any product placement in the hard newscasts at 5 p.m. or 10 p.m. </p> <p>Herbert Jack Rotfeld, a professor of marketing at Auburn University, thinks including advertising in news segments is, well, bad news: "In the end, they just make the audiences even more skeptical of everything," he says. Do you agree with him? </p> <p><a href="http://www.getty