Tag: You're It

Airport retail is big business. At Pittsburgh International, retail sales average $12.27 per enplanement, which is no small feat. In the U.K.'s Manchester Airport, operators want to find out how to make their retail sales even bigger. The airport is going to test out tagging its airport passengers with RFID trackers to see how and where travelers are spending their time in the airport. Helping to maximize time spent in the retail area is the goal. Manchester, which has performed RFID testing in the past, said the new lower-cost UHF 13.56 MHz tags are allowing them to drive forward with the tests to learn more about passenger behavior in the airport. While enhancing the retail component is the driver, RFID promoters say the technology is also enabling advances in airport security, queue reduction and baggage tracking.

I just hope they don't track how many times I visit the Cinnabon stand while I'm on a layover.

--Alison Embrey Medina

Trick or Treat!?

So what if Halloween is on a Tuesday this year? It doesn’t look like that’s going to stop children, or adults, from celebrating. According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2006 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, nearly two-thirds (63.8 percent) of consumers polled said they plan to celebrate Halloween this year, compared to only 52.5 percent last year. This surge in celebrating is part of NRF’s forecast for an increase in Halloween spending (consumers are expected to spend $4.96 billion this Halloween, up significantly from last year's $3.29 billion). Per-person spending is expected to rise, with the average consumer planning to spend $59.06 on Halloween, compared to $48.48 last year.

And how will people be celebrating? Halloween activities will include handing out candy (73.4 percent), dressing in costume (34 percent) and visiting a haunted house (17.2 percent). Maintaining its spot as the second-biggest decorating holiday of the year after Christmas, 67 percent of consumers plan to purchase Halloween décor and almost half (48.6%) plan to decorate their home or yard. Additionally, 95.7 percent of people will buy candy, with the average consumer spending $18.72 in that category. Consumers are expected to spend $21.57 on costumes this year.

And it’s not just the little ones getting into the Halloween spirit--85.3 percent of 18-24 year olds planning to celebrate the holiday, up from 66.8 percent. An additional 76.5 percent of consumers aged 25-34 and 71.3 percent of 35-44 year olds also plan to celebrate. Halloween remains the sixth-largest spending holiday since it is not a gift-giving holiday or an apparel holiday. It follows the winter holidays ($457.4 billion estimated), Valentine's Day ($13.70 billion), Easter ($12.63 billion), Mother's Day ($13.80 billion) and Father's Day ($9.01 billion).

Another interesting find: for the second year in a row, the princess costume remains the most popular among kids, with 3.97 million children planning to dress up as one. The top costume among adults is a witch, with 6.15 million. The second most popular costume for children, as well as for adults, is the pirate. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one already gearing up for the Halloween season.

--Jessie Bove

And the Rich Get Richer...

And then there were 400. Billionaires, that is. For the first time ever, every single person on Forbes magazine's 400 Richest Americans have a net worth of more than $1 billion. The collective net worth of all 400 listees rounds out at a whopping $1.25 trillion--that's $120 billion more than last year's list.

If you feel like feeling sorry for yourself and your measely salary (anything less than a billion constitutes as measely here), take a look at this year's uber-rich top 10:

1. Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, $53 billion

2. Warren Buffett, investor, $46.5 billion

3. Sheldon Adelson, casinos, $20.5 billion

4. Larry Ellison, Oracle software, $19.5 billion

5. Paul Allen, Microsoft founder, investor, $16 billion

6. Jim C. Walton, Wal-Mart heir, $15.7 billion

7. Christy Walton, widow of Wal-Mart heir, $15.6 billion

8. S. Robson Walton, Wal-Mart heir, $15.6 billion

9. Michael Dell, Dell Computer founder, $15.5 billion

10. Alice L. Walton, Wal-Mart heir, $15.5 billion

Photo: "Billion Dollar Bill" from FreakingNews.com.

--Alison Embrey Medina

Percolating prices

The cost of gasoline comes down; the cost of coffee goes up. Just as consumers breathe a sigh of relief over gasoline prices, which have moderated over the past few weeks, Starbucks decides to sock it to its customers. While the nickel-per-cup Starbucks’ price increase is not devastating, in and of itself, it does add to consumer angst over an entire array of price increases that have been brought into play over the past year--especially for food items, energy and other essentials. Now, you will argue, a cup of Starbucks is not an essential. If customers can’t afford it, they don’t have to buy it--and you would be right. It’s not like eggs, bread or butter. Customers can live without coffee (well some can; for others, that’s questionable). And for those with tight budgets--that number of consumers is growing weekly--well, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts are dramatically improving their coffee offerings, which are still affordable, when compared to Starbucks--whose coffee was already expensive before adding that additional nickel per cup (but in Diva’s opinion, worth it). It’s been estimated that some consumers spend as much for Starbucks as for gasoline in a year--a Starbucks drink a day could run to more than $1,000 annually. Diva suspects that some coffee drinkers may be downshifting in the future as the economy tightens, so get prepared for some coffee jitters at the office.

--Diva

Toys "R" Us: No Deal

Toys "R" Us, the kids retailer who sells kids toys to kids in a place "where a kid can be a kid," has launched a marketing campaign--for grown-ups. (I know, I don't get it either.) The retailer has teamed with NBC game show "Deal or No Deal" for a fully integrated campaign that will invite customers (i.e. parents) to play a retail version of the game in its stores nationwide. Translation: bring them into the stores to spend money.

Apparently the game goes like this: For four weeks in October, newspaper circulars will include a game piece featuring two briefcases: one for "Deal" and one for "No Deal." (Following so far? Good.) Customers can bring their circular to any store and choose "Deal" for an automatic 10 percent discount on any one item, or choose "No Deal"--test their luck and try to win $1 million or other prizes. (I'm sure your chances of winning are astounding. One in 100 billion perhaps?) Here's the kicker. If the briefcase comes up empty, you get the in-store discount anyway. Call me crazy, but I'm not really seeing the big risk here. It's not a game, it's just a very elaborate coupon.

On top of the marketing blitz, "Deal or No Deal" merchandise presentations will be featured in Toys "R" Us stores across the country, including an assortment of licensed games. Wasn't aware the game was marketing to the kid demographic, but hey, what do I know? Suspicious briefcases, ridiculous amounts of money and scantily clad models do not a kids show make. Personally, I find "the Banker" a bit scary and Howie Mandel quite creepy in his new Mr. Clean do. I'd take a "Bobby's World" DVD over this stuff any day.

--Alison Embrey Medina

O Oscar!

Who doesn’t like Oscar de la Renta? I’ve never actually bought (or even tried on) any of his designer apparel, but I’ve seen his collections on TV more than enough times to know that, could I afford it, I would cloth myself only in Oscar de la Renta day and night, 365 days a year. As if I needed any more reasons to love this designer, did you see his appearance on "Oprah" awhile back? The one where he gives a tour of his beach house in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic? I not only loved him, I wanted to BE him. This renowned fashion designer is king when it comes to the red carpet, and his gorgeous evening gowns, wedding dresses and ready-to-wear apparel are only the beginning. There are accessories, fragrances and home furnishings wielding the Oscar name, too. Now, a new collection of women’s better sportswear dubbed O Oscar will join the arsenal of de la Renta merchandise. And where can fashion-insatiable consumers get their hands on it? No, not in a boutique on Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive, but at Macy’s! (Yes, Macy’s, I know.)

So what is Mr. de la Renta doing at Macy’s? Well, according to a press release, Oscar de la Renta Ltd., Federated Department Stores Inc. and Kellwood Co. announced an agreement to launch the O Oscar collection--a better women's sportswear collection available exclusively at Macy’s for Spring 2007. Way to go Federated! This is a good move and company executives are saying that it’s part of a plan to draw in new customers. In addition to its existing in-house brands, which include Charter Club, I.N.C., Alfani and Style & Co., and which make up 18 percent of store sales (higher than most department stores), Macy’s is adding a women's clothing line from Elie Tahari, T Tahari, and Martha Stewart’s home collection.

Oscar de la Renta Ltd. boasts that the O Oscar collection will feature rich colors, embellishments, and iconic detailing for a sophisticated, luxurious look, including: jackets ($199-$229), pants ($79-$99), skirts ($99-$139) sweaters ($99-$129), dresses ($169), knit underpinnings ($49) and shirts ($79). And Oscar de la Renta said he hopes to expand the O Oscar label at Macy’s to other merchandise such as women's accessories, fragrance and men's clothing.

With all the Macy’s conversions across the country, and other department stores consolidating, shoppers (especially those faithful Marshall Field’s patrons) have not been too happy. Some shoppers are boycotting, some are just complaining, but no one seems very eager to accept the change. This new addition just may quell some resentment. As much as I love Oscar de la Renta, I’m not sure if this is enough to make me forgive Federated for taking out my beloved Burdine’s in Florida-- but it does help. If they add some affordable lines by Vera Wang and Juicy Couture, then we’re really talking.

--Jessie Bove

Photo: Oscar at his kickin' Caribbean abode.

iPods and Elmos

iPods (i.e., the original iPod with more and more memory every year, Shuffle, newly remastered Nano now available in the same colors as the former Mini--retooled as today's Nano); and Tickle Me Elmo both have something in common. In fact, a couple of things. Not only have they been THE gift to give during recent holidays past, but they also have the nine lives of a cat. They give new meaning to re-invention.

As the holiday season approaches, retailers may find themselves a bit disappointed on what is supposed to entice shoppers to stores to buy that "gotta have it" gift. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) forecast, total holiday retail sales are expected to increase 5 percent over last year.

“Consumers make small sacrifices all year so they can splurge a little during the holidays,” said NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin. “If gas prices continue to fall, shoppers will find a little something extra in their wallets, giving them even more reason to celebrate.” So, will consumers really be inspired when they end up "splurging" over the "new, improved" iPod that they bought someone last year or the new Tickle me Elmo? Back with a new name, T.M.X. Elmo stands for "Tickle Me Extreme" or "Tickle Me 10," representing the toy's 10th anniversary. Just announced today, the buzz about this laughing toy is that there's going to be a shortage. (I'm sure everyone remembers a decade ago when the Elmo shortage sparked unprecedented violence among parents trying to get the last one off the shelf..just in time for Christmas Eve.) So, is the new Elmo really that different? Fisher Price would have you think so, but we'll see. Already, consumers have posted the red monster on eBay, with some asking more than double the price. So, who's laughing now?

So, as I wait for the next hot (and innovative) new gadget, I'll stick with my Gen4 iPod and avoid any store aisles that sell Elmo this holiday season.

--Rachel Brown
 
 

Walking: Back in Style

A recall of all 23,500 of the self-balancing electric scooters known as the Segway Human Transporter has been issued because of a minor software glitch--you know, just suddenly reversing directions mid-ride and tossing riders like a wet rag to the street.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has advised consumers to stop using the vehicles immediately. Personally, I would have stopped using the vehicle back in 2003 after its first recall (yes, this new one is a second go-around), when the scooters were losing control when the batteries ran out. (Woohoo--what a ride!)

The moral of the story--walking will never let you down. Your legs will never voluntarily buck you in the opposite direction, nor start running around in circles when your "batteries are drainied." They say the Segway glitch will be repaired with a simple software upgrade, but I say get out now while you can! Save yourselves!

Airport concourses and mall security will never be the same.

--Alison Embrey Medina

Mad Dog Maude the Squeemish…

… is my pirate name according to the "pirate name generator" on Long John Silver’s Web site. Before you think I’m crazy, let me explain how it all started. While doing some research, I came across a press release for this fast food retailer’s annual “Talk Like A Pirate Day” on Sept. 19 (today!). The title of the release was so funny that I couldn’t help but laugh. And yet, I was strangely intrigued.

The seafood chain, which is named after the pirate in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, is inviting customers to get in on the buccaneer fun and visit their restaurants today for special “Talk Like A Pirate Day” festivities, including pirate-themed menu items and hats. This got me wondering: who came up with this “holiday?” Long John Silver’s? Someone else?

Well the company’s press release says “‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’ began in 1995 when creators Mark Summers and John Baur were playing racquetball in Albany, Ore. When one player reached for a tough shot, he exclaimed, "Aaaaarrrr!" Spontaneously, the two began speaking in pirate jargon, complete with accents, and the idea was born.”

Well that didn’t really answer my question, so I read on to discover some really funny stuff. A rep from the company states that “Pirates have never been more ‘in,’ but that's not news to Long John Silver's. Long before Johnny Depp embraced his inner pirate by bringing the character of Jack Sparrow to life in 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' we recognized America's love affair with pirates and named our company after one." (Here is where the stifled giggles began.) The rep went on to say, "Asking us if we celebrate 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' is like asking Santa Claus if he celebrates Christmas. We celebrate piracy in a fun way every day at our restaurants, but Sept. 19 is pretty special to us." (Enter uncontrollable, exploding laughter)

Long John Silver’s even conducted a “non-scientific” poll that revealed "Arrr, matey!" is the favorite pirate expression among 5,000 voters. (In case you were wondering, the rest of the most popular sayings were "Shiver me timbers," followed by the Long John Silver's tag line "Yarr, Genius!," then "Hand over the Treasure Chest (extra tartar sauce, please)" and "Yo-ho-ho!")

The press release also refers readers to the company Web site, which I could NOT pass up after reading such interesting information. Turns out their Web site has a special page dedicated to pirates, including a pirate dictionary and, of course, the aforementioned "pirate name generator" (Go ahead and give it a whirl, I promise you’ll laugh). 

Will this actually generate more sales for Long John Silver’s today? Will more consumers flock to their restaurants? Maybe. It’s definitely attention-grabbing and humorous, and who doesn’t like some light-hearted fun? I can bet, though, that their Web site will be seeing some record-setting heavy hits.

-- Mad Dog Maude the Squeemish (but just for today)

Exposed! Inside the Secret World of Store Design!

Seems like September is the month when the national consumer press discovered store design. It started with USA Today's expose on how retailers "set lures" to trick shoppers into buying things they don't need. Next came Business Week's Special Report on new advances in shoplifting prevention at retail, followed within a week by the same publication's feature on Safeway's store redesign. And two out of the three stories came with full-page graphic renderings of a store layout. You know store design is much more than creating an attractive space, that it's a complex field requiring a deep understanding of design, consumer behavior and technology...and that, done right, it can have a major impact on sales. Now perhaps all the hoopla will bring more corporate focus--and investment--your way.

--Karen Schaffner