You can find below the top of the most desired gifts on holiday season. Desires are differents: mans are wishing electronics while women.......
Circuit City Stores, Inc. Press Release:
More than clothing, jewelry and sporting goods combined, American moms and dads are wishing for consumer electronics gifts this holiday season, according to a new national survey commissioned by electronics retailer Circuit City Stores, Inc.
The survey of more than 3,000 men and women with children found that respondents would most like to see an electronics gift such as a TV, computer or digital camera, under the tree this holiday season. Electronics was the top gift choice (52 percent) for both men and women:
-- 65 percent of men chose electronics, followed by 15 percent clothing,
nine percent sporting goods, three percent furniture, two percent
jewelry
-- 41 percent of women chose electronics, followed by 24 percent clothing,
20 percent jewelry, nine percent furniture, one percent sporting goods
Only six percent of respondents indicated they do not want a gift this holiday season.
Asked which electronics gift they would most like to receive, the top choice of both men and women (40 percent) was flat panel TV:
-- 46 percent of men chose flat panel TV, followed by 12 percent computer,
nine percent tie for GPS navigation and digital camera, seven percent
video game system
-- 36 percent of women chose flat panel TV, followed by 19 percent digital
camera, 13 percent computer, eight percent GPS navigation
-- MP3 players, cell phones and video game titles rounded out the list.
The gift rankings were similar across all age groups, but following TV, men aged 18-24 indicated a greater interest in video games and computers. Following TV, women aged 18-24 indicated higher interest in video games, cell phones and MP3 players.
Ninety percent of survey respondents indicated they were planning to buy a gift for the entire family for the holidays:
-- 44 percent chose electronics
-- 30 percent chose family trip
-- seven percent chose new car
-- six percent chose furniture
-- two percent chose appliances
-- one percent chose sporting goods
The survey was conducted October 26 - November 2, 2007 by independent research firm Decision Analyst, Inc. of Arlington, TX, and has a margin of error of plus-or-minus two percentage points.
Circuit City Launches "Drive to 65" Instant Win Game
As the holiday season approaches, Circuit City is celebrating the opening of up to 65 new and relocated stores in the current fiscal year.
Each day for thirty days, starting November 4, 2007, Circuit City's "Drive to 65" Instant Win Game will give away one Mazda CX-9, 2008 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the YEAR(TM), along with numerous electronics prizes. Customers can pick up a free game piece at Circuit City stores while supplies last. Using the code on the game piece, players can find out if they are instant winners at www.circuitcity.com/65. Players also can get a code number at the same Web site and enter. Complete rules can be found at the same Web site.
About Circuit City Stores, Inc.
Circuit City Stores, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics and related services. The domestic segment operates through 663 Superstores and 13 other locations in 158 U.S. markets. The international segment operates through approximately 800 retail stores and dealer outlets in Canada. Circuit City also operates.
Source: Circuit City Stores, Inc.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Holiday Wish-List
Friday, November 2, 2007
JCPenney Gift-Giving List
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. Press Release:
From style mavens and fitness fanatics to technology junkies, finding the perfect Christmas gift for loved ones is an important part of the season. JCPenney’s selection of festive fashion, sparkling jewelry, home décor and toys, for young and old, will make it easy to shop for everyone on your list.For the Fashionista – Deck out a fashionista’s closet with a
pparel and accessories sure to deliver holiday cheer.-- Gifts $25 and Under
-- A paisley or sateen Pashmina, can do double-duty as a wrap for holiday parties or an elegant scarf, $25.
-- Gifts $50 and Under
-- Men like to receive clothes too! J. Ferrar Shirts and Ties are perfect for the modern man, $28.50 - $37.50.
-- For the girl who needs a little sparkle in her life...Bisou Bisou(R) Sequin Embellished Tanks in black, gold, plum, red and silver, $30
-- Cashmere-lined Leather Gloves from Isotoner(R) are a classic favorite, $50.
-- Gifts $75 and Under
-- She'll be on-trend when toting a Sophia Caperelli Josie Satchel in shimmery gunmetal, $69.99.
-- A nicole by Nicole Miller(R) Stone-lined Tunic in gray and black looks elegant for a party or the office, $54.
-- BB Dakota's Pea Coat in red, a jcp.com exclusive, will turn heads, $59.99.
-- He will love cozying up in a St. John's Bay(R) Puffer Jacket, $60.
-- An oversized Garnet Cocktail Ring is the perfect accessory for holiday cocktail parties, $69.99.
-- Gifts $100 and Under
-- Always a classic, Worthington(R) 100% 2-ply Cashmere Sweaters are a wardrobe staple made for gift-giving, $70 - $90.
-- Help her store accessories and special photo memories with a Photo Collage Jewelry Box, $95.
For the Environmentalist – Give the “gift of green” this holiday season with these eco-friendly items.
-- Gifts $25 and Under
-- Help protect nature and show your support for the World Wildlife Fund by purchasing World Wildlife Fund Screen Tees. These 100 percent cotton, short-sleeve graphic tees are available in four styles: "Green is the new black," "Keep it cool," "Ho
tter than I should be," and a white tee with the WWF logo. For every tee sold, $1 will be donated to the Fund, $14.99.-- Gifts $50 and Under
-- Your guests will love the super-absorbent, plush Bamboo Blend Six-piece Towel Set from Studio(TM) jcp home. Bamboo is considered an eco-friendly material since the renewable grass can grow as fast as a foot a day, $49.99.
-- Gifts $75 and Under
-- With its signature five-pocket styling, Levi's(R) Red Tab(TM) 539 Denim Jeans for men are made from 100 percent organic cotton denim. The jeans feature recycled buttons, rivets and zippers and external packaging made from organic fabric and recycled paper printed with soy ink, $58.
-- Gifts $100 and Under
-- For the fashion-conscious man, a Stafford(R) Blazer made of bamboo fabric is a great choice. Dress it up with pants or go casual in jeans, $89.99 - $99.99.
For the Tech Guru – You won’t need a user’s manual to find the perfect holiday gift for the techie in your life.
-- Gifts $25 and Under
-- Switch effortlessly from holiday specials to home videos with the Jumbo Universal Remote, $24.99.
-- For the girl who wants to look hot while sporting the latest gear, sparkly Bling iPod Accessories are the way to go, $19.99.
-- Gifts $50 and Under
-- Capture all those holiday memories and display them on your tree with the Digital Photo Ornament, $39.99.
-- The Kids' Digital Camera is perfect for the budding photographer in your family, $39.99.
-- Gifts $75 and Under
-- For the techie who has it all, a combination Digital Camera and Binocular is a great addition to their collection, $59.99.
-- Gifts $100 and Under
-- Make carting a laptop stylish with a Leather Laptop Portfolio, $100.
-- Keep things simple with a Clock Dock that includes an alarm clock and iPod charging dock, $99.99.
For the Fitness Buff –A few suggestions to keep them fit both in and out of the gym.
-- Gifts $25 and Under
-- The Quad Mini Massager is perfect for soothing sore muscles after a trip to the gym, $11.99.
-- Gifts $50 and Under
-- For the sports fanatic, an NFL Replica Jersey from Reebok will get them ready for game day, $34.99 - $37.99.
-- She will look great both at the gym and running errands in St. John's Bay(R) Terry Pant and Jacket Sets, $26 - $30.
-- Wireless Headphones are a "must have" gym accessory, $39.99.
-- Gifts $75 and Under
-- The Portable iPod Dock means a great workout playlist is always accessible, $59.99.
-- Gifts $100 and Under
-- Work your upper and lower body with the compact Easy Cycle Exercise Bike, $79.99.
For the Ultimate Entertainer – Help make holiday entertaining a breeze for the host or hostess in your life.
-- Gifts for Under $25
-- Serve up a hot delight in the Studio(TM) Modern Jingles Latte Mug, $11.99.
-- Gifts for Under $50
-- Give the busy hostess an energy bump with an Espresso Gift Set, $39.99.
-- Keep things cool with the Caddyo Wine Chiller and then liven them up with the cooks Wine Gift Set, both $39.99.
-- Gifts for Under $75
-- Belgian waffles for your holiday brunch? The Chef's Choice(R) Waffle Pro Select makes four waffles in 90 seconds, $69.99.
-- Gifts for Under $100
-- Shake up the party with an Electric Martini Shaker, a jcp.com exclusive, $79.99.
-- The cooks Burr Mill Coffee Grinder and Thermal 10-cup Coffee Maker are must-haves for making the perfect cup of coffee for guests, $59.99 and $7
9.99
-- Sing the night away with the Karaoke Party Machine, $99.99.
For the Tots – A treasure trove of fun and excitement awaits…from classic toys to hip electronics.
-- Gifts for Under $25
-- Disney's(R) Hannah Montana Electronic Guitar lets little girls sing-along to Hannah's biggest hits, $19.99.
-- Give kids something to cheer about with NFL, MLB and NCAA Checker Sets, $24.
-- Introducing Webkinz pets! These virtual pets come with a unique secret code that kids can enter online at Webkinz World where they can care for their virtual pet, answer trivia, earn KinzCash, and play the best games on the net, $14.99.
-- Gifts for Under $50
-- For the teen who just can't get enough of the pop culture craze, try the High School Musical Board Game, $39.99.
-- Kids get a head start with the Vtech Whiz Kid Learning Board, $49.99.
-- Gifts for Under $75
-- For the kid who dreams of being a chef, a Homestyle Kitchen with Lights and Sounds puts them on the right track, $59.99.
-- Help kids get in touch with their artistic side with the Step 2 Flip 'n Doodle Easel Desk, $69.99.
-- Gifts for Under $100
-- The Toddler Caterpillar Rocker spells out hours of fun for little ones this holiday season, $99.99.
-- For the big kids, Tabletop Air Hockey will keep them busy for hours, $80.
-- Transformers Ultimate Bumblebee with lights and sounds will light up the face of little boys, $99.99.
Come on! - SPLURGE!
Never get lost on your holiday travels with an Invion GPS Unit with MP3/MP4 Player, $199.99.
Bring back memories and start new ones for the youngsters with Heirloom Pedal Cars and Tricycles, $199.99 - $229.99.
Capture all the moments of the holiday with a Digital Camera, $129.99 - $499.99.
Watch your favorite holiday classics on-the-go with the Coby 8½” Portable DVD Player, $279.99!
Flashback to the 70’s with the iPod Lava Lamp for a friend with retro style and a need for their own sound track, $119.99.
Your holiday feast will never look better when served on Chambour Dinnerware by Chris Madden® jcp home. Elegant details in silver and gold add the perfect touch to your table, $279.99 for 65-piece set.
Keep the sport-lover in your life entertained for hours with stick hockey, foosball, and air hockey all in the stylish, compact 3-in-1 Rotating Table Games, $499.99.
Make it a holiday she will remember with a pair of elegant one carat Diamond Stud Earrings in white or yellow gold, $1,499.99.
Indulge the golden girl within and accessorize with Hammered Gold Pendants and Earrings, $349 - $429.
Sparkle, dazzle and beguile with the new Gold ‘N Ice collection of bangles, earrings and pendants, $269.99 - $559!
JCPenney’s combination of great fashions, affordable price points and the shopping convenience of over 1,000 stores nationwide and jcp.com will definitely keep the season merry and bright.
About JCPenney
JCPenney is one of America's leading retailers, operating 1,064 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as one of the largest apparel and home furnishing sites on the Internet, jcp.com, and the nation's largest general merchandise catalog business. Through these integrated channels, JCPenney offers a wide array of national, private and exclusive brands which reflect the Company's commitment to providing customers with style and quality at a smart price.
Traded as "JCP" on the New York Stock Exchange, the Company posted revenue of $19.9 billion in 2006 and is executing its strategic plan to be the growth leader in the retail industry. Key to this strategy is JCPenney's "Every Day Matters" brand positioning, intended to generate deeper, more emotionally driven relationships with customers by fully engaging the Company's 155,000 Associates to offer encouragement, provide ideas and inspire customers every time they shop with JCPenney.
Source: J. C. Penney Company, Inc.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Holiday gift tips
Because you already had the occasion to see how to make smart shopping for holiday season, now you can see advices about what to buy and.... for who. Every holiday season I wonder what to buy for my mother, father, sister or boyfriend. Let's see what specialists recommand us and advice us to buy for impressionating gifts!
Florida Department of Citrus Press Release:
Every year shoppers struggle to find the ideal holiday present for everyone on their list. As shopper's ideas run stale, it gets even harder to find the perfect gift while following proper etiquette. Floridian etiquette expert Peggy Post, great-grand-daughter-in-law of Emily Post and author of "Excuse Me, But I was Next ... ," offers tips to help simplify holiday giving:
-- Don't stress about an unexpected gift.
The first and most important
thing to do is graciously thank the person for the gift. Then, you
must decide whether to get the person a gift or not. It's acceptable
to thank the person and leave it at that. Or you could say "I don't
have yours yet!" and buy a gift and deliver it later.
-- Stand-by gifts are good to have on hand. It's a smart idea to keep
some nice gifts on stand-by should you receive an unexpected visitor
or get invited to a last minute dinner party. Make sure that your
stand-by gifts are gifts that you would enjoy receiving also. Items
such as journals, cookbooks, holiday scented candles, and picture
frames serve as great stand-by gifts ideas.
-- Give the gift of Florida sunshine. Skip unhealthy holiday cookies and
send the gift of health with a beautiful gift basket of Florida
oranges, grapefruit and tangerines to friends and family. Juicy,
tasty and rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, folate and potassium,
Florida citrus offers a gift of good taste. Gift fruit can be
conveniently ordered online at www.pickfla.com and delivered to
a loved ones' doorstep.
-- Avoid re-gifting. Re-gifting is dangerous and should be avoided. The
potential to cause hurt feelings is the best argument against
re-gifting. That said, if you received a beautiful sweater that
doesn't fit you, you can certainly pass it along to your best friend,
just be honest where it came from.
-- Be cautious when exchanging gifts in the workplace. Don't give a gift
to your supervisor that's just from you. Other employees may resent
what they see as an effort on your part to curry favor. If you really
want to do something for the boss, get together with the others in
your department and give a gift from the group.
-- Communicate your thanks. Accompany any gift with a hand-written note
expressing thanks. If you've verbally thanked someone in person for a
gift, technically, a thank-you note isn't obligatory. But, it's never
wrong to write a thank-you note because hand-written notes are
remembered, and will stand out as warm and personal
relationship-enhancer.
The Florida Department of Citrus is an executive agency of Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its activities are funded by a tax paid by growers on each box of citrus that moves through commercial channels. The industry employs approximately 90,000 people, provides a $9 billion annual economic impact to the state, and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida's schools, roads and health care services.
Source: Florida Department of Citrus
Smart holiday shopping
The holiday season represents one of the most important period of the year for most retailers but for customers also. The holiday season makes us to spend a lot of money for gifts. It's knew the fact that plenty of us spend in holidays period more than we can afford.
Read the advices below for a better shopping for the holiday season.
Jennifer Litwin Press Release:
Home shopping expert and Random House author Jennifer Litwin announced today five things consumers should consider when shopping for the holiday season. Litwin also researched name brand store credit/gift cards that achieve the biggest bang for the buck for the consumer.
"Holiday shoppers are always thinking about finishing their homes in time for the holidays, accommodating guests, and doing it all on a budget," said Shop Cop and Random House author Jennifer Litwin. "What consumers don't realize when finishing their homes in time for the holidays is the varying degrees of 'pay for play' benefits each name brand store credit and gift card will offer when making purchases. Some holiday shoppers may spend just a $100 to finish their home while others may spend $10,000; so knowing what store credit/gift cards can save them money and give them great deals can make all the difference in the world."
5 Things to consider when shopping this season:
1) If shopping online, look for free delivery. Many stores are offering
free delivery as an incentive. Otherwise, there is typically a charge
of about 10% for shipping big ticket items like furniture.
2) Beware of store credit card rebate/savings programs because most only
offer a 1-2% savings on the cost of your purchases, but you will still
incur financing charges, just as with a typical credit card.
3) If a price seems too good to be true, ask to see an assembly sheet to
find out how difficult it will be to actually assemble the piece.
4) Buy gift cards for your loved ones that can be used both in the store
and online. Many egift cards can only be used for online purchases,
and then merchandise needs to be returned to a non-store location.
5) If making a lot of purchases try to do it with a store credit card that
offers good discounts for large purchases, or free, desirable gifts.
Wondering where to shop this season? Here's the lowdown on the red flags and nice bonuses of shopping at your favorite retailers:
BED BATH & BEYOND(TM): Offers college savings plan, Upromise, which when you make purchases 1% is given to your child's Upromise college savings account. Upromise doesn't offer such a great reward as an incentive to shop here, but one benefit of shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond is that anything you buy online can be returned at anytime either in the store or by mail. This is great.
BEST BUY(TM): Best Buy's store credit card has a caveat: your interest rate will be "determined upon review of your credit history and application." It works like a regular MasterCard, requiring the holder to pay a minimum amount monthly. Like Circuit City, Best Buy offers a Rewards Program, but only credits you 4% of your purchases instead of 5% offered at Circuit City. Not a huge benefit. Online gift card purchases offer free shipping.
CIRCUIT CITY(TM): The Rewards Program here allows you to get back 5% of your purchases in the form of a coupon that can be used online or in the store. Doesn't seem like a great deal, unless you are buying big ticket items. Gift cards purchased either online or in the store may be used online or in the store. Free shipping on gift cards.
COST PLUS WORLD MARKET(TM): There is no shipping charge for gift cards. However, cards purchased online must be used for online purchases. Huge downside of shopping online: shipping costs can run more than 10% of the purchase price for a standard delivery of 5-7 business days -- very expensive. The World Market Credit Card offers perks such as 3-6 month free financing, from time-to-time, and you can earn Rewards Coupons for each dollar you spend.
CRATE & BARREL(TM): Free shipping on standard delivery gift cards. For 2 business day rushes, shipping charge is only $6. The low shipping charge is a great option for a rush-order gift. Housewares and furniture items can cost 10-25% of the purchase price -- this is no deal. Any item purchased online can be returned by mail or in the store. 90-day return policy for credit or refund, but must have valid receipt. Without a valid receipt you will get a store credit only.
ETHAN ALLEN(TM): 3-6 month free financing term. This is a good plan for new homeowners, but at the end of that period, though, pay in full or be subject to accrual of 23-27% APR interest (ouch). Don't finance here unless you can pay at the end of your free financing period.
HOME DEPOT(TM): Credit card has no annual fee, and even offers perks like discounts on travel and store products. Points accumulate to earn discounts and freebies. No interest for 6 months on purchases of $299 or more -- good holiday shopping perk.
LOWE'S(TM): Gift cards can be used both in the stores and online. Volume discounts are offered.
MENARDS(TM): 2% Rebates on Menards purchases (doesn't add up to enough of a savings to apply for their credit card), but $10 in-store certificate when you make your first $100 purchase on your Menards card. No annual fee. Returns for items purchased online through a gift card may be returned at the store (a perk).
PIER 1 IMPORTS(TM): Quantity shoppers will love the rewards that come with shopping here. Accumulating points gets you special cardholder discount days, and becoming a cardholder gets you 10% off your initial purchase(s).
ROOM & BOARD(TM): On unlimited purchases of furniture, a flat-rate shipping fee, ranging from $69-199, on small items $15 flat fee on unlimited items, on larger accessories and small furniture: $25-79 flat rate. Good shipping rates.
ROOMS TO GO(TM): Their store credit card is currently offering no payment, no interest payment and no down payment until January 2009, and many items come with free UPS ground shipping. These are great benefits as the holiday season draws near.
TARGET(TM): 2 Kinds of gift cards. The ecard can only be used for online purchases. The store-bought gift cards can also be used online. It pays to buy gift cards in the store. Save 10% when you open your Target credit card account. Another great perk of the Target credit card: get 10% off on pharmacy purchases.
WAL-MART(TM): Free shipping on gift returns -- very generous. However, return your items within 90 days to get a refund. One benefit of buying online is that you can have free shipping on items that can be shipped to a nearby Wal-mart. Thousands of items can be shipped directly to their stores. A HUGE perk. You will get an email telling you that your items have arrived and are ready for pick-up within 7-10 days, on average.
About Jennifer Litwin
Home shopping expert and personality, Jennifer Litwin, has spent more than 15 years making sense of the retail world. Since writing her two popular books, Furniture Hot Spots: The Best Furniture Stores and Websites Coast to Coast, and Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever! this Random House author has created segments for television telling what's hot and not in everything for your home. Jennifer Litwin also appears regularly in magazines, news shows and on radio programs.
Source: Jennifer Litwin