In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, we’ll be greatly in need of consumers to get back to their free-spending ways to put the economy back on track. But while millions are still coping with destruction, death, and power outages, the idea of hosting a hurricane-themed sale is perhaps in bad taste.
Odd Spending
Season of Giving? Holiday Shopping Hits New Heights of Selfishness with ‘Self-Gifting’
Six in ten shoppers will hit the malls during the always-expanding holiday season and engage in what’s rapidly becoming a holiday tradition: self-gifting. We’ll reward ourselves with an average of around $140 in self-gifts this …
Holiday Promotions Months Before the Holiday? Sign Us Up!
The Booming Business of “Divorce Parties”
Feather boas, sashes, tiaras… no, it’s not a beauty pageant. It’s not even a bachelorette party, although between the giddiness and the flowing Champagne, that would be an easy mistake to make. Party planners and manufacturers …
Cars for Comic Book Geeks? Curious Auto-Selling Strategies from Kia, Toyota
It’s unlikely that Batman or Bruce Wayne would ever be seen driving a Kia. The practical, commuter brand just wouldn’t be rugged (or bulletproof) enough to suit Batman’s crime-fighting activities, and Kia’s reputation for …
When Did We Start Counting Down the Days Until Black Friday?
Only 42 days left until … the day you buy gifts that you’re supposed to hand out several weeks later. Black Friday used to serve as an unofficial kickoff of the holiday shopping season. The big day full of sales was a reminder …
Must-See Consumerism TV: New Shows for Obsessions About Saving and Spending
Two new TV shows debut the week of October 15. While both are focused on extreme consumer lifestyles, the groups of people featured couldn’t be more different.
Cheapskates and shopping addicts are the newest reality TV …
Waiting for Hours to Buy Stuff Is Totally Illogical – But We Love It!
According to the experts, the best explanation for why consumers wait in line just so that they can hand over money for the newest iPhone or a Black Friday doorbuster deal is that … it’s fun?
Big Bird: Why Fast Food Companies Are Suddenly In Love With Chicken
Talk about a comeback. For years, a roast chicken was the quintessential Sunday dinner, and Depression-era political campaigns invoked the phrase “a chicken in every pot” to symbolize economic prosperity. But in the ensuing …
Hey Ladies, Want Some Jerky? Unusual Marketing Efforts Aimed Just at Women
Gender-based marketing sometimes focuses on men: A “manly” diet soda hit the market not long ago, for instance, and Weight Watchers has made concerted efforts to appeal to guys and let them know that the company’s product is for …
Sweet or Scary? This Season’s Hot Flavor Is… Candy Corn
Move over, pumpkin. There’s a new taste in town that’s turning up in everything from booze to bagels: candy corn. Yes, that waxy, tri-colored childhood favorite is this season’s “it flavor.”
Save Big Bird! Will Romney’s Threats Wind Up Boosting PBS Fundraising?
Mitt Romney’s comment directed at PBS during a presidential debate could present an opportunity for public broadcast to reach out to donors
