Posted on 02/26/2009 12:28:13 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
Washington, D.C. (AHN) - After deep year-end holiday discounts, retailers and other U.S. companies are trying a new marketing strategy to keep their cash registers ringing amid the slump the American economy is going through.
One marketing strategy gaining in popularity is 2-in-one offers, seen across various industries in the U.S. from dining to telecommunications, and even cars and homes.
The "buy one, get one free" come-on allows store owners to avoid price discounts which are difficult to reverse as shoppers get used to rock-bottom prices. With a limited life-span based on inventory levels, the 2-in-1 offer moves merchandise without tying the store owners permanently to lower price tags.
"I Want That: How We All Became Shoppers" author Thomas Hine explained to USA Today, "The real driver is that people feel guilty about shopping right now... In times of economic uncertainty, people are more willing to make a purchase if they feel they're being responsible."
Los Angeles psychologist Renee White Fraser said marketing strategies like the 2-in-1 offers give consumers a sense of control during hard times because of a feeling of having secured a good deal.
Among the establishments that are trying to cash in on the strategy are TGI Fridays which has an offer of two entrees for the price of one for diners who come in with coupons downloaded from the restaurant's website. Men's Wearhouse has a 2-in-1 offer for male business suits beginning at $399.
Verizon Wireless has a "buy one, get one" offer for Blackberries, while the Russ Darrow Group car dealers in Wisconsin will throw in a second-hand car worth $10,000 for purchasers of new cars or trucks.
The recession has caused a six-month decline in retail sales in the U.S., although the Commerce Department reported in mid-February that January retail sales went up by 1 percent for the first month of 2009 compared to December figures.
Businesses that want to stay in business find ways to adapt and meet the customers needs in hard times just as well as good times.
I just wish Brooks Brothers would offer these really good deals.
denny’s IHOP, arby’s, jack in box, ruby tuesday, texas roadhouse, and tgif’s all have/had deals in recent weeks.
been pretty scary to think about how slow the business must be other days, and if they have the turnover to keep food in stock fresh.
then you got these crazy vouchers for $25 off for $3 from restaurant.com
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=1200791
I have had to stand in line for lunch and dinner in Norman, OK, waiting to get seated including yesterday. I have missed those 2 for 1 offers or we are not getting them with the Sunday paper. Two new restaurants just opened up recently by the new free standing mall area and their parking lots are always full. Had to wait 20 minutes last week at Cheddars that just opened.
The food is always great at Five Guys Burgers and Fries!
But $ 4 for a cheese burger with water and all the free peanuts you want -- is a bargain today.
The auto industry has done this since the Nixon price freezes. Instead of cutting prices, they give rebates. Don’t take the rebate, take the 0% interest. If you take the rebate, you pay a huge percentage in taxes.
Uh, they are. Go to the website and type “sale” into the search....
The sale items never seem to include my size: I’m 55 width and 28 length so I usually have my pants made for me.
Well, they probably have some ties on sale...haven’t bought from them since they were sold to the Brit firm.
Durasell, you understand my predicament right? I mean, I got a 55 inch waist okay. Not many pants come in that size and I usually have to pay extra because of the extra fabric.
I sometimes visit NYC to see some of teh tailors there and once every three or four years I travel to Saville Row to have a nice suit made for me.
Tough body type to fit.
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