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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Back-to-school sales will check for (weak) economic pulse
With this weekend being the unofficial kickoff to the back-to-school shopping season, news and retail organizations are hitting the books, trying to predict what the usually booming economic season will realistically hold for retailers — and for consumers.
Not surprisingly, most are pessimistic.
The National Retail Federation noted last week, July 14, that a recent survey found that the average family is expected to spend an average of 7.7 percent less than it did in 2008.
That average family, with students in kindergarten through 12th grade, is expected to spend $548.72 on school merchandise (down from $594.24 in 2008).
The survey says four out of five Americans (85 percent) have made some changes to back-to-school plans this year as a result of the poor economy.
Another survey was a bit more hopeful. Done by America’s Research Group and reported by Reuters today, July 21, found that 34.4 percent of parents surveyed earlier this month said they planned to spend less this year compared to last year.
The survey led ARG founder and CEO Britt Beemer to not go too much out on a limb and forecast a decline in back-to-school sales, which would follow a 5 percent decline in 2008.
Reuters noted that Beemer said in a news release: “Back-to-school spending will be a minor blip on the radar screen for retailers this year.”
The back-to-school season, it is noted, is typically seen as a precursor for holiday spending.
The Wall Street Journal story was less dire, and focused more on the fact that retailers are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the back-to-school shopping season for clues that customers aren’t turned off by the slim selections in stores.
And the WSJ actually cites an estimate that is not in the red.
“U.S. back-to-school spending is expected to hit $38.3 billion, up 0.6 percent from 2008, according to an estimate by the International Council of Shopping Centers. That would be a slight improvement from last year, when sales were flat compared to 2007.”
I just hope the WSJ is the best prognosticator.
But at least there was one confirmed bright spot as noted by our experts: Electronics.
The NRF wrote that personal laptops and desktop computers increasingly affordable for most families, and spending on electronics and computer equipment is expected to increase 11 percent.
What about you? Do you expect to spend more or less for back-to-school than you did last year?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest
TweetMeijer donating to local families in need
Meijer announced Monday, July 20, that it will provide 100 free gift cards worth $10 to each of its 189 stores as part of the store’s Simply Give program.
The gift cards will be donated to local food banks or food pantries for families who need additional assistance.
“As unemployment has risen, there are a greater number of people relying on our local food banks,” said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO of the retailer.
Meijer’s Simply Give food pantry donation program that has generated more than a half million dollars in groceries to local food banks since November.
There are seven Meijer stores in the Greater Dayton area, so that means $7,000 coming our way for needy families.
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TweetRestaurant deals abound as competition heats up
What has been the best product of the recession? Competition, and the resulting price drops.
And Restaurants, which rise and fall on the wealth of our nation, have been major players in this fight for consumers’ thinning funds.
As a result, they have been coming out with not only great coupons and specials — had you seen this many two-for-one deals a year ago? — but making price decreases on menu items as well.
Here are a few of the incredible deals, most of which have come about in the last year at area restaurants:
Two-for-one coupons
TGIFridays is the leader of this pack, offering a coupon through much of this summer offering a free entree with the purchase of another entree. The coupon has been extended and expires July 31.
Friday’s, as noted by Wallet Pop, also has value menu items starting at $5.
And another update for Friday’s is its BYOB deal — “bring your own buddy” — that offers $5 off the price of the entree of every “buddy” a diner brings to the restaurant, up to 10 “buddies.” This offer is good through Aug. 31.
Ruby Tuesday has had periodic BOGO coupons online, as well as ones in the newspaper.
Ruby Tuesday also has lunches and dinners starting at $5.99.
These kinds of coupons aren’t always for entrees, either. Ben & Jerry’s is having buy one sundae, get one free Mondays.
Other freebies
As our food writer Mark Fisher noted earlier today, Tumbleweed Southwest Grill is having a creative promotion right now, offering a free large chile con queso and chips appetizer when you present ANY restaurant coupon.
Not only are they bringing in business to their place, but they are cutting down the reasons to eat elsewhere with this one.
Tumbleweed, it should be noted, also has specials depending on the day of the week — Margarita Mondays with the drinks for 99 cents, Fajita Tuesdays with fajitas for $9.99, etc.
McDonald’s is on that weekly plan as well, having Free Mocha Mondays.
And there are many others which have had one-day freebie specials, including Sonic, Long John Silver’s, Tim Hortons, etc.
Menu price drops
Chili’s has launched its three-course meal for two for $20, following (and adding a dessert to) Applebee’s popular two for $20 promotion.
Earlier this year, Chili’s offered a value menu featuring seven items for under $10.
Outback Steakhouse has its 15 Meals for Under $15.
Logan’s Roadhouse has two full meals for $13.99 on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Restaurant News noted that P.F. Chang’s had a Chang’s for Two for $39.95.
Lone Star Steakhouse has two meals for $19.99, and kids eat free on Tuesdays. (More on kids’ deals below.)
Also, Bob Evans has their 30 meals for $5.99 or less.
In the world of faster food, Pizza Hut debuted its big eat, tiny price value menu with prices between $5 and $6, and Quizno’s has introduced subs from $3 to $5, as well as Flatbread Sammies for $2.
KFC offers a “complete meal” — drink, entree and side — for $5, and has a link to printable coupons on its site.
And Subway, which was just named the No. 1 franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine, has long had their $5 footlong promotion (sorry if I planted that tune in your head!) on select subs.
Web sites
A story about restaurant discounts would not be complete without a nod to our old friends at Restaurant.com, which sells restaurant gift cards for drastic price reductions, and the reminder to look up your chosen restaurant and the word “coupon” before you go out — you may just find a discount out there.
If you have kids, also of note is the My Kids Eat Free site and the Kids Meal Deals site, both noting area restaurants that offer free and discounted kids meals.
Bottom line is, there are more restaurant deals out there every day — you just have to keep your eyes and ears open.
And if I have missed any deals that you know about, let us all know below. Eating out doesn’t have to be pricey.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetKohl’s one-day sale (you guessed it) Wednesday
Kohl’s, which seems to enjoy having Wednesday sales, will be having a one-day blowout this Wednesday, July 22.
Among the items on big sale are swimwear (50-60 percent off) dresses and skirts (35-50 percent off), shoes and sandals (50-60 percent off), select bras (40 percent off) and clothes for kids on their way back-to-school for up to 60 percent off.
Speaking of back-to-school, backpacks are 20 percent to 50 percent off as well.
The store notes it is the “last day to take an extra 15 percent to 30 percent off everything” if you use your Kohl’s card in the store or online. Also, card holders should have been mailed extra savings passes this week.
And, on Kohls’ clearance items, you can get up to 80 percent off.
Permalink | Comments (12) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
TweetMattresses on sale at Morris, JCPenney, Sears
Mattresses seem to be the focus of many great sales these days, making me think that maybe it is a good time to upgrade my 11-year-old queen bed for a king.
Among those having mattress sales this week:
Morris Home Furnishings and Ashley Furniture HomeStore are having a trade-in sale on Sealy Posturepedic mattresses through July 28. (Thanks go to Deals Team star Karen Baird for this update.)
The trade-in values are $50 for twin, $75 for full, $100 for queen and $150 for king.
Over at Sears, select mattresses are 50 percent off through Saturday, July 25. If you pay with a Sears card, get an extra 10 percent off. The Sears deal also has a 30-day comfort guarantee, price match guarantee and free delivery and haul-away up to $75.
JCPenney has Sealy, Serta, Simmons and other mattresses for 40 percent to 50 percent off, in addition to its semi-annual home sale.
The home sale has bedding, furniture, housewares, home decor and more for 40 percent to 60 percent off.
But see for yourself. Depending on what style you want, you could get in a very good deal this week.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Deals Team reports, Savings
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