What happens when you mix my creative juices with a rumbling stomach that wants to be fed? The latest promotion from The 3/50 Project. Welcome to “Eat Down the Street,” in support of independent, locally owned restaurants from coast to coast!
I say we each commit to eating at one of these fine establishments each week. Doesn’t have to be pricey or over-the-top…could do the bagel shop on the corner one week, then that pizza joint the next. Check out the Supporters pages on The 3/50 Project website to see who’s on board in your area. Be sure to look at the left hand column, since that’s where the traditional “independents” are listed.
(Oh. Oops. Ahem. Gotta regain professional decorum.)
It’s true. Thanks to the wonders of social media, combined with big hearts and gracious determination on the part of small business owners everywhere, The 3/50 Project Facebook page crossed over 50,000 fans today—three weeks shy of our first anniversary. Cool.
The economy is showing renewed strength as retail sales surged last month and factory orders also increased. Such gains could lead to more hiring — if they can be sustained. Retailers said Thursday that store sales rose in February by the largest amount since November 2007. And orders to U.S. factories in January posted their sharpest rise in four months. It was another sign that manufacturing is helping drive the economic recovery. [click to continue…]
For those of you attending the SJTA Jewelry Show in Atlanta this weekend, join me at a Lunch-n-Learn session about The 3/50 Project on Saturday. You’ll get the skinny on what’s up with the Project, as well as a whole slew of promotional ideas you can take home and use!
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010 Time: 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Location: Cobb Galleria Center, Room 104 Admission: Free, open to show attendees and credentialed member of the press Registration: Requested (click here for info)
Was it just me, or did every independent stationer in America see this one coming?
Those of you who have been quietly asking me “What’s the deal with Swoozies?” the past week have been getting lukewarm responses and a little tap dancing, given a tidbit of confidential news I’ve been keeping under my hat. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, well…. It’s true. The Blue Tulip acquisition turned out to be the nail in the Swoozies coffin, pulling the already shaky chain under water. [click to continue…]
It just came to my attention that radio spots are airing in northern Indiana promoting The 3/50 Project using a sharp edged approach. Apparently, someone decided to record their own spots instead of using the official PSAs offered for free on our website.
And, apparently, they’ve decided to take a hardline tack that makes us come across as harsh and judgmental.
They’ll be easy to spot, since they’re recorded in a male voice–not my own.
If you know what station is airing these, please contact me ASAP. I’ve gone to great lengths to assure that our message is one of balance, of positivity, and of forward moving change. Anything out there that comes across even the slightest bit rigid or critical hurts The 3/50 Project…
A huge thanks to WWAY-TV (ABC) for the great news piece about The 3/50 Project and how it’s been embraced by Southport, North Carolina. Well done, folks!
Now…any chance you could share the good news with the fine folks at Good Morning America? Sure would love to see some sweet national air time in the a.m.
“Do you consciously pay more for a luxury item
at a brand store than a discount store?”
Yes – 59%
No – 41%
Granted, it’s close, and they’re talking about brand stores (ex: Coach), but…the key word here is “consciously.” Consumers seeking luxury goods are willing to bypass discount outlets in favor of quality, even though they know it will cost a bit more. For upscale retailers, that’s good news, regardless of whether they’re a national brand or an independent, locally owned boutique.
Bottom line? If you have the goods, and can back it up with top notch service and an equally matched environment, your customers are willing to skip T.J. Maxx and head your way. Just need to be sure (a) they know you’re there, and (b) you’re worth the trip.
Source: Accenture Consumer Luxury survey of adults 18 or older who purchased luxury items during the 2009 holiday season