2009.03.26
Marketing the downturn
Most days I receive emails from every kind of company or retailer imaginable, promoting various products. Lately these companies try to get my attention by mentioning the economy or stating that a particular product is recession proof.
These companies think that mentioning the economic downturn is sure to get a reporter's attention nowadays. Though some ideas are legitimate, I always read between the lines before buying into the assertion.
Today, I received two such news releases from retailers with Roanoke Valley locations. Each one includes the word "economy" in the headline.
Still, one announces a new sale, while the other simply re-markets its merchandise as an inexpensive buy for consumers.
Here are the details:
A local consignment shop, Plato's Closet, markets its business model with the headline "A tight economy doesn't mean teens can't be fashion-forward."
The other release from Shoe Carnival states that this shoe chain is offering a buy one get one half off deal, good through January, if shoppers make a purchase during a 10-day window next month.
The headline says, "Shoe Carnival wants to help their customers through tough economic times with a first ever promotion."
Perhaps these promotions will truly help you to save money. I won't be the judge of that. But likely we will continue to see retailers using the economic downturn to draw shoppers. We talked about Target's recent "affordable" ads on the blog earlier this month.
If the Shoe Carnival or Plato's Closet advertisements sparked your interest, more details are below:
Shoe Carnival: If you make a purchase at a Shoe Carnival store, between April 1 and April 11, you'll receive a "BOGO when you want 2" card. This means that anytime through Jan. 19, 2010, you can present this buy one get one half off card to receive this deal on shoes. Shoe Carnival has a store at Towne Square Shopping Center in Roanoke, beside Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Plato's Closet: The retailer with a Roanoke location, also at Towne Square, is promoting its practical warm weather attire to teens. There isn't a specific sale going on, at least it's not stated in the news release.
The release points out certain fashion trends for the spring, such as dresses, exotic tribal prints and colors, water color prints, geometric shapes and statement jewelry. Plato's Closet sells used clothing and also buys it from consumers.
Some popular brands sold there include American Eagle, Express and H&M.
Both are chains so that wouldn't help our local economy...money spent at chains leaves our area. People should shop local to support our local economy.
Comment by Joey — March 26, 2009 @ 4:20 pm
Joey,
That is not correct. Plato's Closet is a franchise and is locally owned. A small percentage leaves the area as a royalty but the vast majority stays local!
Comment by In the know — March 27, 2009 @ 9:08 am
I want to point out that though both of these stores are chains, they do pay retail sales tax to Roanoke. And as In the Know wrote, the Roanoke Plato's Closet is owned by a local franchisee.
Comment by Jenny Kincaid Boone — March 27, 2009 @ 9:46 am
I agree with Joey. We should only shop local stores. Those big chains take all the money away from the valley. Forget about all of those employees that earn their salary from those chains and then buy homes, and cars, and pay taxes. We don't need any of that revenue. Local is the way to go. Besides, there is a local store on every corner with every product you can imagine. And the prices are so low you would be a fool not to shop local. I'm sure once we get rid of all the chains, the local stores will hire up all the unemployeed workers. And if they can't afford to hire them, they can just move to some other town and we can get Roanoke back to the way it was 100 years ago. Right on Joey. Keep fighting the good fight.
Comment by Greg — March 27, 2009 @ 9:49 am
Once Upon A Child, similar to Plato's Closet in that it sells used clothes and other items (and buys them from you too!), is also a franchise and is locally owned...it just caters to children and babies rather than teens. These types of stores are great ways for you to buy nice stuff very inexpensively, sell your gently used stuff and get a few bucks for yourself and since they are locally owned it does help the money stay in our area. Plus, buying used items is good for the environment...win win for all.
Comment by HCS — March 27, 2009 @ 9:54 am
FYI - There's also a Bohemian Trading Company in Blacksburg - same type of thing as Plato's Closet.
Comment by HCS — March 27, 2009 @ 9:55 am