Today we hear from Sophia Cigliano, GY&K’s senior vice president of account services, on how an early lesson in “anticipation” helps make her daily job that much more fun and interesting – while benefiting clients! Check out the video here on YouTube.
Christmas shopping. 
Some people start their Christmas shopping on December 26 the year before. Others wait until Christmas Eve as the stores are closing. I fall somewhere in the middle – picking up some things during the year and then planning a big shopping spree for early- to mid-December.
I don’t know about you, but after Thanksgiving, I avoid the mall like the plague. Some people thrive on the action. There’s a woman in our office who picks a store and goes every day – I love her stories. But, it’s not me. I’ve become extremely dependent on online retailers to make my family and friends’ gift dreams come true, and that has altered the way I shop.
This year, in order to get packages delivered in time to wrap and gift, I need to place my order by December 17th, give or take. Retailers are a huge help – there are tons of free shipping offers. Just today, I received an update from Mashable about tomorrow’s “698 Online Retailers Unite for Free Shipping Day.”
Tonight I am going to scope out the sites and maybe tomorrow I’ll place a few orders to complete my gift lists. Last night I took advantage of Amazon’s free shipping and saved nearly $30 shipping on a $150 order. Not bad.
So, how has this changed the way retailers are marketing to consumers? With access to online shopping comparison sites (for both on-and off-line purchases) and because retailers are no longer dependant on geographic territories, I think the consumer makes out quite well with great prices and great selection. The noise of millions of messages is getting to me – looking forward to some quiet time in early January (before the Valentine’s Day promotions start!) In the meantime, retailers (and the creative folks working for them) need to remember that we are people with a need to fill – hit me with the right message at the right time (and throw in a good price and free shipping) and I will spend my money with you.
What recession?
Some people won’t even entertain the idea of using a Kindle. They like the feeling, smell and overall experience of a “real” book.
However, as technology continues to evolve we are bound to see more devices like this for books and magazines. The Apple tablet (which is still just a rumor) has inspired a few publishers to imagine what reading a magazine might be like in the future.
Time Inc. recently partnered with The Wonderfactory to create a video demonstrating a tablet-like experience with Sports Illustrated. Although similar content is already available online, the wow factor here is the user experience. It’s amazing to see how the device enhances the content and vice versa.
While this may be a year or two away, magazines are already experimenting with interactive advertising. Have you noticed any examples of this? Are you looking forward to more innovation from magazines or do you prefer them the way they are?
In today’s installment of “Two Minutes with the Real GY&K” Rebecca tells us how a childhood lesson brought her down an unexpected path and into the world of marketing – and she’s here to stay! Click here to visit YouTube to hear Rebecca’s story.
Chatting with Nathaniel here at GY&K – here’s an interesting new way to window shop:
While reading today, we discovered Google is giving mobile users another way to use barcode scanner applications on their mobile devices. Now you can walk up to a business listed as a “favorite place” and scan a barcode in the window to get a direct link to the businesses mobile site, which may include reviews, coupons, and more information to help you make a decision on where to shop or eat. Google’s blog calls this “a whole new way to window shop.” They are launching this in 9,000 towns and cities.
Our question is, do people still window shop? Would this be something you would use to help you decide where to spend your money?
If you have ever called or visited GY&K, chances are you’ve met Deb. We asked her about her favorite movie and she reveals how it has helped make her the wonderful person she is today! Click here to watch her video.
Welcome to the first annual Theater of Public Influence Holiday Gift Exchange. In this Episode, Ben, Brady, Holly and the Mikes open up their real hearts and their imaginary wallets and do some secret shopping for their fellow panelists.
Who gave the best gift? Who got the worst gift? What the heck is a Kitten Mitten? Listen and find out. This episode is chock-full of inspiration for your upcoming holiday shopping trips.
