New to Winterthur: Women's Apparel
The mini-catalog measures just 5" x 3- " and lays out 15 women's apparel and accessories items on 12 pages. The new items are introduced with a short note explaining how when Winterthur was still a private home, over 50 years ago, it saw many "lavish social activities including golf, swimming, walks in the glorious garden, cocktails on the terrace and dining in elegant surroundings." Shoppers are reminded that "guests at Winterthur always dressed for the occasion," as the note segues into a sales pitch. Apparel items, loosely inspired by the historic estate and updated for contemporary tastes, include a three-piece Mandarin pants set ($179.95), a hand-beaded silk jacket ($139.95) and a purple silk caftan ($69.95). Accessories include a 16" hand-hammered Sterling Circle necklace ($59.95) and matching earrings ($26.95). The catalog also offers its usual array of dinnerware, lamps, mirrors, garden sculptures and children's items. Several pages offer early holiday merchandise at sale prices, including one spread of ornaments described as "Christmas razzle-dazzle, under $25 each." Soldiers' Angels Provides Care Packages for Military in Iraq
Soldiers' Angels, an organization founded by Patti Patton-Bader (great-niece of General George S. Patton), mailed a promotion centered around the nonprofit's care packages, which are sent to soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines stationed in harm's way.
According to the four-page appeal letter, Bader began the organization not only because of her military lineage, but also in response to the needs of her son Brandon and his fellow soldiers serving in Iraq. The care packages cost $14 and typically include food and drink products as well as simple items like lip balm. A small full-color insert displays a pair of photos from the front lines and quotes from soldiers thanking the organization and its donors for their support ("Thank you guys so much for your generosity, this is the action that everyday citizens can take that show how much we are supported from our homes and even from people we haven't met ...") In addition to the packages, Soldiers' Angels hand sews "Blankets of Hope" for wounded troops, provides airline tickets for parent and family visits, and supplies Kevlar blankets to protect unarmored Humvees. Recipients are urged to sign the enclosed American flag thank you card to the troops and return it along with a donation of $14/$28/$42/$56 to provide up to four care packages. The ask ladder is extended to $100/$500/$1,000/other for those who wish to support "other worthwhile Soldiers' Angels programs."
Country Store Offers Shipping Incentives, Premiums
Two Early Fall 2005 editions from Reiman's Country Store catalog feature a handful of purchase incentives and premiums.
One version offers free shipping and a 2005 Country Store Christmas ornament with any order. A faux sticker on the front cover promotes the incentive and directs customers to the order form for details. The ornament is pictured on the front as well as the back cover where shoppers are informed that the "limited-edition, hand-cast pewter ornament" will only be produced through the end of the year. An alternate version of the catalog, which has the same cover photo, features a "One Buck Shipping" sticker. The sticker can be placed over the shipping chart on the enclosed order form to obtain the discounted rate. In place of the ornament premium, Country Store opts for a 3-in-1 candleholder. The glass candleholder, described as a $9.99 value, fits tapered, votive and pillar candles. Aside from the varying incentives and the devices used to promote them, the 68-page catalogs are identical. Products featured include cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, casual clothing and decorative home accessories. Prices range from $9.99 for a corduroy pillow sham to $159.99 for a convection rotisserie and toaster oven. As always, Country Store backs all of its products with a "Country Handshake" 100% money back guarantee.
The direct mail promotions appearing in Mail Stream are tracked and analyzed by ParadyszMatera, a media brokerage services company, through its MarketRelevance(tm) Promotion Library. Click here to visit their site: ParadyszMatera.com.
