Goodbye Black Friday?
After a long day of cooking, feasting, and saying thanks, one would expect the next day to be one of rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, this is not true for most Americans. For many of us, the day after Thanksgiving is the day to go out and get that big screen TV we have been waiting for or to get those pairs of shoes that we have had our eye on. So ‘important’ has the day after Thanksgiving been, we as consumers have given it the name “Black Friday.”
“Black Friday” starts with tents, long lines, and consumers with there “Black Friday” ads in hand. Whether it be the special deal “doorbuster” or the extra 40% off that retail stores offer, consumers are willing to put up with the lack of sleep as well as the lack of respect they receive from there fellow consumers.
As I started my “Black Friday” run today, I had many places that I wanted to check out. Among them were Best Buy, Circuit City, and of course the local mall. As I went from store to store I noticed a trend. In each of the stores I went too, while there was still a large number of consumers, the number of them holding items was amazingly small. I didn’t see consumers with baskets full of DVD’s or with armfuls of clothes. If I could describe the average consumer on “Black Friday” I would use the word cautious. Consumers went for items they ‘needed’ or had been strongly considering for a while.
This change in consumer spending can be attributed to a number of things. One reasoning is that no longer is “Black Friday” only on Friday. Most stores now start there sales a couple of days before or even the week before running all the way into the weekend. Consumers no longer have to fight Friday morning but can now shop around for a couple days, finding the best deal. Another reason is that most stores such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Amazon, & Walmart offer online sales that offer the same items that are considered “doorbuster’s” and also in some cases, deals that are better than in the stores.
While the forementioned changes to “Black Friday” all have an affect on the way consumers approach “Black Friday”, consumer spending and confidence in businesses have been one of the key factors. Consumers unwilling to spend money on un-neccesary products has led to a record slump in consumer spending which have led to chains such as Circuit City into bankruptcy.
With “Black Friday” turning into a week long affair in some cases, why do we continue to call it “Black Friday?”
While “Black Friday” has traditionally meant the start of the holiday shopping season, consumer trends in spending during this “Black Friday” may be the signal for retailers to start worrying that perhaps “Black Friday” may just be “Regular Friday”
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: LA Auto Show
With unpredictable gas prices, economic hardships, and falling sales, the Los Angeles Auto Show is an important event not only for automakers, but for consumers as well. This years LA Auto Show, taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will answer consumers questions, unveil new cars, and also could be the last time we see all of the Big 3 automakers under one roof.I myself am in the market for a car so I decided that the LA Auto Show would be a great place to get an idea of what new models would be coming out.
The most notable thing that I noticed while in attendance was the trend in the consumers interests. For the most part, automakers like Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Nissan, and Mini-Cooper had by far the largest number of visitors to there exhibits. The main reason behind this can be attributed to there focus on both gas efficiency as well as there focus on reliability. Toyota for example, featured a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered version of the Camry Hybrid which caught the eye of many consumers. Honda and Mini-Cooper also went along the same path as Toyota by choosing to focus there exhibit areas around there ‘eco-friendly’ as well as ‘pocket-friendly’ vehicles.
Lexus and Nissan were definite winners of the auto show as crowds came away excited for there upcoming 2009/2019 vehicles. Most notable of which were the Lexus IS250C, the convertible version of the already popular Lexus IS250, and also the quirky Nissan Cube.
As a consumer, when I looked at the way that Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Nissan, and Mini-Cooper marketed there vehicles and exhibits, there was one key characteristic that all of them shared. It was a very plain and simple element which I believe most of the other carmakers failed to get. That was the concept of “How can we help you.” When I visited other carmakers exhibits I wasn’t asked what kind of car we we’re looking for or even when we we’re looking to buy, but rather we were told why we need this car and how we should take a test drive. Among those that used the latter approach was the big 3 automakers (Ford, GM, Chrysler). Not only were they insensitive to the consumers feelings or desires, but just by looking at the cars they had on display, I can see why they are struggling. The big 3 focused on making cars that they thought consumers wanted, when they really should have been asking us what we wanted.
The LA Auto Show is not only an event for the public to see the new cars, but it also a chance for automakers to show the direction they are going. We all know Mercedes makes luxury cars, but we want to know that they will continue to push the limits on luxury. We know that Ford is struggling to sell cars; we want to know that they are making the appropriate changes to bounce back. At the end of the day I walked out of the convention center with three thoughts in mind:
1. The LA Convention Center is huge
2. “Green” is the new direction of carmakers
3. I love free stuff
The iPhone Killer?
In what many consider to be there most ‘idolized’ consumer product and ‘must-have’, the Apple iPhone has established itself as the leader in the smartphone market. From its stylish design, to its practicality, many competitors have tried to compete, but to no avail. Still, just 24 hours away, we have the newest competitor to the iPhone. The Blackberry Storm.
Some have already begun calling it the iPhone Killer. With its well established reputation of being a leader in personal organization and networking, RIM (Research in Motion) is about to challenge the Apple iPhone head on. The Storm is scheduled to hit stores November 21st and has consumers on the edge of there wallets ready to shell out for what some analyst’s say will be the holiday’s biggest hit. The question though is not whether or not the Storm will sell well, but if it can possibly match up to the already dominating Apple iPhone.
What’s to Come
Upon closer review of the Blackberry Storm, RIM has gone far and beyond the normal ’standards’ of smartphone’s today. The most anticipated feature is the innovative “SurePress” feature. Not only is it the first Blackberry touchscreen in the world, but users can actually feel the keys being pressed when they are texting or dialing a number. RIM feels that this will revolutionize the smartphone market in that users have long complained that it is hard to use touchscreens because the keys are unresponsive or hard to use.
Aside from the SurePress technology, the Storm advertises its use as a social tool. Citing sites such as Facebook and Flickr as being part of the networking capabilities, Blackberry is clearly trying to establish the Storm as a multi-task tool. The storm also has turn by turn navigation, email capabilities, a full HTML browser as well as 3.2 megapixel camera that can take photos and record.
Can you afford it?
With the features to compete with the Apple iPhone, RIM has priced the Storm at almost the same price of the iPhone at $199.99 (with 2 year contract and $50.00 rebate). This competitive price will challenge the iPhone during this holiday season in making the consumer think twice on what to buy.
While the Blackberry has yet to hit stores here in the US, the Blackberry has already been released in Europe and is already a big hit. This is partly due to the fact that Vodafone has been giving them away for free with a phone contract. If only they could that here.
I myself have been anticipating the release of the Storm and am looking forward to trying it out. With the strategy that Blackberry has taken into marketing the new Storm, it is hard to see how this product can fail. Taking into account the innovative features, the reasonable pricing, and Blackberry’s reputation for its strong network and email capabilities, the Storm may not only ‘beat’ the iPhone in sales, it may just steal the market away from them.
Disney Vacation Club: Best Timeshare?
For many of us, our first formal introduction to the Disney family was through television. From the early morning cartoons that entertained us for countless hours, to the small fortune we spent on Mickey Mouse dolls, most of us have in some way been part of the Disney experience. Today, having established themselves as one of the leaders in family entertainment, Disney has positioned themselves to take the lead in “vacation memberships.”
Started in 1991, the Disney Vacation Club was founded on using the basic ideas of ‘timeshares’ but with a different approach. Staying true to the Disney tradition of quality, hospitality, and creativity, Disney has turned the Disney Vacation Club into one of the top timeshares in the world.
How does it work?
Similar to timeshare, the DVC (Disney Vacation Club) allows members to purchase ‘points’ that they can use toward there stay at any DVC resort. This is just one way that Disney has been able to seperate themselves from other timeshares. In the past, when an individual would purchase a timeshare they would have to set a date for which they would travel during that year. If they did not travel during that time during the year, in essence they would have paid for nothing that year. For the DVC, they allow you to ‘roll over’ your points to the next year.
So for example, if Mickey Mouse decides to buy 150 Points, then each year for the duration of the timeshare, he will pay X amount for 150 points each year. If he doesn’t use the points, he can transfer or ‘bank’ his points, as is the term used by DVC, to the next year to be accumulated. For the family that knows they will be having a large family reunion at Disneyworld, this is a great way to save money on accommodations.
Another great part of the DVC is that you can take multiple trips during the year as long as you have points. Also, if you don’t have enough, Disney allows you to borrow points from the next year.
Disney has broken each of there resorts down based on point values. Some resorts for example may only need 20 points a night during June 10-15, while another resort may require more or less. Cost wise, the ‘points per night’ is less than if you were to book the rooms on your own with no DVC.
Only Disney Hotels?
Another great part of the Disney Vacation Club is that Disney offers accommodations at more than 500 different hotels around the world not including there own Disney Resorts. Points may also be used on the Disney Cruise line.
Best Deal?
For the family that is looking for a way to save money on family trips, or even the family or couple that is just looking to travel, the Disney Vacation Club offers all of us a chance to be part of the Disney Family. From there affordable packages to there Disney promise of quality and innovation, Disney has re-invented the idea of a timeshare, and turned it into a ‘vacation club.’
Etiquette 101
For most of us, sitting down at a table and eating breakfast, lunch or dinner is a time of relaxation and leisure. It is during this time, that we also exhibit some of our most ‘un-attractive’ manners and table etiquette. From talking with food in our mouth to leaning or slouching in our chair, many of us forget the table manners that our parents tried so hard to teach us.
While some may see no need for table manners in our own ‘personal space’, it is important to have some knowledge of them in the event that you need them as for example during a business luncheon or a formal dinner. So let us refresh on some key pointers that will help us seem ‘civilized’ at the least.
Continental vs. American
No, the title is not in some reference to a sporting event but rather in reference to the two different styles of eating etiquette.
The first, Continental, is considered to be the less formal of the two and some believe to more ‘efficient. Using the Continental style of eating, the fork is never moved from the left hand when eating. When eating and cutting food, the index finger is placed on the back of the fork and the knife is kept in the right hand. It is also noted that when cutting the food, the cut strokes should be made in one direction only (top to bottom). When using continental just remember, right hand – Knife & left hand – Fork.
The second, American style, which is most commonly used in the United States, is similar to Continental style. Similar to Continental style, the fork is in the left hand and the knife in the right hand when cutting. Your index finger rests on the back of the handles and you should cut several pieces of your food. After cutting, you will rest your knife on the edge of the plate with the sharp edge looking into the plate.
The big difference between American and Continental style is that after you rest your knife, you switch your fork to your right hand.
Tips
Whether you use the Continental or American style of dining, here are some helpful tips that may help you make a great impression in front of your boss or parents in-law.
- -Used utensils shouldn’t touch the the surface of the table. Balancing them on the corner of your plate is a better place.
- -Most dishes will be accompanied by the appropriate knife. For example: steak and seafood. Don’t use the butter knife to cut that 12 oz. New York Steak
- -Most upscale restaurants go for the cloth napkins, which means you only get one. Try dabbing the mouth when needed which will your napkin last longer. (This doesn’t apply to Buffalo wings. We all know that’s just impossible.)
- -If something is even remotely out of your reach, ask for some assistance from someone at the table.
- -Sit up straight and don’t lean your elbows heavily on the table.
- -It is best to wait till your party is served all there dishes out of courtesy.
- -Be on time. Being early also shows that your dinner/meeting with your guests is important to you.
- -In most cases, if you are the one inviting, it is suggested that you pick up the tab. No clear rule here
- -Napkin should be placed on your lap when you sit at your table and placed on your chair or to the left of your plate when going to the restroom or stepping away from your meal as to show you will return.
The next time you sit down to a business luncheon or an important dining engagement remember to enjoy your dining experience. Also don’t forget one of the key elements to succeess: always be confident and composed. With that said, bon appetit!
Lace Em’ Up
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people are trying to find ways to offset the ‘feast’ on the 27th. One of the most common ways is for people to hit the treadmill at the local gym the day after as not to feel guilty for indulging in that extra slice of pumpkin pie or there grandmother’s mashed potatoes. One of the alternative options to going to the gym is to run. By running, I am not referring to just running a few miles the morning after, but running a marathon.
For most of us, we associate a ‘marathon’ with hours and hours of sweat, pain and exhaustion without any end in site. While this maybe true in some sense, that is not always the case. Our perception of marathons are often attached to the LA Marathon or the NYC Marathon, both of which are highly competitive and take months and months of training for. For the hundreds of us not ready to throw on our Nike’s and pretend we’re Usain Bolt, there are alternative marathons that might be just right.
In the LA area as well as in other cities across the country, individuals can sign up for 5K/10K Run/Walk event taking place the morning or the day before Thanksgiving. In Long Beach, Calif. for example, Long Beach will host its annual 5K/10K Turkey Trot Run/Walk with its proceeds going toward Community Action Team. Not only are individuals able to get a great workout before the ‘feast’, but they can help a great cause as many of the marathons have the proceeds of the registration fees go toward helping there respective cause. This is a great way to start off your Thanksgiving day by staying healthy and helping others at the same time.
What are some ways you plan to work off the Thanksgiving feast?
More than just cars…
When most consumers hear of AAA (Automobile Club of Southern California) they think of roadside assistance. It is true that AAA is well known for there roadside assistance services, but not many are aware of the great perks that accompany being a AAA member. Apart from there insurance and travel services, AAA members can save at many locations just by showing there AAA card.
So just how much does it cost to be a member of AAA?
Aside from the first time sign up fee of $20.00, consumers can choose from three different membership levels, each with different levels of service offered. The most basic level, Classic, costs just $47.00 a year. In comparison to the various discounts and perks of being a AAA member, this is a bargain.
Perks
Shopping Entertainment Dining Accommodations
Barnes and Noble Sea World Chart House Best Western
Circuit City Universal Studios Hollywood Hard Rock Café Hyatt
Dell San Diego Zoo El Torito Hilton
Target Lego Land Joe’s Crab Shack Marriot
The UPS Store Anaheim Ducks Kelly’s Coffee Westin
New York & Company Aquarium of the Pacific Sweet Factory Starwood Hotels
Sears Optical Discovery Science Center Rainforest Café
Blue Nile Knotts Berry Farm Wetzel Pretzel
Enterprise LA Kings Circle K
LensCrafters LA Sparks Disney Dining
Motorola LA Clippers Dream Diners
Payless Shoes USA Today
Reebok Bally Total Fitness
Sit N’ Sleep
These are just a few of the man places and services that you can get a discount at by simply showing your AAA card.
In what some have called an ‘economic crisis,’ AAA helps us save a little money so that we can save it for a rainy day.
LA going Pinks
Long lines, cash only, and great food. This can only equate to one thing, Pinks Hot Dogs.
Started in 1939, Pinks Hot Dogs on the corner of Melrose and La Brea, has established itself as a ‘must-try’ when in Los Angeles. From there long lines that sometimes go around the corner of the store, to the parking attendant that helps maintain the peace in there tiny parking lot, Pinks breaks the notion that all hot dogs are the same.
Boasting over 20 different types of hot dogs alone, Pinks offers its customers a variety of choices when it comes to ‘personalizing’ there dog. From the original Chili Dog to the film inspired “Lord of the RINGS dog” (10″ Stretch Dog, Yummy BBQ sauce topped with onion rings), just asking for a ‘hot dog’ will not work. Not only does Pinks offer a great selection of hot dogs, but they also serve burgers as well. The key element in almost all of Pinks menu items, is there famous chili. Using the same recipe that was used in 1939 by founder Paul Pink, Pinks attracts customers from all parts of Los Angeles. From famous celebrities to the average Joe, Pinks has used the strategy of great quality and service as there main business mantra. Every hot dog is made to the customers specifications, and is handled and prepared in a timely manner.
One may ask if it is worth staying in line for upwards of 30 minutes just for a ‘hot dog’, but most will tell you it is. The closer and closer you get to the front, the more and more you are convinced it is worth it. From the aroma of the chili, to the sight of the dogs being made, the visual showcase is a treat in itself.
Whether you are a college student looking for a creative date spot, a struggling actor looking for some inspirational food, or a high powered CEO looking to reconnect with us little people, Pinks is just a small reminder of why we love LA.
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