As lights go up and holiday parties grow near, I enjoy getting into the holiday spirit. One thing that happens this time every year is that my inbox starts filling up'?¦not only with warm holiday wishes from friends and family, but also with greetings from some of my favorite retailers. Subject lines such as '10 best gifts for under $100'?, 'Deck the Halls with 25% off + free shipping,'? and '12 Deals of Christmas'? are like little presents delivered straight to my inbox. However, these deals also make me slightly anxious as I consider how to take advantage of each of the offers. I think to myself,'? will I get a deal like this after the holidays? Should I use this coupon? Should I wait for an even better deal?'? According to an exclusive Ad Age/Ipsos Observer survey of U.S. consumers, approximately 85% predict that they will spend the same or less than last year on holiday gifts, and 30% of consumers will purchase presents for fewer people. This online survey of more than 1,000 consumers found that people are cutting back in a number of ways, which has led to an increase in coupon use over the last year. Whether they are delivered to your inbox, via snail mail, or clipped out of the Sunday paper, coupon usage is predicted to increase even further. Out of those respondents, 25% reported that they have used daily discount sites such as Groupon, Living Social, and Buy with Me; a new category of coupons that has recently exploded onto the scene. However, marketers should proceed with caution before jumping on the coupon bandwagon. SymphonyIRI Group data shows that coupons are not necessarily driving incremental sales, but more so offering discounts to those consumers already planning on purchasing the products. So, the '30% off all outerwear'? coupon J.Crew sends out will most likely be used by the consumer who has been eyeing that peacoat and is waiting for a sale to purchase it, not by a first time consumer to the retailer. Today I received a coupon from Ann Taylor Loft in my inbox for 40% off of my entire purchase in-store or online. I might have to make a stop on my way home! If you've spotted any recent must-use deals in your inbox, post them here!

As lights go up and holiday parties grow near, I enjoy getting into the holiday spirit. One thing that happens this time every year is that my inbox starts filling up'?¦not only with warm holiday wishes from friends and family, but also with greetings from some of my favorite retailers. Subject lines such as '10 best gifts for under $100'?, 'Deck the Halls with 25% off + free shipping,'? and '12 Deals of Christmas'? are like little presents delivered straight to my inbox. However, these deals also make me slightly anxious as I consider how to take advantage of each of the offers. I think to myself,'? will I get a deal like this after the holidays? Should I use this coupon? Should I wait for an even better deal?'? According to an exclusive Ad Age/Ipsos Observer survey of U.S. consumers, approximately 85% predict that they will spend the same or less than last year on holiday gifts, and 30% of consumers will purchase presents for fewer people. This online survey of more than 1,000 consumers found that people are cutting back in a number of ways, which has led to an increase in coupon use over the last year. Whether they are delivered to your inbox, via snail mail, or clipped out of the Sunday paper, coupon usage is predicted to increase even further. Out of those respondents, 25% reported that they have used daily discount sites such as Groupon, Living Social, and Buy with Me; a new category of coupons that has recently exploded onto the scene. However, marketers should proceed with caution before jumping on the coupon bandwagon. SymphonyIRI Group data shows that coupons are not necessarily driving incremental sales, but more so offering discounts to those consumers already planning on purchasing the products. So, the '30% off all outerwear'? coupon J.Crew sends out will most likely be used by the consumer who has been eyeing that peacoat and is waiting for a sale to purchase it, not by a first time consumer to the retailer. Today I received a coupon from Ann Taylor Loft in my inbox for 40% off of my entire purchase in-store or online. I might have to make a stop on my way home! If you've spotted any recent must-use deals in your inbox, post them here!

Recently, Facebook announced the addition of a deals service to its Facebook Places. Similar to Four Square, after 'checking- in'? via their mobile device, consumers are able to view a variety of deals being offered in their area. After selecting the offer desired, redemption is as easy as showing the screen of your cell-phone to the cashier. With over 200 million consumers accessing Facebook via their cell phone, this application seems like a no-brainer for businesses struggling with how to drive consumers into their stores. Facebook Deals are very easy to create and companies have control over the duration and quantity of the deals being offered. Currently, there are four different types of deals for brands to work with: 1. Individual ' standard purchase incentive for new or existing customers. 2. Friends ' builds exposure by offering discounts to a larger group who must 'check-in'? together. 3. Loyalty ' customers access deals by checking in multiple times. 4. Charity ' brand donates dollars for every 'check-in'?, thereby giving back to the community. Most importantly, Facebook Deals are convenient. While businesses can only run one of these Deals at a time, the duration and quantity settings provide the opportunity to test different types of Deals throughout the year to see which works best. Consumers do not have to worry about printing anything or forgetting their coupon at home. And retailers can have a special offer in the market after only a few clicks of the mouse, immediately driving traffic into their locations. With Black Friday fast approaching, it will be interesting to see how retailers (especially mom-and-pop establishments) take advantage of this latest addition to Facebook Places in an effort to increase their holiday traffic.

Every month we survey our Pulse Network, a network of over 10,000 millennials. This month, we had responses from nearly 100 students (high school and college) and here is what we learned. Savvy Shoppers It's no surprise that students have limited budgets. With a tough economy, they are finding they are more strapped for cash now than ever and are actively looking for ways to make and save money. While cutting coupons may be associated with an older demographic, right now, coupon clipping defies age, as 65% of students state they are looking for coupons on a regular basis. We asked respondents how much they agreed with several statements regarding coupons, and this was the response: 44% agreed they use coupons every time they shop online 46% agreed they use coupons every time they grocery shop Over 50% agreed that if they received a coupon through a text message, they would use it Brands issuing coupons to drive purchase of new products are in luck, and will benefit greatly from consumer loyalists, as 75% of respondents agree that if a brand they already use comes out with a new line, they would give it a try if they were given a coupon. Sign Me Up! When you hear the word 'sweepstakes'?, you automatically think 'fun,'? and 'excitement,'? but most of all, 'PRIZES!'? Sweepstakes are a relevant and great way to get students aware of your brand, as 80% say they participate in them. But, there are some rules. In order to grab their attention and incent them to sign up, prizes have to be relevant and the process should be simple. We asked respondents the following question: How do you feel about sweepstakes and contests? 50% stated they think they are really fun 59% stated they will only participate if the prize really grabs their attention 59% stated they will participate if it's really easy to sign up for By nature, technology is an inherent part of students' lives, so it is no surprise that entering sweepstakes and contests via online are more favored than in-store sign-ups: 55% stated they like to enter online for sweepstakes and contests 26% stated they like to enter in-store for sweepstakes and contests We survey our Pulse Network every month. If you have some questions, let us know and we will try to help you find the answers ' email thefreq@ampagency.com.