Trend-Setting Male Engagement Rings And Wedding Bands Feature Unique Materials Such As Palladium, Titanium, Tungsten And Black Diamonds

Cue the catchy lyrics from the popular songstress, Beyoncé Knowles, whose advice to suitors now seems apropos for modern women buying men’s engagement rings for their fiancés. Traditionally, women bought engagement gifts for their beaus, such as a watch, but now, with a movement that may be considered a natural evolution, some men are wearing engagement rings.

“The definition of engagement is more generous today than it was just a few decades ago, with extended engagement periods that can last several years and, with ladies popping the question,” said Ron Yates, founder, Titanium-Jewelry.com. “Along with this shift, we see an uptick in the sale of men’s engagement rings, letting the world know that a man has been claimed and that he is unavailable. As a trusted advisor on contemporary metals, Titanium-Jewelry.com is at the service of couples looking for a modern twist on the typical engagement ring, many of whom opt for palladium, titanium, tungsten and black diamond rings.”

Titaniun-Jewelry.com brings cutting edge designs to market offering affordability and stylish value to couples in search for unique rings and contemporary jewelry. Enticing grooms and couples worldwide, the online retailer provides a multitude of styles and metals representing the best selection of palladium rings, titanium rings, tungsten rings, and men’s wedding bands for the up and coming male and female demographic. For more information, please visit titanium-jewelry.com.

About Titanium-Jewelry.com
Titanium-Jewelry.com provides a wide selection of titanium rings, tungsten rings, men’s watches and black titanium jewelry uniquely styled for men and women. Experts in modern men’s jewelry, men’s wedding bands and modern metals jewelry, Titanium-Jewelry.com leads the industry in contemporary jewelry fashions. For more information, please visit Titanium-Jewelry.com.

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Groovy Fall Fashions Are Inspired By The Environment And ’70s Folk Movement

Naartjie, the original name in fashionable, kid-friendly clothing, announced the arrival of its Fall 2 Collection for boys, girls and infants. The Naartjie Fall Two Collection is a blend of this season’s hottest trends with the company’s attention to detail that captures a child’s imagination and sturdy, comfortable clothing at affordable prices.

“Nearly a decade into the 21st century, we bring 1970s folk styles to our Fall Two Collection of children’s clothing,” said Joe Norwood, director of marketing, Naartjie USA. “At Naartjie, we find inspiration f r o m various sources, be it music, couture or past and present movements. This season’s looks feature bold colors and fun prints that truly make a statement in any child’s back-to-school wardrobe. ”

The Fall Two girls collection borrows f r o m the folk movement with bright colors, knits and crocheted detailing. Selections include a vest inspired by Sonny and Cher, wild bell bottoms in optimistic colors and our new Folk Floral print come alive with the introduction of grenadine orange, cooled off with grey melange. Textures abound with touches of lace, corduroy, sweater knit and crochet trim.

Raising the awareness of green and ecological issues, the boys’ Fall Two collection makes a bold statement: clean the air, recycle and take care of the planet! Using the Naartjie Eco label, the graphics help to spread this important lesson in a playful, kid-friendly manner. Warm lined plaid coats and colorful vests mix bold colors with warm earth tones and great essentials that make back to school shopping easy and fun.

The newborn unisex Fall Two pieces make the perfect baby shower gift, with the playful dream farm print and Rocky the rooster, Bruce the bulldog, Cheryl the sheep and Catina the cat graphics. The baby girl clothes rock the ‘70s with a patchwork theme using a combination of florals and plaids in bright and feminine colors. Baby boy clothes mix traditional colors with newer bold hues to spur the imagination and carry into fall.

About Naartjie
Naartjie was founded in 1989 in Cape Town, South Africa when designer Anne Eales sought an alternative to the limited selection of children’s clothes available as she shopped for her three young boys. F r o m its very conception, Naartjie was about KIDS… playful, vibrant, active, colorful, natural, always changing. We offer great kid’s clothes and baby clothes, basics and accessories for girls, boys, and newborns to 10 years of age — all at surprisingly affordable prices. Naartjie’s corporate headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Naartjie owns and operates stores in both the United States and South Africa, with new stores opening regularly. For more information, please visit us at http://naartjie.com.

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BigSmileToys.com Launches New Product From Playmobil

BigSmileToys.com, a leading online toy and gift store, today announced the introduction of Playmobil’s new Egyptian Pyramid play set to its line of fun and educational children’s products. The historically relevant Pyramid play set is just the latest in the ever growing Playmobil line of products featured on BigSmileToys.com online store.

“For more than 30 years, Playmobil play sets have been an important part of children’s lives, enriching playtimes and learning,” said Steve Scartozzi, president, Big Smile Toys. “We are very pleased to offer our extensive selection of Playmobil products, including the new Egyptian Pyramid, which is sure to entertain children while jumpstarting their imagination and teaching them a little bit about the world around them.”

Playmobil’s Egyptian Pyramid thrusts children back into the world of ancient Egypt, with an action-packed play set full of history and adventure. Intruders have stormed the pyramid attempting to raid its treasure. To gain access to the secret treasure chamber, the invaders must first traverse the pyramid’s many secrets such as its collapsible staircase, chute, trapdoor, slide and scorpion trap. Inside the 21 x 21 x 14 inch pyramid’s four removable walls are many features based on real ancient Egyptian architecture and design such as a rotary secret chamber and fully decorated tomb. The play set includes four Egyptian figures, accessories and is recommended for ages five and up.

Based in suburban Philadelphia, BigSmileToys.com features an extensive line of children’s toys, games, books, plush’s, puppets and even sporting equipment for purchase. With over 48 years of experience, BigSmileToys.com operates on the idea that Fun + Learning = Smiles and offers products which follow these principles. Learn more and search for products at www.bigsmiletoys.com.

About BigSmileToys
BigSmileToys.com is the online division of a Philadelphia-area retail store with more than 48 years of experience in the toy and gift business. Voted best toy store in the Western Main Line for eight consecutive years, Big Smile Toys also has been named best toy store in Chester County by Philadelphia Magazine. As authorized dealers of Madame Alexander Dolls, Calico Critters, Breyer Horses, Mighty World Toys, Magformers and Playmobil Toys, to name a few.

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Diamond Manufacturers, The Company That Offers The World’s Largest Selection Of Customisable Diamond Jewellery, Has Announced The Unveiling Of Its New Revamped Website

Diamond Manufacturers, the company that offers the world’s largest selection of customisable diamond jewellery, has announced the unveiling of its new revamped website which includes fresh branding along with a new logo.

Diamond Manufacturers, The Company That Offers The World's Largest Selection Of Customisable Diamond Jewellery, Has Announced The Unveiling Of Its New Revamped Website

The new site has a number of new and developed features to give website users an improved experience and an easier way to buy jewellery online.

As well as a new option to design your own engagement ring – starting with either a loose diamond or a setting – Diamond Manufacturers’ site includes 2000 new products, all with larger and clearer images.

A gift finder option allows people to find any presents based on a number of search criteria within one click – including price, occasion, metal, material and delivery time. This interactive search means it is now easier than ever to find diamond engagement rings and other diamond jewellery on the Diamond Manufacturers website. Advanced search options now include functions such as seeing the new arrivals, the best sellers and special offers.

About Diamond Manufacturers:
Diamond Manufacturers is a leading online retail jeweller offering the internet’s lowest prices on engagement rings, diamonds and fine jewellery.

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Equal Strategy Helped New Balance To Project A Total Sensory Experience With A Retro ’50’s And ’60’s Look And Feel In Their World’s First New Balance Experience Store In Beijing

Asia’s leading ‘environmental branding consultancy’ Equal Strategy has helped New Balance to project a total sensory experience with a retro ’50’s and ’60’s look and feel in its World’s first New Balance Experience Store in Beijing’s historic Qianmen Avenue.

Equal Strategy Helped New Balance To Project A Total Sensory Experience With A Retro '50's And '60's Look And Feel In Their World’s First New Balance Experience Store In Beijing

The store, New Balance’s first ever Experience Store™, showcases the company’s century-long heritage over two floors amidst framed archival photographs, vintage New Balance advertisements and brand paraphernalia dating as far back as 1910.

A DNA ribbon which extends from the first floor entrance all the way to the second floor takes the consumer through a chronological journey documenting the brand’s rich past, present and future. The detail in the overall store design is further complimented by audio, visual and olfactory experiences throughout the store including the unique smell of natural woody notes, with a touch of leather, reminiscent of a shoe store’s scent from the mid-20th century.

What does New Balance sound and smell like? To create the right atmosphere for the brand product highlights, Equal Strategy’s sensory marketing guru Simon Faure-Field deployed a woody scent coupled with 1950’s style “be bop” music. Customers can“bop while they shop” to the supplied sounds of Bill Haley and the Comets, Little Richard, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers and Jerry Lee Lewis.

In addition, Equal Strategy’s programmed in-store messaging directs customers to check out the store’s second floor merchandise and repeatedly highlights New Balance’s unique Performance DNA concept. Scientific research has found that 40% of shoppers who listen to in-store audio messages are influenced in their purchasing decisions.

According to Equal Strategy, Scientific studies found the sense of smell is the only sense directly connected to the brain’ centre for memory and emotions. More than 80% of customer decisions are influenced by what we smell! Scientific olfactory studies conducted in the United States found that training shoes which had been lightly scented with a barely-perceptible fragrance sold more pairs and for a higher premium than unscented trainers.

Bob Neville Regional Retail Manager for New Balance in Asia Pacific commented “we are very pleased with the way the music, messaging and specially formulated New Balance ‘aroma’ integrate within the built three dimensional aspect of the New Balance Experience Store. We want to create a brand experience that is totally reflective of the brand essence and as such this has to go beyond what you see and encompass all of the human senses. This first Experience Store in Beijing marks the first of a global role out and will for the first time see, hear and smell the New Balance brand in an integrated and total experience”

About Equal Strategy
Equal Strategy delivers “music”, “fragrance” and “recorded telephone messages on hold” to businesses in a scientific way that enhances the overall customer experience of the brand and causes the customer to stay longer and buy more! Equal Strategy is the only company in Asia that specialises in deploying “music” and “fragrance” solutions to business where the two senses are stimulated in synergy with each other.

Sound and smell deliver stimuli directly to the memory centres of the brain, influencing behaviour and creating suggestion at both the conscious and unconscious levels. Decades of behavioural research into the habits of consumers has found that “consumer arousal” can be either stimulated or suppressed through the use of mood settings like music and fragrance.

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Displaysense To Sell Relaxation And Motivation

Displaysense, the Hertfordshire-based retail display provider, is looking to play its part in stimulating the UK by sourcing office display equipment that provides a healthier, enjoyable working environment.

Displaysense To Sell Relaxation And Motivation

Displaysense, the country’s leading supplier of shelving units and display cabinets, is encouraging businesses around the country to create more home like environments for their employees to work in, in order to encourage productivity and increase motivation.

To do this, the company is launching its “Late Summer Break Out” campaign that will see the introduction of ergonomic computer desks as well as other display items that might be expected at home such as plants, comfy sofas, paintings, lamps and other relaxing display equipment.

In order to spread the “Late Summer Break Out” message, Displaysense will also be sending leaflets out to a selection of their business customers highlighting the importance of a relaxed, fun working environment. The leaflet will show how they can make the most out of their office space by using some of the new Displaysense display systems, as well as ideas to assist in motivating the workforce.

Steve Whittle, the marketing manager at Displaysense, commented on the concept, “A lot of people spend the majority of their days at work and constant exposure to these stressful environments can not only lead to a loss in productivity, but also serious health issues. Having fun is a basic human requirement and we believe that businesses should do more to make employees comfortable and provide a slice of home and pleasurable places to escape within their office environment.”

Motivational theorist, Abraham Maslow, noted in the 1940’s that employees have certain criteria that need fulfilling in the work environment and the basic psychological needs, such as having fun, are the most important requirements of all.

Regardless of the size of the business, the UK is reportedly working longer hours than other countries in the EU, emphasising the need for a more relaxed workplace.

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New Fope Gioielli Jewellery Collection By Ernest Jones

Ernest Jones, the watch and diamond specialist, has announced the launch of the new Fope Gioielli jewellery collection through a specially selected 8 stores and online only. Steeped in European glamour, Fope jewellery offers quality and style combined with a classical Italian jewellery tradition. With Ernest Jones’s reputation as the UK’s leading diamond and watch specialist, combined with 60 years experience, very few high street retailers are in a better position to showcase such a prestigious brand. Fope is available at Ernest Jones in Cardiff, High Wycombe, Milton Keynes, Swansea Quadrant, Lakeside, Merryhill and at ernestjones.co.uk.

The Fope Gioielli collection consists of seven key lines of jewellery. Firstly, there’s ‘Flex-it’, the most popular of Fope’s jewellery lines. Simple and stylish, each Fope bracelet link holds two 18 carat gold springs.

New Fope Gioielli Jewellery Collection By Ernest Jones

Ernest Jones is also making the ‘Luci’ collection of Fope earrings available, which has been specifically designed to provide the ideal complement to the other lines within the Fope jewellery range, like the ‘Profili’ range with its large oval section Novecento mesh gold collars, bracelets and bangles.

Additionally Ernest Jones is launching the latest of the Fope jewellery collections, with ‘Meridiani’ providing an everyday collection of medium-sized oval Novecento chains with rings and earrings, and ‘Ines’ which is named after the sister of the President of Fope and uses the small round Novecento chain along with oval diamond-set motifs which decorate the designs of the necklaces, bracelets, earrings and ring.

Ernest Jones believe the launch of the Fope collection will provide a new fashionable and elegant complement to its existing range of gold and diamond jewellery and bring with it a touch of Italian creativity, love and passion.

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Skin Supplies For Men Age Defense For Eyes By Clinique

Clinique has announced the launch of new Skin Supplies For Men Age Defense For Eyes, which is its latest defense for men who want to effectively address the look of the multiple signs of ageing around the eye area.

Long hours squinting at the computer screen, late nights, not enough sleep and sun damage eventually take their toll on the sensitive skin around the eyes of unsuspecting men. Upon the first signs of ageing, an increasing number of men are seeking immediate measures to restore the look of vitality to this vulnerable skin. Men now understand that maintaining their youthful appearance requires the right de-ageing tools.

Created exclusively for men and conveniently packaged with a flip-top cap, New Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Age Defense For Eyes is the latest addition to the men’s skin care and grooming range.

Men often don’t show signs of ageing until their 30s. Then, loss of firmness, lines and wrinkles suddenly appear. The skin around the eyes is roughly ten times thinner than the skin on the rest of the face and is extremely sensitive, so it’s important to take action.

Clinique understands these concerns and has formulated a lightweight men’s eye cream that delivers intense moisture and advanced treatment properties to combat the frustrating signs of ageing. Upon application, the look of dark circles and puffiness is immediately diminished and the eye area is instantly hydrated. With continued use, the appearance of firmness and elasticity is restored, reducing the look of lines and wrinkles. This powerful all-in-one eye cream helps build the skin’s barrier and contains soothing antioxidants that help protect against future damage.

New Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Age Defense For Eyes contains a cocktail of ingredients designed for moisturising, visibly reducing puffiness, diminishing the appearance of dark circles and protecting against future damage.

The new launch partners up with the mens 3-Step Skin Care. System, as well as Skin Supplies for Men Age Defense Hydrator SPF 15 for the most comprehensive anti-ageing routine for men.

New Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Age Defense For Eyes is Allergy Tested, 100% Fragrance Free, Ophthalmologist Tested, Dermatologist Tested, Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Free and will be exclusively available at www.cliniqueformen.co.uk from 1 September 2009 and Clinique counters nationwide from 1 October 2009.

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New Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula By Clinique

Clinique has created a next generation of loose powder with foundation coverage. The Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula is the companion to Clinique’s best-selling liquid foundation, Superbalanced Makeup and is to be launched at the start of September.

New Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula By Clinique

Clinique’s Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula doesn’t require all the work and buffing other mineral makeup brands do to achieve a smooth, flawless application. To develop this powder makeup, Clinique used a unique processing machine which refines the powder into uniform platelets that are evenly distributed on the surface of the skin. The colour-true, finely milled powder provides an even application requiring less touch-ups throughout the day with its long-wear formula. Users simply shave the powder in a clock-wise direction for the desired amount and the powder can be applied with the conveniently housed, anti-bacterial brush. Oily areas and shine breakthrough are controlled throughout the day due to the mineral-rich formula which is sweat and humidity-resistant.

Superbalanced Makeup is the answer to the perplexing combination-skin dilemma. The foundation formulas know exactly where to go and what to do to solve the problem of oily skin yet its smart enough not to strip the drier facial areas in the process. In fact, the powder actually hydrates these dry areas at the same time.

Additionally, broad spectrum SPF 15 sun protection is provided with 3:1 UVB/UVA protection, meaning the UVB protection is three times proportional to UVA protection. This 3:1 ratio ensures UVA protection is provided and this all-physical sun screen is suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Clinique has used minerals in a range of products since the brand’s inception. Blended Face Powder, which contains minerals, was created the very same year Clinique launched 40 years ago. The Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula is Clinique’s newest mineral infused creation touting a mineral composition including Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium and Zinc incorporated into the formula to promote healthy skin.

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Crystal & Glass Nail Files

Mont Bleu – crystal and glass nail files manufacturer seeks distributors, wholesalers and sales agents to promote our wide product range in the country. Our glass and crystal nail files are made from Czech tempered glass which makes them durable, easy and safe to use and harmless to the environment. Professionals already prefer our nail files; help us bring our products to your customers.

Only we have the range to satisfy every customer; from basic nail file wit no decoration to nail files made with CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements and gold. Besides glass and crystal nail files fabric our company has its own design atelier, where we decorate different products with Swarovski crystals: tweezers, pocket and compact mirrors, key rings, lighters, pc and cosmetic accessories and interior objects. So you don’t have to find another supplier of luxury cosmetic accessories and quality glass and crystal nail files. Please visit our website: www.czech-glass-nail-files.com for more information about our products and our company, or contact us via email: sales “at” czech-glass-nail-files.com.

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Credit Crunch Is Good News For Online Retailer Right Price Furniture

Furniture buying is recognised as a good barometer of economic activity but as more people search for bargains online it has been good news for a South Wales-based internet retailer, Right Price Furniture. The company reports that turnover is actually up by 62% compared to 2 years ago and it now employs more staff to cope with the demand.

Right Price Furniture

Right Price Furniture was established by furniture entrepreneur Darren James who recognised the opportunities to sell furniture online after many years experience of operating traditional furniture showrooms. “Critics said no-one would buy furniture online, but this has been proved not to be the case,” says Mr James. He set out to‘extend’ his Bridgend showroom by adding a virtual shop display that could be seen across the whole of the UK. The process was not without difficulty, and he has become an expert on solving both the tangible problems, such as reliable nationwide furniture delivery, and the less tangible but equally formidable challenges of achieving a high prominence on the internet.

Right Price Furniture was one of the first UK companies to break the mould of traditional furniture retailing by going online and using the cost savings to offer furniture at prices up to 60% lower than on the high street. Not surprisingly, the move was not popular with other retailers but since the Credit Crunch more of them are turning to the internet in search of sales.

Mr James believes Right Price Furniture’s success is due to getting the balance right between traditional high street retail and internet-only retail – which has mushroomed since the Credit Crunch. Right Price Furniture retains a showroom at its Bridgend headquarters and also has its own furniture workshops to provide wax and lacquer finishes to customers’ specifications and undertake minor repairs.

“High Street retailers that go online are still trying to support high overhead costs. Internet only retailers may – or may not – be reliable and they have no way of dealing with the inevitable percentage of returns occurring with this type of operation,” explains Mr James. “Customers are reassured by the fact that they can visit us in person, while our workshops mean we are able to provide a professional finishing and repairs service. Customers feel confident they can return any purchases they are not entirely satisfied with.”

Right Price Furniture sells traditional and contemporary styles of wooden furniture through its website, in oak, ash, pine, dark and painted finishes. It is also the UK’s largest retailer of solid oak furniture from West Country-based Devonshire Pine Ltd, one of Britain’s last remaining commercial-scale furniture makers. “Selling on the internet will continue expanding in the future,” predicts Mr James. “And we have proved it is possible, even with products such as furniture, to be successful. There will always be some who try to use it as a quick way to make money, but we aim to be here for the long term and believe competitive prices and good service are the keys to success.”

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Titanium-Jewelry.Com, The Leading Online Jeweler, Offers Free 2-Day Shipping On Most Styles

Titanium-Jewelry.com, a leading online retailer of men’s wedding bands, tungsten rings, titanium rings and unique men’s jewelry, announces the arrival of the EM Wellington collection by Edward Mirell. The Wellington Collection was designed for today’s modern man who appreciates cutting edge designs.

“A famous clothing designer claimed that it’s not just the clothing, it’s about accessorizing to make a statement,” said Ron Yates, founder, Titanium-Jewelry.com. “Today’s modern man is returning to a bold yet sophisticated elegance with the jewelry he wears, whether the outfit is a business suit or a more casual style. Accessorizing with contemporary jewelry makes you stand out in a sea of black suits. ”

The EM Wellington Titanium Ring features black titanium with sterling silver inlay, boasting a generously wide 9mm band with a striking contrast of thin and thick parallel bands of silver. The matching necklace, cufflinks, key ring and bracelet complete the collection. The EM Wellington ring and companion pieces are perfect for the stylish man who desires an understated yet timeless addition to his wardrobe. In addition, because the Wellington collection is made of Edward Mirell’s proprietary Black Ti™, which resists minor scratches and has a high luster shine, the jewelry will keep the new look much longer than a gold, silver or platinum ring.

Known for its distinctive designs that blend art with the science of metallurgy, Edward Mirell is the brainchild of jewelry designers Edward Rosenberg and Mirella Connor. Rosenberg, CEO of Spectore Corp., the parent company of Edward Mirell, pioneered the use of titanium in high-end jewelry design and fabrication more than 30 years ago when the material was used primarily in aerospace. His foray into the use of contemporary metals led to Edward Mirell becoming the authority on titanium jewelry innovation.

In addition to carrying the Edward Mirell collection, Titaniun-Jewelry.com offers sophisticated designs from ArtCarved, Benchmark, COGE, Diana Classic, Formotion Watches, J.R. Yates, Orange County Choppers and Triton. Enticing grooms and couples worldwide, the online retailer provides a multitude of styles and metals representing the best selection of palladium rings, titanium rings, tungsten rings, and men’s wedding bands for the fashion forward male and female demographic.

For a limited time, Titanium-Jewelry.com is offering $25 savings on orders of $100 or more. To receive promotion, please use coupon code FLY25 at checkout.

About Titanium-Jewelry.com
Titanium-Jewelry.com provides a wide selection of titanium rings, tungsten rings, men’s watches and black titanium jewelry uniquely styled for men and women. Experts in modern mens wedding rings and modern metals jewelry, Titanium-Jewelry.com leads the industry in contemporary jewelry fashions. For more information, please visit www.Titanium-Jewelry.com.

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New Research Reveals That 31 Million (73%) Shoppers Are Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands By Opting For Supermarket Own Brand Labels In Order to Save Money

As food price increases start to slow down, it’s not just the supermarkets that are busy battling the pricing war. New research from uSwitch.com reveals that 31 million (73%) shoppers are taking matters into their own hands by opting for supermarket own brand labels in a bid to save money on the weekly shop. This figure has tripled since August 2008 when just a quarter (25%) of shoppers were ditching premium labels to lighten the financial load of the weekly trolley dash.

Much of this increase can be attributed to supermarkets expanding their own brand products in a bid to stop consumers switching to cheaper chains. This includes the launch of the Waitrose ‘Essentials’ own label range, Tesco’s ‘Discounter’ range and Sainsbury’s ‘switch and save campaign’ which calculates own brand savings. Not only has this activity secured repeat visits from existing customers, according to the recent TNS Worldpanel report it has also slowed the rapid growth of overseas competitors such as Aldi, Iceland and Lidl over the past few months.

Overall, this research has revealed that nine out of ten (90%) UK adults now use recession-busting shopping strategies when they do the weekly shop. Money off vouchers have also reached the top of the shopping list with the number of frugal consumers’ regularly using these has also shot up to 74%, compared with 26% last year. In addition, a fifth of shoppers (20%) now compare prices online before taking a trip down the aisles, this has more than tripled from just 6% in August 2008.

When it comes to shopping online 6.4 million consumers now claim to avoid the hustle bustle of their local supermarket by carrying out their weekly food shop online. Again, this has tripled from just 5% of consumers in August 2008. In fact, this is becoming so popular with consumers, industry commentators predict that the value of online food sales could hit £8 billion by 2011.

These recessionary cut backs could also have positive lifestyle implications for many savvy shoppers as they revert to the good life. Almost a fifth of consumers have now taken to growing their own fruit and vegetables, up from just 8% in August 2008. This has created a waiting list for allotments across the country amongst those who do not have the option at home. Just this week, Tesco has applied for planning permission to create allotments for rent at its Dobbies Garden Centre – they also plan to sell allotment starter kits.

As a result of ‘pinching the pennies’ becoming very much the new ‘splashing the cash’, figures suggest supermarkets may turn out to be one of the few winners in the recession. For example, Morrisons has just surprised the market with an unscheduled trading update indicating full year profits would be £70 million ahead of expectations. Share prices in Sainsbury’s and Tesco have also experienced a rise.

Rumina Hassam, personal finance expert at uSwitch.com, says: “In the face of uncertain economic forecasts, continued volatility in the housing market, and worrying increases in national unemployment, Brits are making savvy cutbacks to their fundamental spending routine to beat the recession at its own game.

“The number of Brits making basic changes to their weekly food shopping patterns has increased dramatically since last year, as the effects of the recession continue to amplify. However, despite the economic outlook remaining uncertain, consumers may find they have the last laugh – as the lessons learnt from the schooling in savviness they are currently experiencing as a result of the recession will remain vital, even long after the economy recovers.”

About uSwitch:
uSwitch.com is a free, impartial online and telephone-based comparison and switching service, helping consumers compare prices on gas, electricity, water, heating cover, home telephone, broadband, digital television, mobile phones, personal finance products and car insurance.

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The UK’s Leading Retail Display Provider, Is Hoping To Tap Into The Wave Of Celebrity Success By Launching A “Celebrity I-Doll” Mannequin Competition For The Summer

Displaysense who sells a wide variety of literature holders and other shop fittings, has received requests in the past for alternative mannequin styles such as mannequins with bigger rear ends, but never has the company considered celebrity style imitation mannequins.

The retail display provider is set to launch the competition over the coming months by emailing existing customers, encouraging them to email and write in to Displaysense and state which celebrity they would most like a mannequin designed to look like and their reasons why.

The idea for the competition came about after an eager customer who had previously purchased a display cabinet from Displaysense, wrote in half way through July asking if a Marilyn Monroe mannequin could be created so he could kiss and fantasise over the fibreglass celebrity imitation.

Steve Whittle the marketing manager at Displaysense commented on the unusual competition by saying “We are hoping that our customers will see the funny side of the celebrity I-doll competition, especially during the summer holidays where kids are also encouraged to take part, although we feel that it is the parents that might be more occupied with the competition than the kids. As for the inspiration behind the competition, we are happy that customers are using our mannequins for a number of uses but we do not recommend getting too personal with a mannequin as there could be some undesired side effects”

Once the competition winner is announced, Displaysense will be contacting the celebrities agent to discuss the possibilities of producing mannequins of the celebrity.

According to numerous online celebrity polls, Displaysense could expect to receive requests for the likes of Megan Fox, Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney and Jude Law mannequins, thanks to their award winning legs, bums, tums and good looks. There can however only be one winner in the search for the UK’s first and only “celebrity I-doll” mannequin competition and entrants who feel they can supply Displaysense with that star quality, will need to email or write in to see if they can be this year’s winner.

About Displaysense
Displaysense was established in September of 1978 as a manufacturer of quality point of sale displays. Displaysense has a wealth of experience in design and manufacturing and has been able to develop an ever growing standard range of more than 5,000 displays for retail, exhibitions, office and home. The range is now hugely diverse including literature displays, display cabinets mannequins, office displays, exhibition stands, catering supplies and even items for the home.

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Elemis Has Revealed Its New Exotic Lime And Ginger Hand And Body Duo, The Latest Editions To The Brand’s Exotics Range

The daily body care collection, featuring both hand and body wash and hand and body lotion, contains eco-friendly ingredients and advanced formulations that leave the skin feeling refreshingly clean, nourished and exotically scented.

Exotic Lime And Ginger Hand And Body Duo

The Exotic Lime and Ginger Hand and Body Wash from Elemis features a blend of Citrus, Lime, Vetiver, Petit Grain and Ginger essential oils combined with plant extracts of Thyme, Nettle and Camomile in a skin-friendly base of Soya, Wheat and Milk Proteins. The body wash forms a gentle lather with the active fragrance helping to revitalise the senses.

An infusion of Citrus, Lime, Vetiver, Petit Grain and Ginger essential oils are also present in the Lime and Ginger Hand and Body Lotion. Combined with the other ingredients Moringa Seeds, Paracress, Camphor Bush, Sesame Seed Oil and Shea Butter, the skin is highly moisturised and richly nourished.

Noella Gabriel, director of Product and Treatment Development at Elemis, commented: “We wanted to develop two luxurious products that feel amazing on the skin, smell wonderful and look great. At Elemis, we never compromise on quality and functionality and this skin-friendly collection leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh, soft and nourished. We have combined active citrus, lime, vetiver, petit grain and ginger fragrances with advanced skin friendly ingredients and bases to deliver the ultimate exotic body care.”

The new Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Hand and Body Duo will be available from early August, with a complimentary solid oak stand worth £25 during the launch period.

About Elemis:
timetospa (commonly referred to as Time2Spa) is the official online store for Elemis, the pioneering British spa and skin care brand. Elemis is available in over 1200 luxurious spas and salons, 130 lavish cruise ship spas, British Airways Elemis travel spas and over 100 retail stores around the globe. Elemis has been favoured by as many as 5.7 million spa-goers per year for the last 19 years.

The successful combination of natural active ingredients with cutting-edge technology has enabled Elemis to bring to market some of the most influential anti-ageing products and professional spa-therapies the beauty industry has ever seen.

Via EPR Network
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10% Discount Accounted For Limited Time At Sandbox Couture On All Baby Christening Outfits

Sandbox Couture, a popular online children’s boutique retailer of baby clothes, baby gifts and christening gowns today announced that for a limited time, it will offer a vip discount code for all christening outfits purchased f r o m their on-line christening apparel site.

Baby Christening Outfits

The boutique online retailer has developed a reputation for offering couture fashions that parents, parents-to-be and children appreciate. F r o m unique designs to the hottest trends, Sandbox Couture’s collection of designers offers shoppers the ability to shop wisely and benefit f r o m online savings. Additionally, their extensive offering of newborn and baby gifts and christening gowns, makes it simple and cost effective to make every special occasion memorable.

As a special thank you to its loyal customers, the online retailer is offering shoppers 10% off its entire collection of christening gowns, bris sets and accessories. Customers should type the code Thanks10 into the comments section of its Christening Gown Department shopping cart. The discount will be applied to the item costs upon processing by the company and customer will be sent an email indicating that their discount has been applied. Offer is good through August 15th 2009.

Sam Brown, spokesperson for Sandbox Couture stated, “We are extremely pleased with the success of our broad catalog of christening apparel options. We want to introduce our site to new customers and thank our existing customers for repeatedly shopping with us by offering this VIP discount. Christenings are a special once in a lifetime event and we believe that our beautiful collection will make it memorable.”

To take advantage of Sandbox Couture’s Christening Clothing Selection and Discount, please visit http://www.sandboxcouture.com and use the code Thanks10 when checking out.

About Sandbox Couture
Sandbox Couture is an online children’s boutique retailer, providing designer baby clothes, designer children’s clothing, unique baby gifts and christening gowns. The company takes pride in hand selecting products f r o m top designers, thereby ensuring quality and contemporary style. Sandbox Couture’s philanthropic contributions and socially conscious business practices are at the forefront of the company’s ideals and corporate culture. Founded in 2005, Sandbox Couture is privately held and headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. For information about Sandbox Couture, please visit the company’s web site at http://www.SandboxCouture.com.

Via EPR Network
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