Doin' good/bein' bad

American Apparel opened a new store in town.

AA has been in the news a lot lately. Will a new owner shake it up?

It's an industry leader when it comes to CSR and social media. It's reputation is surrounded in controversy because of it's racy ads. If nothing else, they give otherwise plain clothes sexy appeal... and we all know sex sells.

AA is miles ahead of the competition when it comes to online presence but their stores are boring and merchandising falls flat (Hallowe'en windows were an exception). I was underwhelmed the first time I saw the Bloor St. shop a couple years ago. When it comes to signing up for their e-mails, I was PO'd they lumped everyone over 36+ in one age category. Why did they have to make me feel old?

I've heard nasty rumours about the employee dress code. My niece told me AA was supposed to sponsor a walk to raise money for a breast cancer charity event at her school last year. The deal fell through when the school learned more about AA's ad campaigns - often featuring young teens.

Here's a 10% off coupon - valid at the new store only, 'til Feb. 15 - use it as much as you want:

If you think this post is a bit seems it bit scattered and contradictory, it is! 'Cause that's how I feel about this company:

• good/bad?
• boring/sexy?
• crazy/cool?
• controversial/savvy?
• awesome website, social media know-how/boring bricks 'n' mortar stores?
• Canadian founder-owner/American name?

How do you feel?

Technorati tags: American Apparel, clothing, coupons, fashion, marketing, retail shopping

Shop 'til ya drop

Like most families over the holidays, we've been busy hangin' with relatives - visiting from Chicago and Montreal.

My day:
• Woke up
• Worked out
• Mani and pedi with sis
• Toured the ROM
• 6-hr non-stop Boxing Week shop-a-thon w/my nieces -
We hit Yonge St. - twice! Then headed to Yorkdale for dinner and more shopping.

Covered:
• Heidi Ho
• Accessorize• Sporting Life
• EBGames
• Gamerama
• Brown's
• Capezio
• Sephora
• Roots
and, several others I can't remember (probably 'cause their owners were living under a rock and forgot they were supposed to have a sale this week.)

Great sales, lots of fun. Heck this was a better workout than I had at the gym.

I'm pooped!

Technorati tags: holidays, sales, shopping

Rumours, refunds and doin' good

Today I heard two rumours...

Zola
A little birdie told me they're having their annual winter sale Jan. 3. Zola is only the hottest shoe shop in town with two locations on Avenue Rd. They also carry designer clothing and accessories. Stay tuned for details.

GAP
I finally did some Boxing Week "me" shopping today. The Gap still had 30% off sales merch. (advertised as a 2-day promo Dec. 26-27). While I was in line returning paying, I overheard the manager telling a sales associate they'd be having another markdown tomorrow. I got a silver puffer down bomber for $27.98 and some groovy long-sleeved-Ts for a mere $4+.

Price adjustment alert: Shop there in the past two weeks? If "yes" me thinks you should pay them a visit and see if you're due for some money back. For the uninitiated, Gap stores (including BR and ON) refunds the price difference for any items marked down with in 14 days from the original purchase date.

And now for something completely different...

And while you're there, remember to do the (RED) thing. What a great way to spend your price adjustment! You can buy (RED) pins for as little a dollar each new leather bracelets for $12. GAP donates the full amount to the cause.

Note: Please check your local store(s) for details.

Technorati tags: Boxing week, clothing, Product (RED), sales, shoes, shopping

Boxing Day believe-it-or-nots

Believe-it-or-not #1
I didn't buy a thing for myself today! I explored a bit of Yonge/Eg early this morning and again just before closing time and picked up a couple items for my guys.


Believe-it-or-not #2
I actually made money shopping at Future Shop! I was surprised to save more money at one of their bricks and mortar stores than on their website. Once I receive the mail-in rebates, I'll be ahead by $2.99 - even after postage. I considered shopping online but wanted to avoid shipping costs and didn't want to wait a week or so for delivery.

Here's what I bought:
Trendnet Wireless-G Router and Wireless-G USB 2.0 Adapter package
Online pricing -
Reg. price: $89.98
Sale price: $54.98
Mail-in rebates: -$45.00
After rebate: $9.98

In-store pricing -
Reg. price: $89.98
Sale price: $35.00
Mail-in rebates: -$45.00
After rebate: -$10.00

Memorex TravelDrive 512MB USB 2.0 Flash Drive
Reg. price: $69.99
Sale price: $13.99
Mail-in rebate: -$8.00
After rebate: $5.99

Regular price: $169.97
Boxing Day price: -$4.01

By the way, if you need a USB wireless adapter for you laptop, let me know. It was more expensive to leave it behind than buy it bundled with the router. Go figure.

Share your Boxing Day believe-it-or-nots, leave a comment.

Technorati tags: believe-it-or-nots, Boxing Day, shopping, sales

Boxing Day Sales - ready, set, go...

Updated Frequently:

Okay, here's the deal, you already know practically every retail outlet online and off, already has a huge sale or is about to start. Email me with any sale info. you find and I'll add it to the list. Seems like iPod Nanos are the hot electronics item.

December 24!!!
Christmas Eve gifts for online shoppers from:
• BestBuy.ca and Futureshop.ca - starting at 8 p.m. tonight; preview sale items starting at 7 p.m. (sales in store starting 6 a.m. December 26 through 10 p.m. December 27)

December 25 - Merry Christmas!
• Amazon.ca - sale on now - books, music, DVDs, games, etc.

• American Apparel - Dec. 25 sale, (you'll be hearing a lot more about this company from me in '07)

• Chapters, Indigo - sale on now - up to 85% off

• Staples - online sale, today only (in-store sale starts Dec. 26)

• The Shopping Channel - up to an additional 50% off sale items; free shipping today on most Canadian orders weighing under 15lbs

December 26 - Boxing Day!
• Aritzia - 20%-50% all fall and winter merchandise - all locations

• BCBG Max Azria - 50% off all in-store merchandise

• Capezio - up to 50% off

• Carbon Computing - deals on some Apple products and accessories

• Club Monaco - up to 70% off selected merchandise; SEI Water gift with purchase while supplies last

• CompuSmart - free iPod Nano (4GB) with Mac purchase; door crashers: Logitech QuickCam Messenger@$9.99, StarTech 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub@$9.99, D-Link Wireless G Broadband Router@$29.99, Fuji FinePix A400 4MP, 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera@$109.99

• Costco.ca - deals on electronics and other stuff; not sure what's happening offline

• Danier - everything in the store on sale

• EQ3 - 15%-50% off everything - Dec. 26-31 - furniture and accessories

• Five on Spadina - 50% off Boxing Day blow out sale (opens at 11 a.m.) - Jack & Jones, Obey (Holiday), Nudie Jeans, Lacoste Bags (Spring '07), Diesel, Paul Frank, Miss Me, Loop NYC, Laundry, Vero Moda, Only, Apartment, Indo Jewels, SAI Leather gloves

• GAP - additional 30% sales prices Dec. 26 & 27

• Guess (stores only 'til Dec. 28) - additional 50% off sale merch.; 25% off full-priced merch.; 25% off online purchases with this promo code "GBOXDAY"

• Harry Rosen - open at 8 a.m. - save an add'l $100 off suits (starting @$599) before noon; cashmere sweaters@$199.99; cashmere sports jackets@$499.99; 25% off gloves, hats, scarves, robes and lounge wear; selected ties 30-50% off; dress shirts up to 40% off, selected designer sportswear 50% off

• HMV - in store only (not online) - everything on sale, door crasher CDs@$5.99 up to 80% off & DVDs@$9.99 up to 70% off, select box sets $19.99, etc.

• Holt Renfrew - up to 50% off; apply for an AMEX card and receive an addition 10% (exclusions, T&Cs)

• Lucky Brand Jeans - 50% off selected items

• Mexx - 50% off regular and sale merchandise

• Parasuco - 50% off selected items

• Roots - 50% off including already reduced merchandise; 50% online with promo code "BOX06", 30% off at "Roots 73" outlets

• Sporting Life - 7 reasons to shop at 7 a.m. - incl. 40% off all Juicy! (excluding new arrivals and basic velours) and 50% off winter boots 'til 9 a.m., The North Face Nuptse down jackets (asst. colours, not black), plus ski and snowboard sales and promos.

• The Brick - have a sneak peek at the flyer

• Toronto Zoo - free admission all day; 31st annual Christmas Treats Walk 10 a.m. w/free hot chocolate following the walk

• Town Shoes - lots of discounts confusing info., plus Dec. 26 only - 15% off reg. priced merch. and free Dare Ultimate Chocolate Fudge cookies with every purchase (some exclusions apply)

• Toys 'R Us - view flyer - incl. lots of baby stuff and Pokemon Gameboy SP for $49.99 (limited quantities)

• Urban Behaviour - save an additional 50% off sale merchandise

• Winners - highlights: an additional 25% off all clearance items, 4GB iPod Nanos for $179.99 (min. 20/store)

I will do my best to list as much as I can about sales in Toronto area, but I need your help - especially with the indie stores 'cause most don't have time to update their website (if they have them at all). Email me with any sale info. you find and I'll add it to the list. Let's see if we can build the best list on the 'net.

Notes:
• This list will be updated regularly as I receive new sale info.
• For latest info. check date/time of post - it changes as updated.
• Only stores promoting Boxing Day (or pre-Boxing Day) sales are listed.
• Unless otherwise indicated, this list is for the Toronto area.
• All times EST. Please confirm store hours in your area.
• Check for exclusions, quantities may be limited, etc.
• Sale dates vary for each store - (i.e. Dec. 26 only, Boxing week, etc.)
• The above information is meant as a guide for "friends" of Bargainista.
• I can't guarantee 100% accuracy but I'll do my research and try my best.

Technorati tags: Boxing Day, deals, sales, shopping

Christmas greetings

Chances are you've already seen Elf Yourself from Office Max but you probably haven't seen My Holiday Sweater...
Technorati tags: Christmas, holiday cards

DVD picks for '06

Still looking for that last minute gift for your favorite fashionista?

Here are Bargainista's DVD picks for '06:



Shopgirl - loved Claire - she looks amazing in anything, Steve and Jason, touching, original story.
4 coupons






Friends with Money - original story, hits close to home - especially the scenes with Jen at the Lancome counter. :) Joan Cusack, Catherine Keener and Frances McDormand (3 of my fav actresses) also star.
3 coupons






The Devil Wears Prada - the book was better, awesome clothing, Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci are wonderful as always.
2 coupons




What are your favorite DVD picks of the year?

Technorati tags: Friends with Money, The Devil Wears Prada, DVDs, Shopgirl, shopping

@%*! in a box

What would you think if your sweetie gave you one of these?

(Note: this video is uncensored and some people may find it offensive.)

Technorati tags: gifts, holidays, marketing, SNL

Bad timing

Gap.com is closed today and there's only four more shopping days 'til Christmas...

Technorati tags: Gap, shopping, technology

Returnin' it

I bought this awesome looking sweater - twice!

The first one shed all over the place, pilled like crazy and had two holes after one wearing.

Maybe I'm nuts, but I really liked the sweater so I exchanged it and was told to dry clean it first. So I did.

Then I wore it to work yesterday. Guess what? No holes, few pills, still shed all over the place.

Called the store. They're takin' it back.

If you've bought one for yourself or as a gift, you may want to exchange it for something else instead. :)

Technorati tags: clothing, Gap, holiday shopping

Chocolate heaven

I love chocolate.

Tonight, I discovered there's such a thing as a chocolate tour. It's just like a wine tour but instead of sipping your way through vineyards, you can travel to Belgium (among other places) and see some of the finest chocolatiers in the world.

And for those of us who can only dream... there's the Saxon Chocolate sale!
Great prices, scrumptious chocolates and other tasty treats. You'll recognize some of the packaging from well-known retailers. Delicious.

When: Thursday, Dec. 21, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: The North American Centre
5650 Yonge St., Toronto
Concourse level (Yonge/Finch subway exit)

Technorati tags: chocolate, gifts, sales, shopping, travel

FashionSchmooze presents ‘‘The Vault’’

What:
A unique fashion event, featuring all/Winter 2006/07 and Spring 2007 collections by renowned Canadian fashion designers, Andy Thê-Anh and Katya Revenko

When:
Thursday, Dec. 21 12 noon- 7 p.m.

Where:
The Suites of One King West
The historic Bank Vault
1 King St, West, Toronto

RSVP:
rsvp@fashionschmooze.com

More info

Technorati tags: FashionSchmooze, fashion shows, sales, shopping

Starbucks - part 2

Here's where I stand with my Starbucks' situation (see related stories) ...

After numerous phone calls with the several Starbucks' customer service folks in Seattle, and several calls with two different managers at the local Coach store and Creeds Dry Cleaning (who were all wonderful, by the way), Starbucks offered to pay my dry cleaning bill and send me a $15 Starbucks' gift card. Every time I spoke to a Starbucks' staffer, I asked for a confirmation e-mail. To this day, I have not received one!

Coach doesn't carry the same bag anymore. They thought Creeds would probably be able to remove the coffee stains.

Creeds' thought they'd be able to remove the coffee stains too, but didn't make a guarantee. They faxed me a quote for $65, which I quickly e-mailed to Starbucks.

Starbucks told me two different things (you can imagine my head was spinning):

• They'd pay for the dry cleaning (quoted at $65) and that's it - as in "don't bug us any more lady".

• They'd pay for the dry cleaning (as quoted), and if the stains didn't come out, I have the option of sending the purse to them for inspection and a decision as to whether or not they'll replace it.

So, I gave Creeds the go ahead thinking all would be fine.

Well, after waiting almost 3 weeks for their extra special dry cleaning process, my purse was returned this afternoon as promised. Only one problem... the stains didn't come out.

On the one hand, I want to send Starbucks the bill, get reimbursed and be done with all this. On the other hand, my purse is permanently stained. I could send it to them for review but that could take forever and who knows what they'll decide.

Is it worth all the hassle?

What would you do if you were me?

Technorati tags: Coach, customer service, dry cleaning, Starbucks

Pamper me

Just before the stores closed on Saturday, I remembered I hadn't bought a gift for my son's Hebrew school teacher. I needed something for first thing Sunday morning. The last place I wanted to go was the mall (strange but true, I do whatever I can to avoid malls in December.)

I didn't want to spend a lot of money but I wanted to buy her something nice that she would appreciate. Then I remembered a quaint little shop on Yonge St. just north of Eglinton called SABON (all products are made in Israel.)

SABON reminds me of a cross between Lush, L'Occitane and an old-fashioned apothecary. They're known for their bath, body and facial products including a new skin-care line for men. Check out the home products too.

My personal favorite are the handmade fresh cut soaps. Made with natural ingredients and aromatherapeutic oils made from an old Australian recipe, in scrumptious scents like vanilla coconut and dulce de leche, there's something for every one. I quite like the shea butter bars too.

Three items of note:
• No animal testing
• Prices start at about $6
• Have cash on hand for purchases under $15, (I only had $5 so the cashier regretfully agreed to accept my debit card for a $10 purchase)
• You can shop online but I don't recommend it; their website cries out for a redesign

Technorati tags: cosmetics, customer service, gifts, home decor, shopping

Christmas countdown

With only 7 more shopping days until Christmas and only 5 days left of Chanukah, most stores have already started their big end of season sales.

This week, instead of boring you with sale info, I'll share some interesting stories, gift ideas, hidden gems and other goodies in keeping with the holiday spirit. Please let me know if there's something special you wish to share this week.

If you haven't been following Mish's Playgound, and think diamonds ARE a girl's best friend, a must-read is The right kind of bling. Since the release of Leo's new flick Blood Diamond, there's been a heightened awareness of conflict diamonds.

Technorati tags: Chanukah, Christmas, diamonds, gifts, shopping

(Wii) rumor has it...

Update: Ninetendo is replacing defective wrist straps after all. Shouldn't there be a notice on their Canadian website too? Note: Wiis shipped from early December on probably have the newer wrist straps.

Last night, I wrote about the Wii. Coincidentally, I began the post with the word "Rumor" and that's exactly what's happened between the time I went to bed and the time I woke up this morning - a Wii rumor has been circulating the globe.

Rumor has it, Ninetendo recalled the controller because the wrist straps keep braking, causing injuries and accidents. As I write this, it's only a rumor and the Wii controllers with wrist staps haven't been recalled.

Who knows, maybe by the time you read this, the rumor will be true and we'll have some real news? Sounds like Ninetendo's pr and marketing gurus will have their work cut out for them today.

Coincidentally, the flyer I received from Toys 'R Us this morning, confirms they will have 20 Wiis in stock starting tomorrow for one week. I can't tell whether or not they will be selling 20 Wiis a day or 20 for the entire week - can you?

Note: when I posted this morning, the newest Toys 'R Us flyer hadn't been added to their website but I wanted to include the link for you. Starting tomorrow, they are also stocking some of the other hard to get toys of the season.

Leave a comment or e-mail me if you hear anything.

Technorati tags: customer service gaming, marketing, Nintendo Wii, public relations, rumors, shopping, technology, toys

Happy Chanukah

Ed Lee shared his Chanukah card today and Mish shared her perfect Christmas. I couldn't resist getting in on the fun, so I checked it out and decided to share mine with you:



Now I think I've revealed more about myself than last week when I wrote about my Five things meme :)

Go try it yourself. Have fun!

Technorati tags: Chanukah, e-cards, holidays

Wii watch

Rumor has it, the Wii will be available at a Toys 'R Us near you this Saturday ... but you'll have to get there early and probably have to wait in line. Please don't quote me - go check for yourself.

I also heard there was a shipment at a Future Shop location this week. My friend bought one and they wouldn't let her take it out of the store until they packed it in another box so no one would no she was carrying one around!

This holiday season, if you're like most of the moms of 'tween boys (and some girls) I know, you're either one of the lucky ones who already bought your kids a Wii or one of the frantic ones searching every electronics department in the city hoping to be there at the very moment the next shipment arrives.

I've only seen a Wii in action once. It's great seeing kids get off their butts to play with a gaming console and there is something different about the Wii. There truly is a revolution of sorts. It's the first time I remember, since the days of Pong and Ms. Pacman, women want to play too. :)

I understand the laws of supply and demand but at this time of year, there's nothing worse than creating such a high demand for a toy or gift item that people will go to any lengths just to buy that "must have" item for their loved ones.

Anyway, despite some accidents and glitches and the challenges of finding it, my kids really want one. I'll bet other readers want one too. So, if you know where we can find one this weekend, please let us know.

Technorati tags: electronics, gaming, Nintendo Wii, shopping, technology, toys

Kiss and make-up

M-A-C Cosmetics is having a "Friends and Family Sale" Wednesday and Thursday:


I love their lipsticks, especially the VIVA GLAM line. Buy a VIVA GLAM lipstick of lipglass and 100% of the purchase price goes to the M-A-C AIDS Fund.

For those of you who don't know, M-A-C has a recycling program. Return 6 of their make-up containers in exchange for a free lipstick of your choice. Not all containers are eligible.

Note: This sale does not apply to M-A-C counters in department stores. Please check your local M-A-C store for details.

Technorati tags: cosmetics, sales, shopping, VIVA GLAM

’Tis the season - for shopping

Note: This post was originally published by fellow blogger and guest contributor, Glen Farrelly on Webslinger.

Bah humbug. Christmas is coming and I'm about as excited about that as Scrooge.

The one thing that has made Christmas better (other than my 2-year-old daughter and her great love of decorations, "Tanta" and wanting Christmas trees for her Christmas presents) has been the ability to shop online. Avoiding the insanity of malls and stress of last-minute shopping at this time by surfing the Net, has been a big plus.

InternetRetailer.com has published a great review of the best e-Commerce sites, Top 50 Retail Sites.

In addition to an insightful review of the 50 sites, they also publish the web management details of the site, such as web analytics solution, designers, content management system used, e-mail marketing, etc.

Among the trends for e-Commerce sites noted by InternetRetailer.com are increasing use of:
1) online video (e.g. NetFlix running movie trailers or BuildaBear.com displaying videos of in-store parties)

2) customer product reviews (I love this and have purchased many DVDs & books based on customer feedback - I've also avoided some too)

3) social networking (e.g. AbeBooks has a book-lovers networking site)

Now to finish my Christmas shopping before I'm visited by pesky ghosts...

Technorati tags: Christmas, gift ideas, online shopping, social networking

[image credit: Happy Gilmore on Flickr]

Indigo Friends and Family Day

Indigo is having a Friends and Family Day this Wednesday. iRewards customers save 20% on all books. Everyone else saves 15%:


Some restrictions apply, check their website for full details.

Technorati tags: books, Chapters Indigo, coupons, shopping, sales

Calling all bookworms - part 2

University Health Network (UHN) has teamed up with Indigo for a new fundraising program and it won't cost you a thing - other than the price of the merchandise.

This is the first time a Canadian hospital has worked with a major bookseller in this way. It's the start of an alliance between UHN and Indigo to support improved health and wellness information for patients and the public.

What you need to do:
When shopping online at Indigo, start by visiting www.uhn.ca/indigo and follow instructions.

What Indigo will do:
Indigo will donate a portion of the sale (8.5% for books/music/DVDs; 6% for toys) to support UHN's patient education programs.

Seems pretty simple now, doesn't it?

Note: Used books, iPods, and gift certificates are not included in the program. Other conditions apply.

Weekend offer: Indigo has a buy 3 books get the 4th one free in their stores today (not online.)

Technorati tags: fundraising, healthcare, marketing, online shopping

Weekend specials

Umbra Factory Sale (great gifts; sweet prices):

Town Shoes Exclusive Sale:

Double Roots ...
Save an additional 25% of sale prices:
and if you live in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver it's Polar Bear Day:
Note: The "Find out More" link on the Polar Bear coupon won't work here - just use the link I included for "Polar Bear Day" above the coupon, it will take you to the same page. These sales are in the Toronto area unless specified otherwise.

Technorati tags: bargains, coupons, sales, shopping

Five things meme - and one for good luck!

Yes, I know Bargainista is about shopping but...

I owe a big debt to my digerati friends; and, social media evangelists from whom I've learned a lot about blogging, whether or not they give a flying fig about shopping.

So, I'm stepping up to the plate, taking the challenge and sharing five tidbits of info about me I probably wouldn't write about otherwise.

My five things meme (and one for good luck):

1. My husband and kids mean everything to me. I promised I'd respect their privacy online so, I won't share any more details about them other than I'm the only female in the house.
   
   
2. I love music but I can't keep a tune or play an instrument to save my life.
   
   
3. I could have invented shopping bulimia -- just ask Gap and Banana -- but I've never worn something and returned it (unless of course, it was damaged or defective.)
   
   
4. I'm a painfully shy extrovert. (How's that for an oxymoron?)
   
   
5. I started blogging to see what all the fuss was about. Now I can't stop! I'm obsessed. There's so much more I want to do with Bargainista, I'm trying to find enough hours in the day. My family is going to stage an intervention soon. :) Did I mention, I also volunteer at both my kids' schools and AIMS?
   
   
6. In 2004, I walked 60km for the PMH Weekend to End Breast Cancer. I'm planning to walk again next September with The Pink Princesses, if you'd like to sponsor me.

Tag your it: Glen, Tamera, Bryan, David, Scott & Bernie

For my non-blogger readers, feel free add your five things meme to the comments.

Technorati tags: AIMS, chain letter, meme, shopping bulimia

Get passionate about fashion

Always wanted to schmooze with the Toronto fashion community? Now's your chance.

Who?
Andy Thê-Anh
Bustle
Desperately Different by Katya Revenko
koi swimwear
Juma

What?
Future Leaders presents Fashionschmooze
2006 Fashion Show and Sale
Celebrating Canadian Fashion

Where?
Courthouse Chamber Lounge
57 Adelaide St. E. (map)
Toronto

When?
Tonight - 5:30 p.m.-2:00 a.m.

How much?
$20 members
$25 non-members

Whadda ya get?
Complimentary cocktail
Hors d'oeuvres
Fashion show
Fashion sale - spend at least $100 and get a $25 rebate
Prizes

Technorati tags: fashionistas, fashion shows, Toronto, sales, shopping

Blue moon

Now for the cheeky post of the day (sorry, I couldn't help myself)...

Sample designer denim sale starts Friday:


What?
Citizens of Humanity
William Rast
People's Liberation
Christian Audigier
Akiko
Mimi & Coco
Heatherette

When?
Dec. 7 & 8 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Dec. 9 12:00 p.m.-4 p.m.

Where?
90 Wingold Ave., Unit 7, Toronto (map)

More info?
Contact info@afapparel.com

Most styles will be available in all sizes and some styles will only be available in sample sizes. (I inquired about sizes and hear back within less than 24-hours! )

Technorati tags: designer jeans, sample sale, shopping

Yorkdale's Gifting Personalities List

Yorkdale launched a terrific online marketing campaign with the help of a marketing company called Dotfusion Express. They've created a "Gifting Personalities List."

10 Gifting Personalities are:

1. The Fashionista
2. The Connoisseur of Cuisine
3. The Gardening Guru
4. The Eternal Hostess
5. The Jet Setter
6. The Teen Spirit
7. The Scorekeeper
8. The Gadget Geek
9. The Pet Person
10. The Caffeine Fiend

Of course, I relate to the Fashionista :) I also feel an affinity with the Caffeine Fiend. Which one are you?

The e-mail campaign is as follows. I received a message in my in box with two links. The first one goes to an online greeting card so I could view the "10 Gifting Personalities." The online card presents ten different personality types - one one each "two-page spread." On the left there is an illustration of the person; on the right there's an illustration of an activity that person would enjoy with and itemized list of gifts that type of person would like, where in the mall to buy it and the price - and there is something in every one's range (exec pt if you're shopping for the Fashionista, her gifts list is a tad pricey.)

What a simple solution to my gift shopping dilemma. Now I'll know what to buy for everyone on my list. :)

The second link goes to one of those send to a friend and win lists. If you'd like me to send the promo to you, send me an e-mail providing permission to do so and who knows, maybe one of us will will a $1,000 shopping spree.

In one other bit of sleek mall marketing news, they've launched another new feature called "Sales & Promotions". When you click on the icon, you'll get a list of in-store promotions. I suspect by the meagre list, only stores that pay for the privilege are included.

Magi, the jeweller, has a special promotion for people who can find it online:


Technorati tags: customer service, gifts, digital marketing, shopping, Yorkdale

Shop Roots, save your lunch money! Huh?

Roots is offering free shipping on purchases made between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. ET this week:


Sweats are still 25% off too!

Remember to use the promo code and check their website to ensure these offers are valid in your area.

Is it me or is the tag line for this promo just plain weird?

Technorati tags: bargains, fashion, marketing, Roots, shopping

Ooh baby!

I have to share H&M's gift for Wednesday...

The fluffy bear hat with matching booties and mitts is so adorable and so cheap. Isn't it what every fashionable babe will be wearing this winter?

I usually don't get suckered in for the cutesy stuff but I couldn't resist this one. Not sure how practical it is though. Am I sounding too much like a mommy blogger? Good thing my kids are passed this stage. :)

Remember, no rain checks, you can purchase an advertised item at a special price as long as it's available in the store. Sign up for daily e-mail updates.

Note: I'm not sure if this promotion is international or valid only in stores across Canada. Check their website for details.

Technorati tags: bargains, clothing, H&M, Rebecca Eckler, retail, shopping

Make the world a brighter place

Globe Electric - lighting sale...

Save up to 80% plus an extra 10% on Wednesday evening if you bring a copy of the ad below (map):
For more information, visit StyleDemocracy.com

Technorati tags: home decor, lighting, sales, shopping

The spirit of giving

While you're stocking up on all kinds of gifts for our loved ones, don't forget others in need.

All around there are heart-warming displays of generosity...

Two of the hardest-working, class parents are volunteers in my son's grade 3 class. Instead of the traditional teachers' gift, in honour of the teacher, they are co-ordinating a toy drive. Each child can donate a toy for another child living at the Woodgreen Red Door Shelter. What a great way for our children to learn about helping those less fortunate, while honouring their teacher at the same time.

Toys R Us at the Yonge/Eg Centre has a table of toys outside the main entrance with greatly-reduced prices and all proceeds going to the Starlight Foundation. What a great way for to partner with the community to help children. We bought a couple toys and to follow their lead, in turn, we donated them to Toy Mountain.

Have a heart-warming holiday story to share?
E-mail me or leave a comment.

Technorati tags: gifts, Starlight Foundation, Toy Mountain, Toys R Us, Woodgreen Red Door Shelter

Future shop wants to be your friend

Update: I'm not sure if the Foot Locker coupon below is legit. A co-worker of mine got one from another source and it wasn't accepted at the store. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Future Shop is having a special 16-hour Friends & Family Sale at futureshop.ca:
And if you prefer to shop offline, you'll need some comfy shoes...

Foot Locker:

Note: remember to check the fine print for details. These promotions are for customers in Canada.

Technorati tags: electronics, Foot Locker, Future Shop, sales, shopping

Chilling at Costco

Costco has some books and DVDs on sale this weekend.

If you're a magazine fanatic like me, magazines are 50% from now through December 10!

Check out Vanity Fair with Mr. Pitt and Peephole with a real-life charming prince on the covers.

I also spotted some groovy gift baskets, men's leather jackets, shearling coats and lots of great items for gifts and entertaining.

Note: Check your local Costco for sale items in your area.

Technorati tags: Brad Pitt, Costco, People, Prince William, sales, shopping, Vanity Fair

H&M is giving away a gift a day 'til Christmas

Starting today, H&M is giving away a "gift a day" from now through December 24. They seem to have gifts for everyone in the family. No rain checks, you can purchase an advertised item at a special price as long as it's available in the store. Sign up for daily e-mail updates.


Note: I'm not sure if this promotion is international or valid only in stores across Canada. Check their website for details.

Technorati tags: bargains, clothing, H&M, retail, shopping