Taking the sting out of holiday shopping Article Number : 3814

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Date	11/3/2008 8:04:01 AM
Written By	LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services
View this article at:	//floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3814
Abstract	While many retailers who are participating in Armstrong’s “What’s the Big Deal?” contest have their eye on the $30,000 grand prize, or at the very least the many $1,000 monthly cash prizes, a few recently told FCNews that one of the best aspects of the four-month retail sales competition is they wil
Article	While many retailers who are participating in Armstrong’s “What’s the Big Deal?” contest have their eye on the $30,000 grand prize, or at the very least the many $1,000 monthly cash prizes, a few recently told FCNews that one of the best aspects of the four-month retail sales competition is they will be able to redeem their reward points for prizes which can make great holiday gifts. It makes sense. With the holiday season fast approaching and Americans worried about their spending during these difficult economic times, “What’s the Big Deal?” can help take the sting out of holiday shopping. Whether looking for a practical gift—like a Colombia jacket or a Kitchenaid mixer; something for the kids, maybe a Power Wheels jeep or a Huffy princess bike—or that personal gift of a white gold diamond necklace/earring set or man’s Chopard watch, Armstrong is offering redeemable point prizes at a savings of as much as 58%. And with 40% of consumers planning to start shopping before Halloween, according to a consumer survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the prize redemption opportunity could not have come at a better time. “With the state of the economy like it is, I think this is a great way to buy a Christmas gift or two,” said one participant from Melbourne, Fla. “I’m going to look at the prizes that are available to possibly use for presents.” According to NRF’s 2008 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, the average U.S. consumer plans to spend about $832 on holiday-related shopping. This represents the lowest increase in planned consumer spending since the survey began in 2002. And as one “What’s the Big Deal?” retailer from Hartford, Conn., explained, “Every little bit helps. My list is definitely going to be a lot shorter this year.” Redeemable prizes are just one part of the “What’s the Big Deal?” competition. Every month Armstrong awards 10 cash prizes in the amount of $1,000 to those retailers selling the most Armstrong flooring. (The top 10 sales leaders of September will be announced in the next issue of FCNews.) Also, in addition to the $30,000 grand prize, Armstrong will award $20,000 at the end of the contest to the retailer selling the most wood, laminate and sheet vinyl. Most retailers interviewed by FCNews said the cash prizes would be their first choice. “I would love to win some money, but the Apple [2nd generation iPod touch] looks pretty good, too,” said a Versailles, Ky., participant. Armstrong recently announced the opportunity for “What’s the Big Deal?” participants to earn additional points by making eligible more flooring choices in the contest, including top sellers and new intros. For more information on Armstrong flooring, visit its Web site at armstrong.com. To sign up for the “What’s the Big Deal?” contest visit armstrongrewards.com.