Retailers Expressing Gratitude

Slow economy sparks personal greetings from retailers

By Becky Dalzell, Newser User

Posted Mar 19, 2008 1:58 PM CDT

(Newser) – Today's slow economy has sparked more retailers to thank shoppers with bouquets and personal notes, Portfolio reports. Common for big spenders, such thank-yous are now mailed to regular shoppers too—like one reporter who bought two shirts and a jacket at Nordstrom. "Our salespeople build relationships with their customers by calling them and sending out thank-you notes," a Nordstrom rep said.

Retailers want to "embed themselves in the lives of their consumers, particularly in slow economic times," one luxury-goods researcher says. One trend watcher explains that "relationship management" is latest way to edge ahead in a struggling market—but too many notes could cheapen the practice, he warns.

Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman particularly send thank-you notes for cosmetic purchases. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Some retailers send flowers to thank customers. ((c) Joe Shlabotnik)

Stores like Nordstrom are sending more thank-you notes recently. (Getty Images)

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Lousy Retail Sales Will Delay Recovery

Recession isn't over as far as consumers are concerned

Designers Fight Store Discounts

Sales scare away brand loyalists, they say

Outlets Keep Luxury Stores Afloat

No frills, but great prices, greet customers at outlets, which are a growth sector

Wal-Mart Leads Feb. Retail Rally

Overall sales jump doubles expectations, calms consumer spending fears

Black Friday Sets $11.4B Record

Consumers shrug off unemployment, pessimism, and spend

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

consumer spending • luxury goods • retail sales • department stores • Saks

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Lousy Retail Sales Will Delay Recovery

Recession isn't over as far as consumers are concerned

Designers Fight Store Discounts

Sales scare away brand loyalists, they say

Outlets Keep Luxury Stores Afloat

No frills, but great prices, greet customers at outlets, which are a growth sector

Wal-Mart Leads Feb. Retail Rally

Overall sales jump doubles expectations, calms consumer spending fears

Black Friday Sets $11.4B Record

Consumers shrug off unemployment, pessimism, and spend

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?