Today, Forrester Research told us something we all already know. It's not going to be a banner holiday shopping season, with online growth slowing dramatically and the overall sales climate looking pretty grim.
Notably, they expounded on the issue of shopping online:
Forrester said in a press release: "Although US consumers are pessimistic about the health of the economy, they expressed a marked interest in the ability of the Web to save them money. Forty-eight percent of consumers surveyed, compared with 41 percent in 2007, said that they can find the best values and deals online. Additionally, 36 percent of consumers said that they would be more likely to shop online due to high gas prices, compared with 22 percent who expressed the same sentiment last year. Forrester expects that the majority of holiday online sales will be driven by shoppers who have previously purchased online, rather than first time online buyers."
At the same time holiday shopping spending is expected to contract, the need to help others in this climate is becoming staggering. Around the country and around the world, we are seeing the needs of those less fortunate growing rapidly and in many parts of the world, gains made, for example, in the fight against AIDS in Africa are at risk because of potential cut-backs in spending.
In my business career, my company spends a great deal of time working with what is now known as creative capitalist concepts, business and non-profit models that generate revenue and income for a cause.
As you consider the upcoming shopping season, here are a few considerations for you.
Purple Dog Tag
The Purple Dog Tag sells for $10 and the proceeds go to benefit groups that assist wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.
These tags would be a great stocking stuffer and remind each and everyone of us how lucky we are not only for those that have served, but that so many of us have not had to care for a returning wounded warrior.
Just imagine if we we could fill a million socks with Purple Dog Tags this holiday season, what a joy we would bring.
Over the past two years, (RED) has raised over $120 million for The Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa, $120 million.
(RED) is not a charity but is instead a brilliant business model created by Bono and Bobby Shriver by which companies create (RED) Products, and a percentage of the sales of those products goes not to (RED) but directly to The Global Fund.
While there are lots of great (RED) products, Dell Computers, Converse Sneakers, and Hallmark Cards, complete list here, the newest addition to the Product (RED) family might be the most appropriate starting point for holiday shopping.
Susan Hanover, noted jewelry designer, has created two special pieces for (RED) and they were just launched, details here.
Here's the pertinent details.
50% of the profits from each Susan Hanover Designs
(PRODUCT)RED bracelet will go directly to the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.
So all the (RED) products will help make sure that the great progress we've made in Africa doesn't become great regress.
Diamond Empowerment Fund
One more piece of great jewelry with a cause, courtesy of Russell Simmons and everyone at Diamond Empowerment Fund.
The green bracelet is beautiful and striking and a large percentage of the sales from each and every bracelet goes to help build better schools in South Africa.
The bracelet is available at many great jewelry stores and would be a great present.
Now, I know there are more gifts like this and the comments are open.
I hope you will help me create a long, long chain of great ideas in the comments. What else is out there that is like this? What else can we shop wisely for this holiday season?
I look forward to reading the responses.