Shopping Tips Online

Scripps News Service reported today that one of the hottest holiday gifts this year could be Blue Man Group branded instruments.

The line of instruments by ToyQuest combine the wacky creativity and high technology of the Blue Man Group in an easy-to-use instrument. You can even play along with your favorite music by inserting your iPod or other MP3 player into the loading dock. Toys “R” Us is advertising the percussion tubes at a retail price of $69.99. Just think, you could be entertaining your family and friends with your own Blue Man Group rendition of “White Christmas.” But order early, to avoid a “Blue Christmas!”

Blue Man Group, Instruments, Hot Toys for the Holidays, Percussion Instruments, Christmas Gifts, Christmas 2007, iPod, Apple, MP3

You would think it would be one punch and iPod would win. As it turns out, Zune stands a chance. In a recent survey, 58% of people who are likely to buy an MP3 player in the next 12 months, who currently own an iPod, are “somewhat likely” or “extremely likely” to pick up a Microsoft Zune instead of another iPod or any other MP3 player. Apple needs to start working out again in order to stay ahead of the competition in 2007.

Read about the survey here.

Zune, iPod, Apple, Microsoft, MP3 Player, Digital Music Players

Gorgeous male models, dressed in Haggar clothing, beating each other with sticks and things, on Fox Sports Net’s Best Damn Sports Show Period. That’s the “Gentleman’s Disagreement” contest.

I’m not making this up. Eight models are competing in a six-round best of for a $50,000 cash prize and the title of (no joke) “Toughest Model Around.” A combination of feats of strength, poise and intelligence culimate in the final round, the “lawnmower joust,” all while sporting Haggar outfits.

If you still don’t believe me, here’s an article about it.

If you still don’t believe me, check out the whole story and the video at the Haggar official web site. The company has a very rugged lifetime quality guarantee, so they stand by their products. They offer a variety of casual and dress styles, most with a classic look.

I am not sure who their target audience is here. Men? Honestly, Bob would laugh if he heard about this, and would likely not be caught dead in the outfits these guys are modeling, no matter how tough they look. Girls? Okay, some of the clothes look nice, so they might wind up in his closet – but I would have to keep the “Gentleman’s Disagreement” contest a secret.

What do you guys think?

Best Damn Sports Show Period, Haggar, Men’s Clothing, Male Models, Modeling Contract, Gentleman’s Disagreement Contest, Fox Sports Net

Wal-Mart, J.C.Penney and other retailers jumped into skinny jeans big-time. Now they’re thinning them out, due to slow sales. Here’s one article (of many) about the trend that wasn’t.

If you like a bargain, however, you could snag a pair at Wal-Mart (shown) for $16 now. I could actually see picking some up at a much reduced price, to wear tucked into boots. But I would not spend more than that – I would probably risk this trendy look once or twice before retiring them to the charity bag.

Skinny Jeans, Jeans, Trends, JCPenney, Wal-Mart, Shopping, Jeans and Boots

Service. It may seem like a trite concept (”the customer is always right”), but retailers take it very seriously. They are very aware that consumers have many choices about where to spend their money and can, and will, take their business elsewhere if they are dissatisfied with the service they receive.

As a consumer I have certain service expectations regardless of where I shop. Online, I expect to get what I order in the time promised, or be notified of backorders or delays. I expect to be able to return items, online or in store, without being hassled*. I expect customer service and store personnel to value my business, and treat me with respect. I expect my complaints to be dealt with quickly, and when they are, the retailer can expect to keep my business. If not, I move on.

Apparently, I’m not the only one with fairly high expectations of retail service. There’s a great article by the National Retail Federation called “From Online Retailers to Department Stores, Best Retailers for Customer Service Run the Gamut”. This summarizes a recent survey of consumers about customer service, and it shows that our service expectations are increasing. In the study, Amazon.com was cited as the top retailer for customer service. (more…)

Licensed products for both of these shows are available online at the NBC Universal Store Check out this sweet Heroes tee-shirt! I need/want/have to have one.

And the Dwight bobblehead would look great on my desk!

These would make terrific gifts for the NBC-watcher on your holiday gift list.

While you’re at it, check out Watching Heroes and Watching the Office. These great blogs will keep you updated on what’s happening in both shows, as well as fill you in on little-known facts, what’s happening behind-the-scenes, and all the latest buzz.

Shopping. Heroes. It’s a super-powered combination.

Heroes, The Office, NBC, NBC Store, Heroes Tee, Dwight Bobblehead

$weet-$avings.com is a great place to go for the latest online sales, savings and offers. They link directly to onliine retailers, and offer you several ways to search for savings. It’s a great time-saver, too – they’ve done all the work for you. This is a spinoff of Style Bakery, one of my favorite places to go to find out what’s in style, get ideas and find my way to some neat things. It would be a great place for guys to go to get gift ideas as well. Hint, hint! Then, flip over to $weet-$avings.com and find a bargain!

Fashion, Style, Bargains, Sales, Online Shopping, Online Deals

Turns out those marketing geniuses were right – word of mouth can help move product. Check out this article in the New York Times (free registration required). As opposed to seeking out manufacturer or retailer web pages first, many consumers are going to social shopping sites for ideas, and to get a bit of objective advice about what to buy. Especially around the holidays, when more people than ever are ordering gifts online, shopping websites could be a valuable resource.

This blog works essentially the same way. I gather ideas and write about products and services, giving you my objective opinions. You have the opportunity to participate through your comments and suggestions, creating our own little community. Check back here often throughout the holiday shopping season for more cool stuff and money- and sanity-saving ideas.

Shopping, Online Shopping, Shopping Websites, New York Times, Product Reviews, Product Testing, Social Shopping Websites

The L.L. Bean® Boat and Tote® Bag.

The super-sturdy canvas fabric, the simple, iconic look, and the variety of accommodating sizes make it the best tote bag I have ever owned. I own two sizes, an extra-large zip top and and a small open top with long handles and I use them constantly. The extra-large holds everything Bob and I need for an overnight trip. The small size makes a great carry-all for my lunch and necessities for the work week, but it’s also a cute, nautical-looking everyday bag for summertime. I even sprung for the monogram on the small size. I have seen other totes out there with a similar look. But if the price is less, they must be sacrificing quality somewhere. If the price is more – why? The best tote bag – the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote.

L.L.Bean, Boat and Tote, Tote Bags

GET THIS.

Mattel® announced today that their Barbie business is teaming up with MAC cosmetics to retail a line of makeup targeted toward adults. Now seriously. I’m not making this up. Here’s the official Mattel announcement. I checked MAC’s site, but didn’t find anything on the partnership.

I guess Barbie is a style icon, so much so that they have also introduced a line of designer, high-end clothing called “Barbie Luxe.” I am searching for any photos I can find on this line, but have turned up nothing so far. If you have seen these grownup Barbie clothes, give me a link! I had absolutely no idea there would be a market for anything Barbie targeted toward adults.

All this is apparently because the Bratz™ are kicking Barbie’s butt!

Barbie, Mattel, M*A*C, MAC, Barbie cosmetics, Barbie clothing, Bratz, designer clothing, shopping