American Girl Contest
Popular kids publisher and doll maker American Girl recently introduced via direct mail a summer-long promotion that encourages young girls to become active
 readers, doll collectors and eventually, repeat shoppers at Hallmark Gold Crown stores. A four-color self-mailer measuring slightly less than 6" x 9" invites girls to join the Circle of Smiles program by picking up a free activity booklet at a two-day in-store event in April. The freebie prompts young participants to earn a series of pins, each of which is decorated with the likeness of a particular American Girl, by completing different activities. Smiles program completers earn a necklace for their efforts, awarded at an in-store "Back to School" event in August. Participants can also register in-store for a chance to win a complete set of American Girl Mini Dolls with accompanying Keep-in-Touch kit (a gift bag with stationery, pencil and a "friendship book"), a prize stated as a $160 value. The stationery kit is also promoted for the introductory price of $9.95 (regularly $20), valid only during the two-day event, and available only to Hallmark Gold Crown Rewards Program members.
Investing in America's Past
Investing in the stock market can be a bit precarious these days. For those seeking a little less risk, a new promotion from Historic Americana Investments offers readers the
 chance to invest in prized historic American artifacts. The front of the 12-page magalog (measuring 9-1/2" x 7-1/2") immediately reaches out to jilted investors with a silver sticker that asks, "Disappointed with your Investments?" Inside, company founder Cary Demont explains the financial benefits of collecting historic memorabilia compared to investing in the stock market. For example, the promotion points out that in the last three years, historic memorabilia had a 45% gain while the Dow had a 27.5% loss. Along with several pages devoted to explaining the monetary benefits of American artifacts (including posters, flags, buttons, campaign pins and ribbons), the magalog provides interesting photographs of some of these historic pieces featuring George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and the like. Aside from political merchandise, there is also general history and social cause memorabilia; all which come with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity. Prospects interested in learning more about Historic Americana Investments--by calling the number provided or returning the BRC with their own phone number--can look forward to speaking with Cary Demont himself. Mr. Demont is available to discuss the investor's individual goals and objectives and answer any questions they might have about this overlooked investment area.
Frighteningly Good Offer
Sinister Cinema, a video and DVD seller specializing in little known cult films, recently mailed its annual catalog with a new drop-dead premium: buy $159 worth of merchandise
 (including shipping and handling) and get a free DVD player. While the economics of such a deal may give one pause, it's worth noting that Sinister Cinema is not a reseller, but actually a manufacturer of most of the videos and DVDs it sells. As the company has been in operation since 1984, the free DVD player offer is most likely a way to convert some of its older diehard VHS collectors to the newer DVD format. Inside the 2003-2004 catalog, lovers of the macabre and the obscure will find what Sinister Cinema is famous for: over 1,000 unique movie titles that often can't be found elsewhere. Offerings include acknowledged B-movie classics like "Night of the Living Dead," plus plenty of kitschier items ranging from "Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter" to "Rat Pfink a Boo Boo" (a 1966 film whose nonsensical name was born out of a title-making error at the film lab). The inexpensively produced 96-page catalog (mailed in a plain envelope) remains a treat to B-movie aficionados. Titles are arranged in chronological order by genre with scads of original movie advertisements sprinkled throughout and enthusiastic-but-honest descriptions of each title offered. Orders can be placed by mail, phone, fax or through the Web site.
Seen in the Mail items are identified and researched by MarketRelevance.com, an online direct mail and email promotion tracking resource offered by ParadyszMatera. CM staff conduct the interviews.
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