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Mail Stream: A Report on Incoming Direct Mail, March 27, 2006.
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Schweitzer Linen Introduces The NightWear Collection
Schweitzer Linen, a longstanding purveyor of fine linens for the bed, bath and table, launched a print catalog devoted entirely to the company's collection of women's sleep and loungewear. Departing from the design of its traditional home books, a new scripted "SL" circular logo emblem is featured on the front cover as well as throughout the 32-page catalog. ("Schweitzer Linen" is printed in small capital letters above the "The NightWear Collection," which is presented in a larger italicized script.) Inside, a brief note introduces the collection and promises that all of the items "are designed with the sense of style and elegance sought by the world's most discriminating women." It also assures shoppers of the "finest fabrics and craftsmanship at very special prices." The product line is expanded from the limited loungewear options which have been incorporated into past Schweitzer Linen books. Divided by collection, items range from pajamas ($90 - $175) to chemises and gowns ($90 - $190). A selection of after-bath and before-bed robes ($100 - $325) completes the apparel line. Product descriptions are lengthy and vivid. For example, the Calais short gown is described as "a flirtatious flare of fine 100% silk" and the Lindsay imported pajama is "too chic to wear only in the dark of night."

Bottom Line's New Natural Healing Newsletter
Interest in natural medicine continues to grow, and the latest newsletter from Bottom Line hopes to help speed up the process. The new Bottom Line Natural Healing with Dr. Mark Stengler mailed a subscription offer in the publisher's familiar newsletter-like magalog format. Dr. Stengler, the publisher's namesake authority, may be familiar from his weekly radio broadcasts and frequent TV appearances. The doctor's dual credentials in traditional and alternative medicine are outlined throughout the magalog, lending credibility to the already well-respected publisher. The full-size (11" x 8") promotion's cover is marked "Winter 2006," with a $6 cover price and the words "Brand New!" Teasing headlines promise breakthroughs for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and pain management, as well as tips for better overall health. In order to encourage response, the accompanying articles fall just short of revealing the coveted health tips. One involves red yeast rice, which Stengler says will lower cholesterol; although the supplement is named, its proper dosage isn't. Instead, that information can be found in "Faster, Cheaper, Better: The New Revolution in Natural Medicine," a free report premium given upon ordering. Two additional report premiums are also offered, and a fourth bonus, "Free Medicine and Penny Cures from the Future," is reserved for responses within seven days. The charter offer is soft, at $39 for nine issues (three free). The new Natural Healing newsletter is priced higher than the publisher's main wellness newsletter, Bottom Line Health, which promotes with a soft offer of $29.95 for 12 issues, including three free.

Reliable Office Supplies Promises "Free Fast Delivery"
The latest catalog from Reliable Office Supplies promises "Free Fast Delivery," low prices on everyday office needs and a free gift with an easy-to-meet minimum order. On the front cover, copy paper is priced "as low as $1.99 per ream," manila folders are "on sale as low as $4.39" per box, and a "1ยข Sale" label accompanies pictures of a glue stick, ballpoint pen and binder clip. The catalog runs either its toll-free number or Reliable.com web address atop its 60 pages of multipurpose paper, self-stick notes, envelopes, binders, inkjet and laser cartridges, printers, fax machines, chairs and filing cabinets. While "Free Fast Delivery" is prominently promoted, all orders incur handling charges. As explained on the order form, orders under $39 pay a "small order" handling fee of $4.99, while larger orders pay $1.48. Orders shipping to residential addresses are charged an additional $1.28. The first order from this particular catalog of at least $29 receives a "FREE Travel Trio" of two suitcases and one tote bag. Two less prominently promoted premiums are a cookie tin with $125 orders and a "deluxe surprise gift" for $250 or higher. Reliable Office Supplies is a corporate sibling of OfficeMax.

The direct mail promotions appearing in Mail Stream are tracked and analyzed by ParadyszMatera, a media brokerage services company, through its MarketRelevance(tm) Promotion Library. Click here to visit their site: ParadyszMatera.com.