DeSantis Collection Targets Holiday Shoppers with Bargains
Menswear retailer DeSantis Collection appeals to holiday shoppers with big discounts and two new incentives in its Holiday 2009 book offering "Essential Neckwear for the Well-Dressed Gentleman." Wicker reindeer decorations on the front cover sport the Svelte Solid Red Combo Tie & Pocket Square set, regularly priced at $175, but marked down to $50. Like previous efforts this year, regular prices throughout the 16-page catalog are marked out and replaced with a "Now" price. Silk ties and scarves include the Oval Office Woven Tie (regularly $110, now $50) and the seasonal Tinsel Stitch Narrow Woven in red or green (regularly $98, now $50). The Collezione Artista collection of ties that feature artwork are also reduced to $150 from the regular price of $225. The newly added incentives include free shipping on any order as well as a "Bonus Savings!" discount offer of 10%/15%/25% off $100/$250/$400+ orders. Orders can be placed by phone or online.

ABC Spells American Bird Conservation
American Bird Conservancy's latest fundraising promotion is an eye-catching appeal that pictures the red and black Scarlet Tanager along with "Why Save Birds?..." The yellow banner running along the bottom of both sides of the 6" x 9" envelope provides some answers: "nests are protected...jobs created...trees planted...toxic pesticides removed..." Consistent with prior efforts, this promotion offers several premiums on payment incentives along the ask ladder of $20/$40/$100/$250/$500/$1,000/other. Donors of $20+ receive Bird Conservation magazine. $40 donations (the "Vireo" level) is circled with the note "a gift of this amount would really protect birds!" These donors also receive the Bird Calls newsletter and a tote bag. $100+ donors additionally receive a full-color field guide, All the Birds of North America. All donors are entitled to sign up for the newly added BirdWire e-newsletter. The enclosed letter ties in the preservation of bird habitat with broader environmental initiatives to fight against global warming, citing "25% of the solution to global climate change is protecting existing forests and reforesting other areas." An enclosed full page insert offers easy steps homeowners can take to help keep birds from striking windows. On the opposite side, the group presents "ABC's Top Ten Tips for Bird-Friendly Living," including "Keep Your Cat Indoors" and "Join American Bird Conservancy."

World Vision Mails Annual Gift Catalog
Several nonprofit organizations use the holiday season to mail a print catalog, capitalizing on recipients' giving state of mind. World Vision's approach allows recipients to further the organization's cause and purchase very tangible gifts, whether it is sponsorship or funding sustainability with a loan or farm animal. The cover reads "Share the true Spirit of Christmas with a child in need!" The global Christian organization offers myriad ways to help, from sponsoring children to disaster relief and furthering sustainable development. Examples in the Christmas 2009 book range from loans for 1, 2 or 3 women ($100 - $300) or 1, 2 or 4 Bibles in a child's own language ($18 - $72) to 2 chickens ($25), and a goat ($75), which is described as "Our most popular gift! Goats provide milk, yogurt and cheese -- and truly change lives." Incentives are given with $40+ donations to the Maximum Impact Fund, including a Thai bracelet, "hand-beaded by girls and women in a project to help prevent exploitation." Donors can also sponsor a child for $35 per month or an annual donation of $420.

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