Justice and Limited Too Combine Catalogs
Tween Brands Justice and Limited Too, which target girls ages seven to 14, mailed a Spring Preview ’09 catalog with a wrap announcing that the apparel collections have been combined. The wrap reads “Heard the Buzz? Limited Too is Now Justice,” also claiming Justice’s lower prices. Printed inside the wrap are testimonials from Sarah and her mom, cartoon personalities with an insider blog on the brand’s website. Each quote explains the change, such as “Justice has the same designers as Limited Too, so they have the same cute clothes!” and “I can expect the same quality of clothes and service from Justice as Limited Too, and now there are over 900 stores where I can shop.” The cover of the catalog presents “The Buzz On Spring Savings,” with a checklist of styles including “Girlie Tunics,” “Animal Print,” “Peace & Love,” and “Legwear Lessons.” Products inside include a Striped Sweater Cardigan ($28.50), the Hibiscus Swimsuit ($28.50), and the Flap Back Denim Skort ($29.50). Prices are also listed with Super Saver Card savings. Orders can be placed by phone, fax, mail or online.

Food Network Magazine Sends Appetizing Charter Offer
Cable television channel Food Network mailed a charter offer for its newly debuted Food Network Magazine, launched in partnership with Hearst Communications. The otherwise plain voucher package bears a return address from the “Market Development Group” along with the magazine’s logo. Inside, a personalized statement of benefits attached to a voucher lists the perks of subscription including inside scoops from Food Network, tips and techniques from Food Network hosts, product reviews, and over 100 recipes in each issue. A glossy, colorful insert presents a sample cover that pictures celebrity chefs Paula Dean, Ina Garten, and Guy Fieri along with the message "Where food is fun and you can cook like a star!" The hard “Charter Discount Offer” is presented on the reply form as $10 for ten issues.<p>

Boys Town Mails 2009 Annual Appeal
Boys Town, “The Original Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home,” mailed its 2009 Annual Appeal offering a new 2009 pocket calendar freemium. The children’s nonprofit has recently featured Norman Rockwell’s art in its promotions, incorporating both a painting on the front of the envelope as well as using the artist’s folksy holiday and winter images on stickers and address labels. The promotion’s exterior is personalized, and copy notes the enclosed Norman Rockwell gifts, specifying “4 Gifts Enclosed. Do Not Bend.” Inside, a letter to recipients recalls the organization’s early history as well as its recent accomplishments, having offered care to more than 51,000 children in 2008. The package also includes an inspirational note from Nina, a girl who suffered as a neglected child but eventually found comfort and confidence in herself through Boys Town. The mailing also includes a “Certificate of Acknowledgement” in appreciation for the prospective donors’ generosity. The ask ladder is currently set at $8/$12/$15/$35/Other, and donations can be made by mail or online at BoysTown.org. Another recent 10" x 14" snap tear package was very similar but did not include the calendar freemium.<p>

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.