Jul 1, 2009 8:28 pm US/Eastern
NYC Stores Offer 'Discounts For Donating'
Customers Can Donate Old Clothes, Get Discounts On New Ones
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Puma is one company taking part in the "Discounts For Donating" movement. (File)
Puma
Following a dismal season in retail, many stores are seeking to attract customers back into the fold, with some even creating programs meant to take some of the guilt out of shopping.
One such setup is a concept called "Discounts for Donating," and is being used by the Puma shoe company.
At the Puma store in Union Square, customers can get 30 percent off on a new pair of shoes by simply bringing in an older, previously-worn pair. The program is called "Soles for Souls," and the old pair of shoes is eventually donated to someone in need.
Kiehl's is also urging its customers to partake in a similar program. Empty bottles can be brought into any one of the company's stores and swapped for customer rewards.
Most Kiehls customers, such as Lois Cohen-Goldstein, are eager to join in the recycling effort.
"For me, it's a win, win situation for everybody," Cohen-Goldstein said. "Kiehl's gets the bottles, they get to recycle them, and after giving (a certain) number of bottles I get a lip balm and then I get a travel size and then after 10 bottles I get a full size (crème)."
Kiehl's USA President Chris Salgardo said the company is pleased with the program's results so far.
"It's been amazing," Salgrado said "(It's been) so well received and very much expected from Kiehls. We've already had six thousand patrons come back and recycle with Kiehls and that's since April 22."
A program at Wink Boutique has also been a stylish success. Owner Ilse Werther said the store's customers can donate gently-used dresses in exchange for a $50 discount on a new one.
"The response has been fantastic," Werther said. "It makes customers feel good about themselves. They don't feel as guilty shopping and they get something new and fun and it makes everyone feel good."
Consumer experts, such as Crain's New York reporter Adriane Pasquarelli believe programs like Discounts For Donating are necessary due to the current state of the economy.
"That (typical) 20 percent off sign isn't enough," he said. "They have to come up with smart programs like this."
One of Wink's regulars is Rose O'Hara, who loves the idea.
"It's fantastic," O' Hara said. "It's great to be able to shop and by the clothes I want anyway and help someone else while I'm doing it."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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