Here and there

People of a certain age may nostalgically recall the sight of mom flipping through the Sunday newspaper to clip coupons from the numerous inserts stuffed in the paper. She may have even had a little envelope or “coupon caddy” organized by product category. This kind of memory tends to be among those of us who are baby boomers or Gen Xers—a quaint recollection from the previous century. Indeed, coupon redemption hit a peak in 1999. Since then, it’s been downhill for the humble coupon. During the three-year period ending 2008, annual manufacturer coupon redemptions leveled off.

While clipping continues to be a primary means of distribution, manufacturers and retailers launched new ways to get coupons into consumer's hands such as printable coupons on the Internet, in-store kiosks and discounts linked to frequent shopper cards via smart phones and computers, negating the need for a paper coupon at all. In short, it is easier than ever to distribute and use coupons, and this convenience is also a key driver of redemption growth.

Manufacturers and retailers have real opportunities to reach different groups with coupons and promotions. While this may require adjustments to existing tactics, the potential pay-off, in terms of volume growth and winning new customer loyalty, can be significant.

As the economy improves, will consumers continue to use coupons? With the economic recovery taking hold slowly and without significant employment growth, expect coupon use to continue. As long as we feel unsure about our personal finances or confident about our jobs, they are going to continue to look at ways to save and get the most for their money. In addition to expanding the appeal of coupons in general, manufacturers and retailers would do well to target enthusiasts: their shopping behaviors and demographics make them extremely appealing. With advancements in coupon delivery vehicles that enable both better targeted coupon distribution and redemption, manufacturers and retailers will continue to have real opportunities to use coupons to drive sales for the next few years and beyond.
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After a five-month closure for an extensive renovation, the Coast Penticton Hotel officially opened its doors as the newest addition to the Coast Hotels & Resorts' chain.

The Penticton hotel recently completed a major upgrade, which included new carpeting, flooring, paint, furniture and fixtures for its entire 36-room inventory. Plans are now underway to transform the Coast Penticton Hotel into a 185-room luxury resort as part of a $25-million, three-phase expansion plan. The first phase of the expansion, which will add approximately 60 rooms to the hotel along with a new lobby and pool/recreation area, will get underway in fall of 2011 with completion scheduled for spring 2013. The continued build-out of the property will include a 90-room addition along with a new restaurant, bar and meeting space.

"This hotel expansion will help open up new markets for the City of Penticton," said Robin Agur, President of Locations West Investment Group that entered into a franchise agreement with Coast Hotels & Resorts last fall. "As our inventory of quality, upscale hotel rooms grows, we will be able to attract more conference and convention business to Penticton which will help stimulate our economy."

The Coast Penticton Hotel is located just minutes from downtown Penticton, two blocks from Okanagan Beach, a block from the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre and across the street from the new 5,200-seat multi-purpose South Okanagan Events Centre. The hotel's spacious rooms include one-bedroom suites, two bedroom suites with enclosed balconies as well as an indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, 250-foot waterslide and a comfortable on-site family restaurant serving home-style meals.

Coast Hotels & Resorts is a leading hotel chain in western North America. The company's philosophy of serving its guests through a superior standard of value, hospitality and service enables its continuing expansion. Coast Hotels & Resorts now owns, manages and franchises over 40 hotel and resort properties located throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territories, the western United States, Alaska and Hawaii.