Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and most people will buy their sweethearts a gift sometime between now and then. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2008 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, the average consumer plans to spend $122.98 on Valentine’s Day, similar to last year’s $119.67. Total spending on Valentine’s Day is expected to reach $17.02 billion.
Godiva Chocolatier is offering all last minute shoppers the opportunity to order online today for delivery tomorrow (hurry up though, you must place your order by 3pm EST). Every year Godiva runs a Valentine's Day promotion and this year the company says they've come out with their biggest ever...the chance for a chocolate lover to win the ultimate chocolate fantasy!
The Grand Prize Winner of the 2008 Godiva Valentine's Day Promotion will receive a deluxe trip for two to New York City and will be the first to stay in the exclusive Godiva Decadence Suite in NYC's Bryant Park Hotel. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will be created especially for the winner and deconstructed upon their departure; no one else will ever share the same unique privilege. Every wall in the suite is made of chocolate and includes a luxe daybed decorated with Godiva chocolate.
Additional chocolate décor highlights include two pieces of art reinterpreted in chocolate by Godiva, exclusively for the suite which are Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss" and a Jackson Pollock-inspired abstract.
In the living room there is a coffee table filled with chocolate designed to mirror Godiva's iconic Gold Box, fashionable chocolate "Pucci" armchairs and a chocolate fireplace. The dining room is illuminated by a chocolate and amber crystal chandelier and several dark chocolate candelabras with a chocolate mosaic table
and chairs and a buffet toppling with an abundance of Godiva pieces. You can view more
photos at Godiva.com.
In addition to a weekend in the lavish suite, the winner will also indulge in several chocolate-themed activities, including a private chocolate tasting led by Godiva Executive Chef Chocolatier Thierry Muret, a chocolate spa experience, and a private gourmet meal and wine pairing created by one of New York's finest chefs especially for the couple in the suite. In addition, upon their return home, the winner will receive a year's supply of Godiva chocolate.
To play the Godiva Valentine's Day Game consumers must first obtain a game piece which are included in specially marked Valentine’s Day gift boxes that have this heart symbol (♥). Free game pieces can be obtained through the mail by requesting one by March 1st. 100 first prizes of a Special Collectors Gift Box consisting of an assortment of Godiva chocolates will also be awarded. If not all prizes are awarded through the instant-win game, consumers can also enter the sweepstakes through a second chance drawing that's noted in the Official Rules.
The NRF survey also stated that traditional gifts, such as candy, flowers and jewelry will see a slight decrease in popularity this year with more consumers preferring gifts of experience and gift cards. Almost half (48.2%) of all consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special night out, compared to 45.3 percent last year, and 12.3 percent will give a gift card, compared to 11.3 percent last year. Greeting cards still remain the most popular choice, though the number of people planning to purchase one is down from last year (56.8% vs. 62.8% last year). Nearly 48.0 percent of consumers will buy candy, 35.9 will buy flowers and 11.8 percent will buy clothing.
Phil Rist, Vice President of Strategy for BIGresearch stated “Consumers are expected to invest time and money on gifts of experience this year, in addition to staple Valentine’s Day gifts,” “Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a night out on the town, consumers are looking for quality rather than quantity.”
Godiva must have been clued into this research when they developed this year's promotion to include such an experiential grand prize. Anyhow, you still have time to get those last minute gifts, so get shopping and Happy Valentine's Day!!
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