National Survey Says Standing in Long Lines Frustrates Americans
the Most; More Courtesy Among Shoppers Would Make the Day Much Better
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 29, 2013--
New independent national survey results released today by Discover
uncover what ails Americans the most about Black Friday and what would
make their shopping day a little easier.
Of the five most-popular choices of what to make the day better:
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47 percent wished they could have someone else stand in line for them
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18 percent preferred to have help finding parking
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17 percent would be most happy with free gift-wrapping
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10 percent said having someone get them a warm beverage would do the
trick
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8 percent put a massage at the top of their list
Discover's survey also asked about the amenities shoppers would want
most on Black Friday, and today plans to deploy a crew of more than 3
dozen orange-clad helpers on Chicago’s famed Michigan Avenue to help
ease those frustrations on the busiest shopping day of the year.
Discover’s crew -- outfitted in bright orange with matching bow ties and
scarves -- is setting up a heated outdoor oasis offering passing
shoppers a warm place to rest their feet. To assist with other
frustrations uncovered in the survey, the crew will be wrapping gifts
for free, giving directions to parking garages and stores, serving warm
beverages, providing a cell phone charging station, and handing out
shopping bags, gloves, bottles of hand sanitizer and even a few
hand-held massagers.
“At Discover, we believe in offering unique value and rewarding
experiences to our cardmembers, and what could be more rewarding on
Black Friday than to give shoppers helpful and friendly services that
most people can’t get from other credit card companies,” said Julie
Loeger, a senior vice president at Discover. “We’re sending out a team
today to give everyone a little taste of what it’s like to be a Discover
cardmember who enjoys helpful and friendly customer service with rewards
and perks that matter.”
About the Survey
The national omnibus online survey of 1,050 consumers took place Nov. 11
and 12, 2013. Participants were screened to ensure they planned to shop
on Black Friday this year.
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment
services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S.
financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become
one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues
the Discover card, America’s cash rewards pioneer, and offers home
loans, private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans,
checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market
accounts through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover
Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one
of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club
International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than
185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com.
Source: Discover Financial Services
Discover
Alyssa Siegele, 224-405-4113
alyssasiegele@discover.com
or
GolinHarris
Megan
Bramson, 312-919-4280
mbramson@golinharris.com