Friday, November 14, 2008

Mail Order Food Gifts Defy Odds in Challenging Economy

Baltimore, November 14, 2008:

For immediate release:

Contact Linda Eckhardt 973 762 4857

Despite a weak economy and a bleak outlook by retailers coast to coast, the demand for mail order foods in the 2008 holiday season surges ahead.

"We all want comfort, and cheer, and a promise of a better year to come when we select gifts. What better way to reach your goals than to select foods for the people on your gift list," says Mail Order Food Maven, Laura McManus.

McManus continues, "Even though it may seem counterintuitive, you can actually save money by selecting just exactly the right food to add to the holiday table, everything from a holiday stuffed turkey to a side dish of shiitake bread pudding. These choices will be a hit with the recipient and might actually be a way to help out in case of temporary hardship."

In her years of tasting products for her successful mail order business, Mackenzie Ltd., McManus has had the opportunity to witness the ever expanding role of gourmet foods in the gift business. "No matter who you're buying for, your great aunt Maggie, or your nephew with the new baby, food makes a great choice," she says.

U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $832.36 on holiday shopping this year, up just 1.9 percent compared with a year earlier, according to the National Retail Federation's 2008 holiday survey. That would be the smallest rise since 2002, when the NRF began conducting the survey.

The survey comes as the trade group has already forecast 2008 U.S. holiday sales, or retail industry sales in the months of November and December, to increase 2.2 percent -- which would also be the lowest level of growth in six years.

McManus notes that despite these scary numbers, her company is ahead of projections and having a successful season. "It just makes sense. If you have a limited budget, choose food. Everybody eats. Every day. And your gift will be appreciated."