New Holiday Shopping Trend: Consumers Expected to Save Big with Member Discounts

Research shows most shoppers missing out on discounts right in their pockets

RISMEDIA, December 7, 2006-Retail sales this holiday season are expected to exceed $457 billion (based on data from the National Retail Federation), but shoppers are expected to save more than $30 million by taking advantage of a little known discount that is right in their wallets ? their AAA membership discount card.

Serving close to 50 million members at more than 100,000 retail and travel locations in North America, AAA’s Show Your Card & Save? network comprises the largest member discount program in North America.

However recent research by AAA found that only 4% of AAA members were aware that they can get discounts at retail stores.

Based on 2005 results, many of this year’s holiday shoppers will be AAA members, who will save more than $30 million at retailers like Circuit City, Target.com and BarnesandNoble.com. During the 2005 holiday season AAA members saved $28 million, which is 80% more than in 2004, when they saved $15.5 million.

AAA’s savings numbers are based on retail transactions that took place between October 1 and December 31. In 2005, AAA members spent more than $96.8 million on retail products, an increase of 66% over the $58 million spent by members in 2004.

?The interesting story this holiday season that many Americans are not aware of is that there are so many ways to save using AAA member discounts,? said Tom Wilt, managing director of AAA Partnership Programs, noting that a robust database of 100,000 savings locations can be viewed at AAA.com/save.

Gift card sales are also increasing significantly, mirroring a national trend in retail sales. Purchases of AAA’s Visa gift card, which can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, during the months of November and December 2005 increased by 77% compared to the same period in 2004. The average value of a Visa gift card purchased through AAA is $115.00.

In addition to the savings database, AAA.com/save features links to merchant Web sites offering AAA member discounts. According to data released by AAA, usage of the AAA.com/save Web site has increased by more than 88% from 2004 to 2005. The numbers include only retail online purchase (not travel discounts) during the months of November and December.

Below are a few examples of big brand retailers offering discounts to AAA members this holiday season and year round:

Circuit City offers AAA members a 10% savings on most purchases of $199 or more. Visit AAA.com/circuitcity to request a promotional code. These savings can be redeemed at circuitcity.com, at the store and by phone.

Target.com offers more than 100,000 items including hundreds of items that are not available at the local Target stores. AAA members can get a 10% discount at AAA.com/target.

BarnesandNoble.com offers 5% savings on books, CDs, DVDs and other products in addition to their 40% online pricing discount. AAA members can get their discount at AAA.com/BarnesandNoble.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 50 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

For more information, visit www.AAA.com.