"Without [image-nocss] question, the economic downturn of 2008 eroded the discretionary income many Americans would have spent on travel and, for some, altered their travel plans throughout the year," said AAA president and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. "However, those traveling this holiday season can take advantage of declining hotel rates and fuel prices more than a dollar per gallon less than a year ago."
More than 52.4 million Americans (82% of all holiday travelers) intend to travel by automobile, a 1.2% decrease from the 53 million people who drove last year. Motorists across the country, on average, can expect to see gasoline prices about $1.30 per gallon less than last year and 50 cents less than a month ago. Approximately 8.1 million (13% of holiday travelers) expect to travel by airplane, an 8.5% decline from the 8.9 million travelers who flew last year. More than 3.33 million Americans plan to travel by train, bus or other mode of transportation. That is an increase of 0.7% from a year ago.
Meanwhile, the convenience industry is prepared to lure in last-minute travelers and other customers. Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc. is again positioning itself as a destination for last-minute and time-starved holiday shoppers. And this year's economic climate has added "too much to buy, not enough money" worries to heighten many Americans' holiday stress level, the company said. To save consumers time, 7-Eleven stores are stocked with holiday gifts that are quick and easy to purchase, it said.
"You may not be able to do all of your holiday shopping at a 7-Eleven store, but you might be surprised at the number of presents you can buy at one of our stores and check off your gift list while stopping to fill up your gas tank, grab a morning cup of coffee or to buy a lottery ticket," said Kevin Elliot, 7-Eleven senior vice president for merchandising, logistics and marketing.
Gift suggestions include prepaid cards for restaurants and entertainment, a prepaid Virgin wireless phone, videogames, global positioning systems (GPS), digital picture frames, top-selling DVDs and CDs, lottery tickets and wine accessories.
Also, 7-Eleven has four "cuddly" ways to support the annual St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Thanks & Giving campaign, which asks consumers to "Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not." Oatmeal- and golden brown-colored bears and, new this year, yellow and black Lab puppies, each have one paw embroidered with the St. Jude logo and a matching green ribbon and bow around its neck. The collectible, plush animals will be available for purchase at participating 7-Eleven stores through the holidays, while supplies last. The ultra-soft bears and pups retail for $8.99 each, of which $2 will be donated to St. Jude. Since 2004, 7-Eleven stores have raised more than $400,000 for the children's hospital based in Memphis, Tenn.
And finally, many 7-Eleven stores offer gift bags, wrapping paper, bows, boxed Christmas cards, gift card holders, wine bags and fiber-optic and noise-making cards.
The drug store channel is gunning for these same harried consumers. Channel leaders Walgreens and CVS put out similar press releases with similar holiday suggestions.
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