Beauty Watch: Receive A Personal Skin Care Consultation From Dr. Fredric Brandt

“Experience skin-changing science, when you take the doctor home with you®”

On November 16th, renowned celebrity dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt will visit the Soho Sephora store (555 Broadway , [between Broadway & Prince] New York, NY 10012, 12 pm – 5 pm) to offer one on one appointments to address skin advice to fans. Famed for his rejuvenation of some of the world’s best known faces, Dr. Fredric Brandt has been revolutionizing the cosmetic dermatology industry for over two decades and is best known for his advances in anti-aging skincare.

To book a 10 minute personal consultation with Dr. Fredric Brandt, clients can call the Soho Sephora store to book a time–at (212) 625-1309 or go to www.Sephora.com— between 12pm to 5pm with no purchase necessary. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Participants will experience a demonstration of the new dr. brandt® Do Not Age skincare line, specifically developed to repair and restore skin structure for youthful, firmed and tightened skin. The product range includes a skin-transforming serum, a time reversing cream, a triple peptide eye cream, and a firming neck cream.

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dr. brandt® skincare is based on the vision and direction established by world-renowned celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Fredric Brandt. He has dedicated over 30 years of research, practice and experience as the visionary leader of his Dermatology Research Institute, Dermatology Associates and medical practices in New York & Miami. Dr. Brandt’s passion and dedication has led to the creation of innovative, high-potency formulas to reset the clock.

Allrecipes Aims To Make The Home Cook This Year’s Thanksgiving Hero

WORLD’S LARGEST FOOD BRAND EMPOWERS COMMUNITY WITH IMMEDIATE, ACTIONABLE THANKSGIVING COOKING SOLUTIONS ACROSS PLATFORMS AND DEVICES

Allrecipes, the world’s largest digital food brand, with more than 1 billion visits annually, in partnership with Campbell’s®, is poised to make home cooks across the country the holiday’s ultimate Thanksgiving Heroes. In 2012, a record-breaking number of home cooks visited Allrecipes sites and apps during the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving Day. This year, whether seeking inspiration about how to feed a crowd of hungry friends, serve tried-and-true recipes at an intimate family gathering, or prepare a homemade food gift to share; Allrecipes has recipes, videos, and meal ideas available across devices for every dish on the Thanksgiving table.

“At Allrecipes, our focus is to help our community of home cooks shine this holiday season,” said Stan Pavlovsky, Allrecipes’ President. “We’re excited to share our extensive suite of resources, tools, and comprehensive collection of top-rated recipes with this tech-savvy generation and others to create a stress-free Thanksgiving.”

Findings in the Allrecipes 2013 Holiday Trends Report  (proved that the role of digital resources is increasingly significant when it comes to planning, shopping, and preparing for holiday meals. This is especially true for Millennial home cooks, 39 percent of whom plan to host Thanksgiving gatherings this year at their homes.

In addition, Millennials are the most likely generation of home cooks to complement traditional cookbooks and media with digital resources such as recipe websites and apps (44%), social media (25%), online videos (25%), and blogs (20%) for inspiration and guidance. They are also the most likely generation to be shopping, cooking, and sharing using smartphones and tablets, which is why Allrecipes and Campbell’s are combining the expertise of America’s largest cooking community with the latest digital technologies to provide real-time resources, including mobile text, social media and online videos, to meet home cooks’ most urgent Thanksgiving questions.

For example, if a home cook finds the gravy too lumpy or discovers the turkey just won’t cook through, they can simply text the word “holiday” to 63485 on their mobile phones for immediate help and links to resources to prevent or resolve nearly any Thanksgiving crisis.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Allrecipes again this year in its mission to provide a superior level of inspiration and support for all home cooks,” said Mark Tumelty, Brand Manager, at Campbell’s. “The Campbell’s brand is synonymous with Thanksgiving celebrations and we can’t think of a better platform to reach the Holiday Hostess during the year’s busiest cooking season.”

For more information about Allrecipes’ resources for the Thanksgiving holiday, visit http://allrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-events/thanksgiving/, or on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Since its launch in 1997, the Seattle-based social media site has served as a dynamic, indispensable resource for cooks of all skill levels seeking trusted recipes, entertaining ideas, everyday and holiday meal solutions and practical cooking tips. Allrecipes is a global, multi-platform brand providing insights into the lives of women everywhere based on activity from 18 websites, 18 mobile sites, 11 mobile apps, and 15 eBooks serving 23 countries in 12 languages. Allrecipes is part of Meredith Corporation, the leading media and marketing company serving American women. For additional information regarding Meredith, please visit www.meredith.com.

Autograph Collection Celebrates 50th Hotel Milestone − Raises The Bar On Sustainability With Inauguration Of Hotel Punta Islita In Costa Rica

All Images provided by www.hotelpuntaislita.com/

Luxury Retreat Joins Exclusive Portfolio of Independent Hotels

The Autograph Collection, Marriott International’s exclusive portfolio of independent hotels announced the addition of its 50^th location with the inauguration of Hotel Punta Islita in Costa Rica. (www.marriott.com) The milestone is a significant one for Autograph Collection, having reached 50 hotels in 13 countries in less than three years. In keeping with the inspiration of Autograph Collection to offer extraordinary travel experiences and Marriott International’s global commitment to sustainability, Hotel Punta Islita holds the highest certification rating in sustainable tourism from the Costa Rican Tourism Board, among numerous other ecological accolades, making it a leader in environmental hospitality in the region.

Representing the first hotel to join Autograph Collection in Central America, Hotel Punta Islita rests on 85 picturesque acres along the Nicoya Peninsula in the southwestern part of Guanacaste province. Recently named one of Travel & Leisure magazine’s Top 100 Hotels in 2013, the unique design of the hotel affords each of its 57 guest room stunning views of the Pacific coast line.

Owned and operated by Grupo Islita, the secluded sanctuary specializes in sustainable tourism and programs involving guests on items including reforestation, animal protection and water conservation, Support for local arts and education are signature elements of the Hotel Punta Islita experience, and the hotel’s Villafranca-Zurcher Foundation (Fundacion VZ) has championed ground breaking programs including the Islita Contemporary Art Museum and the Islita Creative Center. With a passionate dedication to help alleviate poverty and reverse environmental degradation in the region, local residents comprise more than 85% of the hotel’s staff, resulting in a deep and heartfelt connection to the local community.

Hotel Punta Islita Casa Spa

Hotel Punta Islita is one Costa Rica’s most awarded, off the beaten path destinations, catering to sophisticated travelers who value authenticity, uniqueness and connection to the local community. Amenities include a nine-hole executive golf course, two swimming pools, Spa, a secluded beach front with beach club, two restaurants, and small group meeting space. The hotel also has a private landing strip for small commuter aircraft, with commercial flights operating from San Jose on a regular schedule throughout the year.

2013 Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for the Home and Home Cooks from KitchenAid

For those whose holiday wish lists revolve around the kitchen, four new introductions from KitchenAid (www.kitchenaid.com) are sure to surprise and delight. They include nine new cookware collections, a digital countertop oven with convection, an electric kettle and a cordless hand blender.

The KitchenAid® Pro Line® Series

“Even the most accomplished home cooks have an opportunity to up their game with the right equipment,” says Beth Robinson, senior brand experience manager for KitchenAid. “Each of these latest offerings combines high performance and advanced features to help cooks achieve more in the kitchen.” KITCHENAID® PRO LINE® SERIES CORDLESS HAND BLENDER Hand blenders are versatile cooking tools that can handle a range of kitchen tasks, from frothing milk and chopping nuts, to pureeing soups right in the pot. The KitchenAid Pro Line series cordless hand blender is designed with a powerful 12V rechargeable lithium-ion battery that maintains consistent power throughout the life of the battery, while being light weight and cord free for easy handling. Recently hailed by Saveur as “the Cadillac of stick blenders,”(1) this new model features the industry’s first interchangeable bell blade assemblies, including an S-Bell, Frother Bell & Multipurpose Bell. An additional whisk attachment quickly beats eggs or whips cream; a chopper attachment can handle a quick batch of homemade hummus or pie crust.

The KitchenAid® Pro Line® Series Cordless Hand Blender is designed with a 12V rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Available in a variety of colors, suggested retail price is $349.99.

A non-slip handle on the hand blender body features a patented design for comfortable and controlled handling. Removable eight- and 13-inch blending arms offer additional flexibility for blending in deeper pots, bowls or pitchers. An included one-liter capacity BPA-free pitcher (about 4 cups) is handy for both blending and storing everything from holiday eggnog to milkshakes. Removable pan guards for the bell blade assemblies help protect cookware from being scratched, and a cover for each bell blade enables safe storage. The cordless hand blender is available in Candy Apple, Medallion Silver, Onyx Black, Sugar Pearl and White at a suggested retail price of $349.99.

KITCHENAID® COOKWARE

High performance cookware is a fundamental element of the culinary toolkit, especially during the busy holiday entertaining season. The new cookware collection from KitchenAid, the first non-licensed cookware in its nearly 100-year history, includes eight distinct lines designed to accommodate different cooking styles, technologies and personal preferences.

The KitchenAid® Tri Ply Copper cookware is induction capable and can be used on electric, gas or induction cooktops. Suggested retail price is $699 (10-piece set); open stock pieces are also available.

The cookware includes aluminum; hard anodized; stainless steel; professional hard anodized, sculptured stainless steel, tri-ply stainless steel; tri-ply copper; and copper core cookware. Prices range from $179 – $799 for a 10-piece set. Open stock pieces are also available. Every piece of the cookware collection is induction capable, and can be used on any electric, gas or induction cooktop. The aluminum, hard anodized, stainless steel and professional hard anodized lines feature a colorfast finish which resists fading and discoloring. The collection as a whole was designed using advanced finishes to ensure a like-new appearance even after repeated dishwasher cleanings.

The KitchenAid® Professional Cast Iron cookware is available in 4-qt. and 6-qt. sizes. Available in Fiesta Blue, Ivy Green and Royal Red, suggested retail prices range from $229.99 – $249.99.

Also new this year is the brand’s durable Cast Iron cookware collection, available in Streamline, Traditional and Professional designs. The cookware is available in 3-qt., 4-qt. and 6-qt. sizes, and pot lids double as grill tops for the stove. Available in a variety of colors, the Cast Iron cookware prices range from $59 – $249.

Miley Cyrus To Launch BANGERZ TOUR On Valentine’s Day 2014

Highly Anticipated Tour Includes 38 Dates Throughout The United States and Canada

Tickets On Sale November 16 At www.livenation.com

Miley Cyrus has announced today the details behind her 2014 BANGERZ TOUR. The highly anticipated tour, produced and promoted by Live Nation, kicks off on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2014 in Vancouver, British Columbia at Pepsi Live @ Rogers Arena and will visit 38 cities throughout the United States and Canada including New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Washington DC and Miami. Tickets go on sale starting Saturday, November 16 at www.livenation.com.

Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz. (PRNewsFoto/Live Nation)

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, November 12 at 10 AM local time through Friday, November 15 at 10 PM local time.  Fans will have additional opportunities to purchase tickets early by signing up for a Facebook RSVP at http://bit.ly/_MileyRSVP.  Tickets for the general public go on sale Saturday, November 16.  Additional details are available at www.livenation.com.

Details for Miley’s BANGERZ TOUR follow her surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live where she announced to fans that she would be launching a tour soon. The announcement on Saturday Night Live comes on the heels of her well-received appearance on the show (re-airing November 9) as both host and musical performer on October 5 that was part of a series of headline-making appearances that supported the release of her new album, Bangerz, on RCA Records.  Bangerz debuted at #1 on both the Billboard Top 200 Album chart and the Digital Album Charts with over 270,000 albums sold.  Additionally, during release week, Bangerz hit #1 on iTunes in over 70 countries.  Both singles, “Wrecking Ball” and “We Can’t Stop“, off Bangerz have already sold 4.3 million copies in the U.S. alone.  “Wrecking Ball” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for two weeks.  It became Cyrus”s first Billboard Hot 100 #1 and her fastest-flying top 10 on Radio Songs.

“Wrecking Ball” also hit #1 on Spotify where it reached the highest streams ever for any track in the U.S. beating the next highest week by nearly 500,000 plays. This exciting news came just two days after her music video for “Wrecking Ball” became the fastest music video ever to reach CERTIFIED status, VEVO’s milestone for videos delivering 100 million views in only 6 days.  Cyrus shattered the previous record which she held for “We Can’t Stop,” which was CERTIFIED by VEVO just 37 days after it premiered.

Bangerz has been getting rave reviews including Entertainment Weekly calling it “…utterly fresh, a pop blitz from a hip-hop blueprint, and proof that Miley won’t settle for just shocking us.”  US Weekly declared it “the year’s most titillating pop explosion” awarding the album “4 stars (out of 4).”

Scope announces Exhibitors for Scope Miami Beach 2013

SCOPE announces its exhibitors for its new location in Miami Beach 2013. Welcoming 100 International Exhibitors and 15 Breeder Program galleries from 22 countries and 48 cities, SCOPE Miami Beach opens on Monday, December 2, with its exclusive Platinum VIP Gala, continuing Tuesday, December 3, to welcome VIPs and Press at its First View benefit, and will open to the general public December 4 – 8, 2013.

The list for 2013 SCOPE Miami Beach Exhibitors include ACE Gallery | Los Angeles, Adriana Budich | Buenos Aires, Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow | Laguna Beach, ArtNowNY | New York, Beautiful Asset Art Project | Beijing, Being 3 Gallery | Beijing, BLANK SPACE | New York, C-Arte | Buenos Aires, C. Emerson Fine Arts | St. Petersburg, Callan Contemporary | New Orleans, Cavalier | New York, Center Space | New York, CoproGallery | Santa Monica, Coral Contemporary | Beijing, Corey Helford Gallery | Culver City, Corridor Contemporary | New York, Coup d’oeil Art Consortium | New Orleans, Duane Reed Gallery | St. Louis, Dubner Moderne | Lausanne, Eileen Braziel Fine Arts | Sante Fe, Emmanuel Fremin Gallery | New York, Ethan Cohen Fine Arts | New York, Evan Lurie Gallery | Miami, Faur Zsófi Gallery | Budapest, FIFTY24MX | Mexico City, Fu Xin Gallery | Shanghai, Fundacion ExprtAr | Buenos Aires, Gagliardi Art System | Turin, Galeria Cordeiros | Porto, Galerie Suppan Contemporary | Vienna, Galerie Vintage | Paris, Galleri Ramfjord | Oslo, Galleria Ghetta | Ortisei / St. Ulrich, Gallery Biba | Palm Beach, Gallery Cultural Speech | Amsterdam, Gallery Frank Pages | Geneve, Gallery G-77 | Kyoto Shizuichi, Gallery Tableau | Seoul, Giant Mango | Midori-ku Yokohama, Gregg Shienbaum Fine Art | Miami, Hans Alf Gallery | Copenhagen, Hashimoto Contemporary | San Francisco, Isla Flotante | Buenos Aires, Jacob Karpio Galería | San Jose, K + Y Gallery | Paris, KASHYA HILDEBRAND | Zurich, Kim Jae Sun Gallery | Busan, Kirk Hopper Fine Art | Dallas, La Ira de Dios | Buenos Aires, Lawrence Cantor Fine Art | Los Angeles, Le Laboratoire | Paris, Lelia Mordoch Gallery | Paris, Magpi Projects | New York, Mario Mauroner Contemporary Art | Vienna, Mark Hachem Gallery | Paris, Mauger Modern Art | London, Miami’s Independent Thinkers | Miami, Mighty Tanaka | Brooklyn, MORDEKAI by Ken Borochov | New York, Pabellon 4 Arte Contemporaneo | Buenos Aires, Pashmin Art Gallery | Hamburg, RARE Gallery | New York, Red Truck Gallery | New Orleans, Robert Fontaine Gallery | Maimi, See | Me | Brooklyn, SHIN GALLERY | New York, Shirin Art Gallery | Teheran / New York, T+KARPIO Projects | Miami, The Flat – Massimo Carasi | Milan, THE HANGAR GALLERY | Miami, Thinkspace Art Gallery | Los Angeles, Triad Arts Foundation | New York, Uprise Art | New York, Villa del Arte Galleries | Barcelona, Wanrooij Gallery | Arnhem, White Walls | San Francisco, 11.12 Gallery | Moscow

HYON GYON PARK, Ningensama, 2009, Courtesy of the Shin Gallery

Long-established as the original incubator for emerging work, SCOPE’s Breeder Program celebrates its 13th year of introducing new galleries to the contemporary market. SCOPE Miami Beach 2013 Breeder Program Galleries are ADC & BUILDING BRIDGES International | Santa Monica, Andenken Gallery | Amsterdam, Arcilesi Homberg Fine Art | Brooklyn, Beam Contemporary | Melbourne, Black Book Gallery | Denver, Bunnycutlet Gallery | Brooklyn, C.A.V.E. Gallery | Venice, Front Room Gallery | Brooklyn, Fuchs Projects | Brooklyn, L’Inlassable Galerie | Paris, LOGO | Sao Paulo, Natalie Kates Projects | New York, Parlor Gallery | Asbury Park, Project 4 Gallery | Washington DC, The Parlour Bushwick | Brooklyn, Yellow Peril Gallery | Providence

With over 65 art fairs spanning more than a decade, SCOPE is the largest and most global art fair in the world, celebrated as the premier showcase for international emerging contemporary art and multi-disciplinary creative programming. Renowned for its uncanny ability to forecast new visual trends that are embraced globally, SCOPE Art Shows in Miami, Basel, New York, London and the Hamptons have garnered extensive critical acclaim, with sales of over $500 million and attendance of over 700,000 visitors.

To apply for future editions of SCOPE Art Show, please visit: http://scope-art.com/apply/ To learn more about SCOPE Miami Beach please visit http://scope-art.com or contact: pr@scope-art.com.

Jaguar to Air First Ever Commercial During The Super Bowl Television Broadcast In New Campaign To Launch 2014 F-TYPE Coupe

FAST GROWING BRITISH LUXURY BRAND TO INTRODUCE ITS NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS CAR DURING ONE OF THE MOST-WATCHED SPORTING EVENTS

NEW JAGUAR CAMPAIGN LOOKS INSIDE THE WORLD OF BRITISH VILLAINS IN FILM

JAGUAR CREATES DISRUPTIVE AD TO ANNOUNCE BIG GAME ADVERTISING INTENTIONS TO RUN THIS WEEKEND ON BAFTA AWARDS SHOW (BBC AMERICA) AND SELECT NFL GAME BROADCASTS

JAGUAR IS THE FASTEST GROWING AUTO BRAND IN THE UNITED STATES IN 2013 WITH YEAR-TO-DATE INCREASE 36 PERCENT

“Have you ever noticed how in Hollywood movies, all the villains are played by Brits?”

Jaguar announced it will launch a new brand and product advertising campaign, themed “British Villains,” for the launch of the new Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe. The campaign will include the brand’s first television commercial produced for running in the broadcast of the Super Bowl.  The ad is scheduled to have its broadcast debut on Fox during the 2nd half of Super Bowl XLVIII.

Jaguar’s debut commercial in the broadcast of the Super Bowl reflects the momentum the brand has achieved through its sales growth.  It also follows the high-profile sponsorship announced earlier this month that Jaguar will elevate their presence in Hollywood by joining with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles (BAFTA LA) as the official 2013 title sponsor of the BAFTA LA JAGUAR BRITANNIA AWARDS.

Jaguar announced a new advertising campaign, themed “British Villains,” to launch the F-TYPE Coupe, during a press conference in New York City on November 7, 2013. The campaign will feature Jaguar’s first ever television commercial for broadcast in the Super Bowl. (PRNewsFoto/Jaguar)

Jaguar will debut the new F-TYPE Coupe, at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show and Tokyo Motor Show in November. Year-to-date through October, Jaguar sales have increased 36 percent in the United States, the highest growth in the industry.

The campaign features a 30-second spot and a wide range of digital assets and executions and will play off the idea that Brits have long made the best villains in landmark films, combining intelligence with charm, restlessness with calm, and always confident.  In the world of pop culture, villains disrupt the status quo and challenge the establishment, while living one step ahead of, and better than, the pack. The campaign asks the question, “Have you ever noticed how in Hollywood movies, all the villains are played by Brits?” It will launch with a unique hashtag, #GoodToBeBad, linking to the overall allure of the F-TYPE Coupe and British villains.

JAGUAR CARS TO BECOME TITLE SPONSOR OF THE BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM AND TELEVISION ARTS LOS ANGELES’ 2013 BAFTA LA JAGUAR BRITANNIA AWARDS(R). (PRNewsFoto/Jaguar)

The Jaguar campaign, which will feature renowned British actors, is being filmed by Academy Award-winning British film and television director Tom Hooper in London.  “This is one of those jobs that can really be a lot of fun, so I was quite happy to oblige when Jaguar asked me to be a part of their first Super Bowl commercial,” said Hooper.

RadioShack Invites Everyone to “Tech the Halls” This Christmas with Great Deals on Top Brands, New Protection Plan and Refreshed Stores

Customers Can Name Their Own Deal; Sales Start Online on Thanksgiving; Most Stores to Open Black Friday at 8 a.m.

As shoppers start thinking about how to deck their halls, RadioShack invites consumers to “Tech the Halls” this holiday season. From delivering great prices on the hottest tech brands, to rolling out a new product protection plan, and even giving consumers a chance to name their own deals, RadioShack intends to celebrate the creative spirit that keeps the holiday season bright.

RadioShack continues to find ways to give consumers what they want:

— Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals: Black Friday deal seekers will find reasons to celebrate with great deals on top brands such as Kindle, Beats by Dr. Dre, SOL REPUBLIC and Samsung. RadioShack will give shoppers a chance to shop online Thanksgiving night to grab deals while most retail locations will open at 8 a.m. on Black Friday. And for Cyber Monday, RadioShack again will roll out “24 Deals in 24 Hours” that are all available online while quantities last.

—  “Name Your Deal” Promotion: RadioShack is giving shoppers the power to name their own deals with an interactive application at www.radioshack.com/holiday where consumers can select the product and pricing, vote on and share the hot deals. On Nov. 27, consumers can redeem a limited number of coupon codes for “Name Your Deal” products at amazing prices.

—  Tech the Halls Idea Centers: Building on its heritage as a DIY destination and expert resource for tech know-how, RadioShack has created holiday Idea Centers in its stores, featuring easy-to-follow instructions cards for how to create some holiday fun using products from the surrounding shelves.

— New “It Happens” Protection Plan: New this year, RadioShack launched its new stress-free “It Happens” protection plan on Nov. 1 to protect holiday purchases against accidents and “it happens” moments. The plan protects products from accidental damage, and the simple claim process comes with same-day in-store instant replacement for many items, or a repair option for devices $300 or more.

— Times Square Pop-Up Stores: Just in time for the holiday shopping season, two RadioShack pop-up stores will launch in Times Square. Stores will open this week and will offer interactive experiences and free charging stations. These locations will be open for a limited time in 2014 to showcase the reinvigorated brand and offer a great mix of products for holidays and for visitors who may pass through the “Crossroads of the World.”

RadioShack logo. (PRNewsFoto/RadioShack Corporation)

“We’re excited to invite shoppers to experience the new RadioShack this holiday season and discover all the ways we can help them ‘Tech the Halls,'” said Jennifer Warren, chief marketing officer of RadioShack. “We’ve updated our stores and refreshed our merchandise to include even more from hot brands like SOL REPUBLIC, Beats by Dr. Dre, Skullcandy, Fitbit, Apple and Samsung.”

New Stores Popping Up in Times Square – And Beyond

To celebrate the official start of the holiday season, RadioShack will open two pop-up stores in New York’s Times Square later this week. Located at 1441 Broadway (41(st) & Broadway) and 1565 Broadway (inside the former Roxy Delicatessen) in Manhattan, the two limited-time only locations feature a special mix of top brands, great gifts and top tech for travelers. RadioShack plans the pop-up stores to remain open through New York’s hosting of “the big game” in February.

The new experience isn’t limited to the company’s pop-up stores, however; by the end of 2013 the company will have also made improvements to nearly all 4,300 U.S. stores. This includes more than 100 concept and brand statement stores, which feature bright, completely redesigned interiors and the new exterior signage featuring the new logo, which launched in July 2013. All of these improvements underscore the company’s strides toward reinvigorating its stores, revamping its product assortment and repositioning the brand.

Salon/Sanctuary Concerts Presents Campbell Scott And Melissa Errico In “More Between Heaven And Earth”

SUNDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2013 | 8PM

FRAUNCES TAVERN, 54 PEARL STREET | NYC

TICKETS: $25 – $100

RSVP: +1 888. 718. 4253

SALON/SANCTUARY CONCERTS presents More Between Heaven and Earth starring Campbell Scott and Melissa Errico. Directed and with a script by Erica Gould, the site-specific music-theatre production will be staged on Sunday, 8 December 2013 at 8pm at Fraunces Tavern at 54 Pearl Street, the oldest structure in Manhattan, built in 1719.

Melissa Errico and Campbell Scott

For tickets and more information about the performance, including a post-show dinner with the artists, go to  http://www.salonsanctuary.org, or call  1 888 718-4253

Campbell Scott plays Thomas Jefferson and Melissa Errico reprises her role as the stunning and trailblazing 18th century Italian singer, composer, and painter Maria Cosway in More Between Heaven and Earth, an original music-theatre work. Sparks flew between the widowed Jefferson and the recently married Maria Cosway when they met in Paris, and their passionate correspondence lasted for almost 40 years. More Between Heaven and Earth incorporates the text of that correspondence, music Maria and Jefferson heard together in Paris, and songs–sung by Errico–that Maria herself composed for Jefferson. Errico and Scott will be joined by soprano Jessica Gould, tenor Tony Boutté, and chamber orchestra for the environmentally staged performance, directed and with a script by Erica Gould and produced by Salon/Sanctuary Concerts, to take place at the historic 18th century Fraunces Tavern in the Financial District. The oldest surviving structure in Manhattan, Fraunces Tavern housed the US Dept of Foreign Affairs when Jefferson was Secretary of State, and is the actual building where Jefferson wrote some of the letters used in the script.  The performance promises to be an exciting and intimate evening that brings to vivid life the passionate, moving, and star-crossed relationship of Jefferson and Cosway, the turbulence of the French Revolution, and Jefferson’s revolutionary views about the role of religion in American society. A treat for lovers of history, romance, politics, and music.

Musical selections include works by Corelli, Cosway, Duphly, Hewitt, and Sacchini, including arias and sinfonias from the 1786 Sacchini opera Dardanus. Never performed before in the United States, the editions of the opera used in this performance were prepared from the original 1786 score housed in the Weiner Music Library of Columbia University.

Campbell Scott’s New York Theatre work includes The Atheist, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Ah! Wilderness, Pericles, Measure For Measure, Hay Fever, The Real Thing, A Man For All Seasons, On The Bum. Regional Theatre: Our Town,Hamlet, Dead End, Miss Julie, Othello, School For Wives, Gillette.  His TV and Film includes Royal Pains, Damages, Six Degrees; Longtime Companion, The Sheltering Sky, Dying Young, Singles, Mrs. Parker And The Vicious Circle, The Spanish Prisoner, The Daytrippers, Roger Dodger, The Secret Lives Of Dentists, Duma, The Dying Gaul, and recently The Amazing Spiderman 1 and 2, and Still Mine; Big Night and Hamlet (also co-director); Final and Off The Map (as director); Company Retreat (writer and director).

Melissa Errico is currently shooting a recurring role on the new Cinemax series “The Knick” with Clive Owen, directed by Stephen Soderbergh which will air in 2014. This year, Melissa was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for her performance as Clara in the critically acclaimed revival of “Passion” by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. She has also been seen in guest starring roles on “Blue Bloods” and “The Good Wife.”  She has played leading ladies on Broadway in My Fair Lady, Dracula, White Christmas, Anna Karenina, Amour (Tony Award nomination for Best Actress), High Society and Les Miserables. Off-Broadway: Importance of Being Earnest, Major Barbara and Candida. Solo CDs include Blue Like That (EMI) and “Melissa Errico- Legrand Affair” conducted by Michel Legrand and produced by Phil Ramone. Melissa has an extensive musical history as a concert performer, and was seen this season at Symphony Space, Wolf Trap and The Tilles Center. She has three daughters, is married to Patrick McEnroe and lives in Little Italy, NYC. Visit  www.melissaerrico.com

Erica Gould‘s directing credits include the world premieres of Neil LaBute’s plays autobahn and Stand Up (with Mos Def), On Point: From Sword Fight to Pas de Deux, a new dance-theatre piece that she developed in collaboration with dancers from The New York City Ballet (Salon/Sanctuary), SpeakEasy by Rajiv Joseph, Theresa Rebeck, others (Joe’s Pub/Public Theater), the US premiere of Me Cago en Dios by Inigo Ramirez de Haro (La MaMa), Max and the Truffle Pig (NYMF), Dirty Paki Lingerie, which she developed with writer/solo performer Aizzah Fatima (Cherry Lane, 59E59, The Flea, Toronto, Edinburgh), and numerous productions of Shakespeare. Upcoming in 2014: her site-specific production of John Gay’s vicious, political comic masterpiece, The Beggar’s Opera. Erica is also a fight choreographer, and may be heard, along with Rick Sordelet, on the SDCF/American Theatre Wing Masters of the Stage podcast on Physical Staging and Fight Direction ( www.americantheatrewing.org).

AQUA ART MIAMI Announces 2013 Exhibitors for Its First Edition Presented BY ART MIAMI during Art Week

NINTH FAIR AT AQUA HOTEL TO HOST 46 INTERNATIONAL GALLERIES AND PROJECTS

Aqua Art Miami (www.aquaartmiami.com) is pleased to announce its roster of confirmed exhibitors and curated projects for Miami Art Week, when the popular contemporary art fair runs Dec. 4 through Dec. 8, 2013. Its inaugural edition as part of the Art Miami family will retain the fair’s dynamic programming and intimate atmosphere, while providing audiences and exhibitors with the expanded amenities and infrastructure that have become signatures of Art Miami and CONTEXT.

Aqua Art Miami’s ninth consecutive installment continues this tradition, maintaining the fair’s signature relaxed vibe and spirited energy while attracting increasingly distinguished galleries. The 2013 edition will feature 46 international exhibitors showing a wide range of high-quality emerging art by artists working in all media from painting, photography and works on paper to sculpture, installation, video and multimedia art.

Since 2005, Aqua has established itself among the top fairs for emerging art during Miami Art Week, recognized for presenting vibrant and noteworthy international art programs with a particular interest in supporting young and established galleries with strong emerging and early-to-mid-career artists. This curatorial commitment is complemented by the unique art fair setting of a classic Art Deco hotel on South Beach with spacious exhibition rooms that open onto a breezy, charming courtyard. These surroundings have become a favorite gathering spot during the busy week to acquire work, exchange ideas, and discover new artists. Its close proximity to Art Basel Miami Beach has also helped make Aqua Art Miami one of the venues most attended by collectors, artists, curators, critics and the art-loving public. Continuous shuttle service will connect Aqua Art Miami and the nearby Art Basel Miami Beach to Art Miami and CONTEXT in the Wynwood Arts District.

Eric Mack, WGM-34340, Courtesy of whitespace

 

2013 PARTICIPATING GALLERIES includes:

Antonio Colombo Gallery | Milan Artêria | Bromont, QC ArtSlant | Los Angeles AWOL Gallery | Toronto Being 3 Gallery | Beijing Cancio Contemporary | Miami Charlie James Gallery | Los Angeles Coagula Curatorial | Los Angeles Contemporary Art and Editions | Millburn, NJ Ellie S. Jo|Korea Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design | Atlanta Everything is art! | Moscow Galeria Casa Cuadrad | Bogota galerie bruno massa | Paris Galerie Michael | Beverly Hills galerie juliane hundertmark | Berlin Gallery 300 | Santa Rosa, CA Gallery at Gray’s | Cleveland Get This! | Atlanta Ghostprint Gallery | Richmond Hamiltonian | Washington DC Hoffman LaChance Contemporary | St. Louis Island Press | St. Louis j fergeson gallery | Farmville, VA Jack Geary Contemporary | New York JAG Modern | Philadelphia K. Imperial Fine Art | San Francisco Lonsdale Gallery | Toronto LOOC Art | Bedford Hills, NY Lyons Wier Music & Audiophile Plus | New York Mark Miller Gallery | New York Mayer Fine Art | Norfolk McCaig-Welles | Brooklyn Monkey Town | New York Morton Fine Art | Washington DC Pele Prints | St. Louis Perihelion Arts | Phoenix Portrait Society Gallery | Milwaukee Projects Gallery | Miami Prole Drift | Seattle Rice Polak Gallery | Provincetown Robert Fontaine Gallery | Miami Robert Henry Contemporary | Brooklyn Shulamit Gallery | Los Angeles Toomey Tourell Fine Art | San Francisco VICTORI CONTEMPORARY | New York Whitespace | Atlanta William Baczek Fine Arts | Northampton, MA

“Aqua has consistently delivered a strong roster of galleries featuring artists of the highest caliber. Returning visitors and the collectors new to Aqua will enjoy a diverse mix of established galleries and young exhibitors new to Miami Art Week,” said Jennifer Jacobs, Director of Aqua Art Miami. “Our affiliation with Art Miami will take this new chapter of Aqua to the next level, underscoring our commitment to furthering the fair’s artistic vision while expanding our capacity to shine an even greater spotlight on our galleries and artists, strengthening Aqua Art Miami’s position as one of the must-see destinations during Art Week.”

WHITE by Vera Wang Gown Graces the Cover of O, The Oprah Magazine’s December 2013 Favorite Things Issue

The cover of the December 2013 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine features a custom WHITE by Vera Wang gown, inspired by a style from the Fall 2013 collection.

Ms. Winfrey wears the striking off-the-shoulder, quarter sleeve gown in Valentina, a vibrant red, featuring a fit-and-flare silhouette with a draped bodice and embellished skirt with organza and tulle flanges.  The custom dress boasts a dramatic 15-foot train adorned with 165 delicate rosettes. A halter neckline style is currently available for purchase exclusively at David’s Bridal and www.DavidsBridal.com. Priced at $1,348, the gown is available in size 0-14 in three colors: Valentina, available by special request, Ivory, and Ebony a limited edition color available at select David’s Bridal stores and www.DavidsBridal.com during the month of December.

A classic silhouette with modern detailing, the gown is perfectly suited for bridal as well as other formal occasions.

“I’m honored and thrilled to have a gown from the WHITE by Vera Wang collection worn by Oprah on the cover of O, The Oprah Magazine,” said Vera Wang. “WHITE by Vera Wang has always been about sharing my creative vision and designs with women everywhere, and I’m excited that this now includes Oprah, a true icon of our generation.”

The complete Fall 2013 WHITE by Vera Wang collection is comprised of eight new styles all priced between $728-1,348. Additionally, bridesmaid dresses and accessories are available in over 250 David’s Bridal stores in North America, at nine Canadian locations and on www.DavidsBridal.com.

The Vera Wang Group designs, markets and distributes collections of women’s ready-to-wear, cocktail attire and bridal. Vera Wang Licensing LLC, the licensing division of the company, has selectively granted licenses for the manufacture and distribution of fragrance and beauty-related products (Coty Prestige, Inc.), eyewear (The Kenmark Group), china, crystal, silver and gifts (WWRD), Vera Wang footwear (Brown Shoe Company), fine papers (Crane & Co.), bedding (Revman International) and flowers (FTD). In addition, Vera Wang on Weddings was published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2001. In 2007, the company partnered with Kohl’s to introduce Simply Vera Vera Wang, a lifestyle collection. In Spring 2011, Vera Wang launched her highly anticipated inaugural collection for David’s Bridal, WHITE by Vera Wang, which brings the acclaimed Vera Wang aesthetic to a new set of brides. In Fall 2011, Vera Wang partnered with Zale Corporation to introduce Vera Wang LOVE, an exclusive collection of diamond engagement rings, wedding bands and solitaire jewelry. In 2012, Vera Wang introduced an exclusive collection of rental tuxedos for Men’s Wearhouse. For more information on Vera Wang, please visit the company’s website at www.verawang.com.

Kipling to Launch #MyKiplingBag Tour in New York City

This November, experience the whimsical world of Kipling at the brand’s first pop-up in New York City. It all starts with #MyKiplingBag.

Beginning with a ceremonial “unzipping,” Kipling invites you on an immersive, interactive journey through #MyKiplingBag from November 12th to 14th. Over the course of three days, a fully branded pop-up space will be filled with playful activities like complimentary on-site monogramming, surprise performances, transformative makeup vanities, visual sensationalism, bountiful bites, and crowd-sourced inspiration. Imaginative, individualized experiences like comedic personality readings are bound to stimulate the senses – and create a truly “out of the bag” adventure.

Founded in 1987, Belgian brand Kipling crafts lightweight, modern handbags, accessories, and luggage for every woman (and man), at every age. Through innovative and contemporary design, Kipling combines form and functionality with style and flare, creating the perfect accessory for an active life.

Kipling established itself as a global accessory brand by embodying a youthful spirit and pioneering the use of ultra-light crinkle nylon in bold colors and patterns. Through a commitment to long-lasting quality and function, Kipling continues to offer a fresh take on style year after year.

Designed in Antwerp and New York City, Kipling is truly at home in the world. As a distinctive, universal brand, Kipling is distributed in 80 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South America, and the United States. With 250 branded stores, 450 shop-in-shops, and over 4,000 multi-brand stores and customized websites worldwide, Kipling remains the go-to accessory brand for the adventures of everyday life.

Kathy Hines, VP of Marketing for Kipling North America, comments that: “When something makes us laugh or smile or wink, we often say ‘that is so Kipling’. We are excited to bring that to life in a very fun and literal way.”

Through these experiential, participative encounters, Kipling will celebrate each individual’s special connection to his or her Kipling bag and the introduction of the brand’s Monogram Collection on www.kipling-usa.com. Launching this holiday season, consumers will be able to take personalization to the next level – all with the click of a button.

The excitement continues into the digital space with colorful content central to #MyKiplingBag shared across all platforms by guests at the event. Fans of the brand nationwide will have the opportunity to participate in a #MyKiplingBag sweepstakes. Tune in to @KiplingUSA on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for more.

President of Kipling North America Julie Dimperio comments: “We have learned that when consumers know us, they love us. We are giving them a chance to interact with us in three key markets.”Following the New York pop-up, hop on a plane down to Hawaii for a night of luau fun or hitch a ride to Miami for a festive Latin breakfast full of flare because Kipling will be taking the party south come December. No matter the city, it’s bound to be a wildly quirky and fabulously fun time.

H&M and Lady Gaga to Open Epic H&M Flagship Store in Times Square

CUSTOMERS INVITED TO CELEBRATE MIDNIGHT OPENING

In honor of the launch of Lady Gaga’s new album, ARTPOP, H&M Times Square and over 175 stores nationwide will sell her CD for an exclusive price of $9.95 while supplies last.

H&M, Hennes & Mauritz (www.hm.com) is excited to announce the opening of its new Times Square store in the heart of New York City. The Swedish retailer will enter this bustling iconic destination on Thursday, November 14th at 12:01 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and lighting of the H&M logo on the top of 4 Times Square by global fashion superstar, Lady Gaga.

H&M And Lady Gaga Open Epic H&M Store In Times Square. (PRNewsFoto/H&M)

The approximately 42,000 square foot store will offer collections for ladies, men, young ladies and young men, with separate “shop in shop” areas for accessories, lingerie, sports apparel, maternity and the brand’s plus-size line, H&M+. This location will carry the Swedish retailer’s fantastic children’s collection, which features quality clothing for kids of all ages, from newborn to fourteen years. This will also be the first store worldwide to debut the Isabel Marant for H&M collection to the public.

This dynamic store embraces modern technology with a digital runway: a virtual catwalk projecting images of guests

H&M logo. (PRNewsFoto/H&M)

onto exterior screens that brighten the backdrop of the city that never sleeps. This unique content can also be accessed in real-time through the customers’ social media platforms. The store interior features other digital components such as LED screens, a charging station equipped with iPads, interactive mannequins and much more. Fluorescent fixtures and geometric metal installations further complement the futuristic, tech savvy store design.

To celebrate opening day, H&M Times Square will be open for 24 hours with a digital countdown announcing hourly offers for the whole family. The first 1,000 shoppers in line will receive an Access to Fashion Pass, valued from $10 to $1,000, and lots of fun give-aways! Twenty lucky winners will receive a golden ticket granting them a “meet and greet” with Lady Gaga and early access into the store to shop.

“This is truly a milestone moment for H&M, to have a footprint at the crossroads of the world and own a piece of the NYC skyline with our brand illuminated on top of this impressive building,” says Daniel Kulle, U.S. President for H&M. “With over 7,000 square feet of LED screens, and a 53 foot glitter wall in this ground breaking location, we knew we had to partner with a star who shines as bright as the store.”

This store is located at 4 Times Square and will be the 12th H&M store in Manhattan, New York 10036, NYC has the largest concentration of H&M stores in the country, employing over 1400 people. The store can be reached by phone at 212.221.1709. Store hours will be Monday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Lands’ End Standardizes Free Shipping in Time for Holiday Shopping

Lands’ End Adds Free Shipping on Purchases over $50 to Its Long List of Unbelievable Customer Offerings

Lands’ End has announced it will be offering free shipping to all customers on purchases over $50 as part of its standard customer offerings. U.S. customers will also have the option to upgrade to 2-day UPS shipping for only $5, a competitive offering in the marketplace.

Lands’ End. (PRNewsFoto/Lands’ End)

“At Lands’ End we are very in tune with our customers and are always listening to their wants, needs and frustrations,” said Edgar Huber CEO and President of Lands’ End. “Based on our research, we learned that the cost of shipping is very important to our customers and decided to make the necessary changes to ensure we are providing our customers with the exceptional customer service they have come to expect.”

Previously, Lands’ End only offered free shipping on purchases over $50 as part of yearly promotions, and customers were required to enter a code in order to redeem the discount. Not only will customers now save money on shipping, but the site has also been updated to simplify the checkout experience. Customers will no longer have to enter a promotion code, and shipping preferences can be easily selected.  Additionally, the $5 upgrade to 2-day shipping provides expedited shipping to customers at an unbelievable value.

This also marks the beginning of Lands’ End’s annual Friends and Family sale, offering 30% off site-wide through November 12.

“Customer service is engrained in our company culture, and we are proud to add another service to our portfolio of customer offerings,” said Huber.

Lands’ End customer care specialists are available 24 hours a day, 364 days a year and are all based in Wisconsin.  Lands’ End also makes in-person returns easy by allowing customers to return online purchases and gifts free of charge at any Sears store nationwide or by simply using the Easy Return shipping label in the packaging for a low, flat fee.

This holiday season especially, Lands’ End customers are able to check off their shopping list with ease. Customers in the continental U.S. can order by Thursday, December 19 for delivery of in-stock items at standard shipping and handling by Christmas.  Procrastinators can order in-stock items by Sunday, December 22 and have them delivered in time for Christmas for a $15 upgrade charge. Additionally, monogrammed items only add an additional 2-3 days to the delivery time and start at just $6, and all pants are hemmed free of charge to a customer’s desired length. In-stock monogrammed or hemmed items will make tree time when ordered by Wednesday, December 18 with standard shipping. www.landsend.com/

One Kings Lane Debuts 2013 Designer Series Gift Wrap Collection Featuring One-Of-A-Kind Prints From Top Fashion Icons

Wrapping Paper Collection To Be Sold Exclusively On One Kings Lane Throughout Holiday Season; Proceeds To Benefit Each Designer’s Charity Of Choice

One Kings Lane (www.onekingslane.com), the leading online destination for the home, brings high-fashion to the holiday season with the 2013 One Kings Lane Designer Series Wrapping Paper Collection, featuring limited-edition gift wrap from top designers in support of a variety of charitable causes. One Kings Lane is a leading online destination for the home that connects daily design inspiration with a fresh collection of select home goods, designer and vintage items you won’t find anywhere else. The company works directly with leading home brands, antique and vintage dealers and designers to bring the very best products at exceptional prices to its members – every day of the week. One Kings Lane also partners with top designers, decorators and industry insiders to deliver content that

One Kings Lane is the leading online destination for home. For more information please visit http://www.onekingslane.com. (PRNewsFoto/One Kings Lane)

inspires, enlightens and informs.

With a wide range of designs, One Kings Lane’s Designer Series Gift Wrap Collection is the most stylish way to present gifts this holiday season and beyond. The collection features a variety of fashionable designs, from minimalist chic and modern graphic prints, to whimsical and playful patterns, antique reproductions and classic florals.

Designers featured in the 2013 One Kings Lane Designer Series Gift Wrap Collection include fashion  Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa Voyage, Miles Redd, Aerin Lauder, John Derian, Charlotte Ronson, Kelly Wearstler and Erin Fetherston.

One Kings Lane Designer Series Gift Wrap Collection. (PRNewsFoto/One Kings Lane)

Kelly Wearstler for One Kings Lane Designer Series Gift Wrap. (PRNewsFoto/One Kings Lane)

The One Kings Lane Designer Series Gift Wrap Collection will include:

—  Marchesa Voyage designers Georgina Chapman & Keren Craig, launching November 8, supporting Rose Home for Girls (www.salaambaalaktrust.com/rose-shelter-home.asp‎)

— Miles Redd, launching November 13, supporting Housing Works (http://www.housingworks.org/)

— Aerin Lauder, launching November 15, supporting First Book

— John Derian, launching November 18, supporting New York Restoration Project

— Charlotte Ronson, launching November 22, supporting Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

— Kelly Wearstler, launching November 25, supporting No Kill LA (http://nkla.org/)

— Erin Fetherston, launching November 27, supporting Charity Water

One Kings Lane shoppers will have exclusive access to these one-of-a-kind designs. Each design will be sold for $12 per roll and proceeds from each sale will benefit the designer’s non-profit organization of choice, making this unique collection of wrapping paper the gift that keeps on giving.

Following the launch of each designer’s collection on One Kings Lane, all wrapping paper designs will be sold on December 5, and throughout the rest of the holiday season, exclusively on One Kings Lane.

“We’ve teamed up with an amazing group of designers to infuse style and high-fashion into gift wrap that gives back to inspiring causes over the holidays,” said Susan Feldman, One Kings Lane co-founder and chief merchandising officer. “We believe that a beautifully wrapped gift makes a holiday present all the more special, so we are thrilled to offer this exclusive collection of designer gift wrap to our shoppers this season.”

The Rose Home For Girls is the second 24-hour full-care residential programme for girls of Salaam Baalak Trust. This home was established with the generous support of Give2Asia and was inaugurated on 19th May 2010. The proposal for a second home for girls emerged out of the inspiration with the successful establishment of Arushi- shelter for girls as well as a need since hundreds of girls in difficult circumstances are in need of residential care. Rose Home is the second home of the Trust for girls but first in Delhi as “Arushi- shelter for girls” is in Gurgaon, Haryana.

The building located suitably at a residential colony and stands on a 112 gauge plot bearing the address- RZF 779/7, Street No.17, Raj Nagar Part-II (Near Dwarka Sector-8), New Delhi. This home has three floors; ground, first and second, and a basement. A Kitchen is being set-up on the roof top. The Basement of the building is being used as activity and class rooms, ground floor is the Office area cum computer and medical room, and first and second floors are dedicated as living rooms for children. There are parks nearby for sporting activities and the shelter is well connected with Delhi Metro/subway Station.

Rose Home has the capacity to accommodate 50 children. However, 35 girls in the age of 4 to 15 years are residing currently. There are fourteen girls studying in Government run schools, ten are attending Kennedy Public school and four girls are enrolled in National Open Schooling Programme and rest are pursuing non-formal education. All the girls are provided soft skills like; computer operation, life skills, communication skills apart from schooling. There are designated teachers for school subjects, sport, and computer. Counselor, house supervisors and doctor are appointed for various activities and care programme.

There are individual care plans for each girl which is monitored periodically. Case work to find out the socio-economic reasons why the children have taken extreme steps of running away or other factors that drove them to the streets are in the process to find the possibility if the children can be restored back with their families.

ROSE Home- Shelter for Girls, RZF 779/7 , Street No.17 , Raj Nagar Part-II ( Near Dwarka Sector-8), New Delhi. Tel. No. 25362087

U.S. Postal Service Announces Holiday Season Forecasts with New Gingerbread Houses Forever Stamps and Priority Mail Products

POSTMASTER GENERAL PREDICTS DOUBLE-DIGIT PERCENT JUMP IN SHIPPING VOLUME

Patrick Donahoe, Postmaster General and CEO, along with Nagisa Manabe, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, announced the 2013 holiday season mailing and shipping forecasts for the 2013 holiday season during a kick-off event in New York.

The U.S. Postal Service kicked off the holiday season today with its improved PRIORITY MAIL PRODUCTS and new GINGERBREAD HOUSES FOREVER STAMPS. The Postal Service expects to process 545 million pieces of mail every day throughout this holiday season; totaling nearly 15 billion pieces of mail to be delivered between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Competitive package volume also is expected to increase by approximately 12 percent from last year to about 420 million packages during the 2013 holiday season.

“The holidays are a special time of year for the U.S. Postal Service. We consider it a privilege to help spread holiday cheer by delivering billions of holiday greetings and packages to millions of homes and businesses around the country,” said Donahoe. “Our residential and business customers will experience improved Priority Mail service this year with new features that include enhanced tracking visibility.”

“We’re providing a compelling value proposition for holiday shippers with our improved Priority Mail for whatever you ship and wherever you plan to ship it,” said Manabe.  “Our improved Priority Mail products, combined with the improved tracking visibility, convenience and affordability our customers expect, will help make the Postal Service an important resource to our customers during the busy holiday season.”

Gingerbread Houses Forever Stamps. (PRNewsFoto/U.S. Postal Service)

Accordingly, The Postal Service is ready to deliver holiday greetings and gifts to more than 152 million addresses nationwide. The busiest mailing day this season is projected to be Monday, Dec. 16, when more than 600 million pieces of mail are expected to be processed. The same day, 6 million customers are expected to visit Post Offices nationwide.

The busiest delivery day for mail will be Wednesday, Dec. 18 and the busiest day for packages will be Thursday, Dec. 19.

This is the first holiday season that consumers and businesses can take advantage of the recently revamped Priority Mail, which now comes with free insurance, day-specific delivery and free tracking.  With the Service’s low-cost Flat-Rate shipping product — which has no additional surcharges — the Postal Service anticipates that its highly popular Priority Mail offerings will be very attractive to cost-conscious small businesses and holiday shippers.

Consumers can avoid any holiday hassle by visiting www.usps.com — the Postal Service’s website that will help make mailing and shipping easier. Nearly 75 million customers will skip the trip to the Post Office altogether and take advantage of convenient online shipping. Click-N-Ship and other online services allow customers to print shipping labels, order free Priority Mail boxes, purchase postage and even request free next-day package pickup.

To ensure that holiday mail and packages are delivered on time, the Postal Service recommends keeping the following mailing and shipping deadlines in mind:

Nov. 12  APO/FPO Military Standard Post

Dec. 2    Priority Mail International

Dec. 10  APO/FPO Military Priority Mail and First-Class Mail

Dec. 10   Priority Mail Express International

Dec. 14  Standard Post

Dec. 16  Global Express Guaranteed

Dec. 17  Priority Mail Express Military Service

Dec. 20   First-Class Mail

Dec. 21   Priority Mail

Dec. 23   Priority Mail Express

The dates listed above are the earliest deadlines for international and military mail. For a complete list of shipping deadlines, visit www.usps.com/shippingdates/ .