Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 26, 1993 TAG: 9306260104
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: HAMPTON LENGTH: Medium
Virginia Beach-based HQ introduced its latest marketing strategy this month, and the bridal registry signs posted around its stores already are catching the attention of some shoppers.
"I think it's a good idea," June Mabry said while shopping at HQ's Hampton store recently. "I'd rather give somebody something they could use than something to put on a shelf and collect dust."
The concept is identical to bridal registries in the gift sections of large department stores: Couples planning to be married make a list of presents they would like to receive, and friends and relatives use the lists for suggestions of what to buy.
HQ officials believe today's practical newlyweds will find ceiling fans, barbecue grills, lamps and even material for do-it-yourself projects such as decks and spas more useful in their new homes than fancy china.
"This is the decade of practicality," HQ president and chief executive officer Frank Doczi said in a statement. "More and more we're serving couples who are marrying later and choosing to invest their money in a first home together rather than the traditionally lavish wedding."
"We think it's going to really go over well here," said Helena Stillman, operations manager at the Hampton HQ. No one has registered gift choices at Stillman's store so far, but she said it will take time for word of the new service to spread.
The wedding registry actually is a well-organized notebook at HQ's service desk, right at the entrance to the store. Engaged couples meet with an HQ employee to outline their gift choices.
Couples also can pick a major project - such as building a deck or a porch onto their house - and specify the materials they will need to complete the project, Stillman said.
by CNB