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(Cross-posted on Google Commerce Blog)

Today we’re excited to introduce Zavers by Google—a digital coupon solution that enables retailers and manufacturers to reward loyal customers with coupons that are relevant to them -- increasing basket size and redemption rates. So dog owners don’t get cat food coupons and parents of teenagers don’t get diaper coupons.


Unlike traditional media, Zavers’ real-time data gives manufacturers new ways to measure coupon redemptions and analyze consumer preferences so they can manage distribution, tailor campaigns, and optimize budgets for maximum ROI. Zavers also offers access to an extensive network of manufacturer coupons, opening up new retail revenue streams.

With Zavers, shoppers find manufacturer discounts on their favorite retailer websites, and save the digital coupons to their accounts. Then they simply shop for those products and check out as usual. Redemption occurs in real time, with savings automatically deducted at checkout when shoppers provide their rewards cards or phone numbers—no scanning or sorting necessary. Manufacturers only pay when a product is moved off the shelf.

Zavers by Google is growing fast. This month we are thrilled to welcome New York’s Original Grocer, D’Agostino, as the latest partner in our retail network. In the coming months, we will be announcing partnerships with a number of other major retailers.

Retailers and manufacturers can see first-hand how Zavers works by visiting our demonstration booth at the annual NRF Convention & Expo, January 14-15 (booth #2281).

If you are a U.S.-based retailer or packaged goods manufacturer, let us show you how Zavers by Google can help. To get started, please contact our sales team at g.co/contact-zavers or visit our website at google.com/zavers.

Posted by Spencer Spinnell, Director, Emerging Platforms, Google Commerce
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The days of handmade coupon books for Mother’s Day (think, “this coupon is good for 1 breakfast in bed”) are dwindling as consumers are using online retailer coupons to spoil mom this year.

FTD promoted a floral deal through LivingSocial, and Amazon.com is selling Kindles with a bonus gift card to the site. Online photo companies are offering discounts on cards and photo books, and other retailers across the web are following suit with deals of their own. Even vacation destinations are in on the action with special weekend getaways for mom.

Over the past several years, consumer interest in Mother’s Day coupons and deals has steadily increased every May.















And consumers have learned that discounts on great gifts await them when they search online -- 21.5% of online shoppers plan to purchase their Mother’s Day gifts online this year*

There’s still time to reach those last-minute Mother’s Day shoppers when they’re online hunting for the latest deals for mom, as not everyone has gifts wrapped and ready to go. Last year, for example, ecommerce apparel sales were up 14% the week before Mother’s Day vs. the same week in 2009. ** Help mom celebrate in style with your special Mother’s Day offers.

*BIGresearch®, Consumer Intentions & Actions® Survey, April 2011
**MasterCard SpendingPulse

Posted by Jennifer Glare, The Google Retail Team
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In recent years, shoppers have been conditioned to look for deals when shopping. We've asked consumers three years in a row about what promotions and offers they want for holiday, and it hasn’t changed much over time. Consumers are focused on sales, discounts and free shipping. And as consumers are more focused on immediate gratification rebates have decreased in importance.



















Source: Google/Ipsos OTX Consumer Holiday Shopping Intentions Study, September 2010

This is reinforced by what we see people searching for. Searches for 'printable coupons' are currently up by 20% over last year, Searches for ‘bogo’ (short for ‘buy one get one free’) are currently up by 10% over last year.

Offering consumers some sort of value or discount is expected. Make sure to message your offers, free shipping and other value to your consumers through your advertising and your websites. Let the consumer know they are getting a good deal!

Posted by Heidi Spector, Google Retail Team

Check out Google's Holiday Marketing Central, www.google.com/thinkholiday, where you’ll be privy to a wealth of exclusive information on consumer shopping behavior, hot products and the latest holiday insights from Google!
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It probably does not come as a surprise that sales are the most effective driver of holiday purchases. Savvy consumers have become accustomed to hunting for coupons before making purchases online and extras such as free shipping are the new basics.


Source: Google/OTX State of Shopping, May 2010

Google saw search volume related to coupons increase by 30% during the 2009 holiday shopping season, as consumers became even more active in searching for deals than during the rest of the year.


Source: Google Internal. Average monthly search volume on top 100 coupon-related terms on Google for February through September 2009 compared against the average monthly for October through January.

So give customers what they want -- provide value by offering coupons and free shipping. Some retailers like Best Buy, Victoria’s Secret, Kay Jewelers, and Burlington Coat Factory have begun offering layaway. If your brand cannot provide coupons, think about offering value to customers in other ways. . . be creative!

Posted by Heidi Spector, Google Retail Team
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Who doesn’t love a good deal? We all know consumers like to get the most bang for their buck. Savvy consumers continue to hunt for the best discounts, with “coupon” searches seeing a continual lift in volume.














As the fall season approaches, it comes as no surprise that consumers are on the prowl for back-to-school discounts. “Back-to-school coupon” searches jumped 70% from 2008 to 2009, and are on track to top last year. These coupons will encourage shoppers to purchase, both online and in-store.






How do you make sure you don't miss sales from these consumers who are looking for the best prices? Prominently position value and sale information in your ad messaging to educate consumers on your well-priced product offerings.


Posted by Keri Overman, Google Retail Team
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