< previous page

January 22, 2010. UK Department Store Launches Gift Registry

What to Get the Person who has Everything -- Including a Divorce   

By: Josh D. Simon

Now read this other world divorce news:   Facebook cited in 20% of British Divorces British couple divorces -- at 98.

More often than not, divorce is a traumatic time that can push people to -- or sometimes beyond -- their emotional and psychological limits. And because of this, it's difficult to know what to say, or how to comfort, a recently divorced family member, friend or colleague...until now.

Debenham's, one of the UK's largest department stores, has launched its divorce gift registry. Ironically similar to a marriage gift registry, this version accomplishes the same goal. Friends and well-wishers simply consult the registry, find a pre-selected item, and voila: they pick up the perfect, appropriate gift that is guaranteed to be a hit, and help the recipient celebrate their new, post-divorce life.

Also of interest (if of the macabre variety), is the timing of this innovative gift registry launch. January is the busiest month for divorce.   

So why are retailers focusing on divorcing people more these days? According to Richard Dodd of the British Retail Consortium, it's simply a case of supply and demand; especially during tough economic times, when taking advantage of opportunities is often the difference between surviving and struggling. "It's about focusing on what your customers need and want and of course looking for new opportunities, looking for niches or new demands new services you can offer that others haven't thought of," Dodd noted. 

Tuesday, May 15
at 8 pm to 8:30 EST
Out With the Tragedy: Turning Divorce into a meaningful experience
with Allison Pescosolido and Andra Brosh, founders of Divorce Detox
Learn More

Listen to podcasts of previous TeleSeminars.