Increase in a Recession

24.5% increase in sales during a recession.

The restaurant industry, like every other, has not been able to escape the worst recession since the great depression. Despite consumers' sharp down-turn in any kind of discretionary spending, Charlton Engel Marketing's campaign for a restaurant chain in the Sacramento California area posted a 24.5% gain January 09 over January 08. And, the increases are continuing to be recorded through February and March.

While the entire restaurant category is down, some subcategories are down more than others. According to the latest edition of National Restaurant News, the fast-casual sector showed an "average domestic same-store sales decline" of 1.6%. Coffee and snack chains posted a 5.4% decline, family dining chains saw a 3.2% decline, and pizza chains reported a 2.5% decline.

The agency followed the basic principals of marketing in a recessionary economy, and it is paying dividends. If you would like to discuss how recessionary strategies can be applied to your business, give us a call.

Charlton Engel Marketing Wins ODOT Contract

Charlton Engel Marketing was selected by Oregon Department of Transportation to name, create a brand, and publicize a new bus service connecting Klamath Falls to Brookings Oregon.

The new bus service, which is subsidized by ODOT and contracted to an outside carrier, provides transportation in an area of Oregon where no independent transportation service operates. While a need exists in the Southwest region of the state, the population is so light there is not enough projected ridership to attract an independent bus service. The service will connect Klamath Falls, Medford, White City, Gold Hill, Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Crescent City, Smith River and Brookings.

The agency will be called upon to name the bus service as well as name the route, followed by branding the service through creating a logo, bus graphics, and all supporting visuals. The agency will also be responsible for publicizing the service, including an inaugural run celebration and a publicity campaign targeted toward key rider audiences.

Charlton Engel Marketing was chosen from a field of eleven firms competing for the contract.

The Central Eastside Design District

The Central Eastside Design District: a designer's playground.

Sixty five merchants and restaurants in the close-in Portland east side area have banned together to create the Central Eastside Design District. The group formed when it became apparent that there was a concentration of one-of-a-kind home improvement and decor specialty stores and services in the area. Home owners who have an interest in home decor, remodeling or building can find unique and exclusive products within just a few blocks of each other. Not only is the proximity of businesses an advantage for shoppers, but every door of every business offers surprises and discoveries that allow homeowners to create something that truly represents a personal statement for their homes.

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