www.calgarysun.com/money/2009/09/22/11052261.html -
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Published on: 9/22/2009
Last Visited: 9/22/2009
"Our price points fit the times," Dorel chief executive Martin Schwartz said Tuesday at a Scotia Capital conference on consumer trends.
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At Dorel, Schwartz said tight-fisted consumers are looking for bargains as they seek to stretch their hard-earned dollars in a weak economy.
"Retailers are focusing more on what we term opening- to mid-price points as shoppers of every description are gravitating to the big box outlets," Schwartz told the conference.
However, Dorel is seeing improved demand even among its higher-end products.
For example, there has been "an overwhelming response" to a new car seat that releases air in the event of a collision to better protect its occupant, Schwartz said.
This car seat sells for $249.99 but its safety benefits offset its higher price point, he added.
"I think when it comes to spending on children, you're going to see people step up to spend on their children before they spend on themselves," Schwartz said.