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James Zelasko receives DirectBuy’s Achievement Circle honors

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

Orchard Park resident James Zelasko, a membership director at DirectBuy of Buffalo, was recently awarded Achievement Circle honors by DirectBuy’s corporate offices for his dedication to helping introduce new families to DirectBuy club membership during the month of February—his 12th time earning this honor.

DirectBuy’s Achievement Circle recognizes the top performing membership directors and phone room associates at the more than 160 DirectBuy clubs across North America for their performance on a monthly basis. As a membership director, Zelasko is responsible for presenting the DirectBuy opportunity to prospective members, conducting tours of the DirectBuy of Buffalo club and answering questions prospective members might have prior to making their decision.

“It’s no accident that James has earned Achievement Circle honors 12 times. He’s very good at working with prospective new members and is a valuable member of our marketing team,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo, located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga.

Zelasko began with DirectBuy of Buffalo in February 2006. Prior to that, he had spent 23 years in retail furniture and flooring sales.

“DirectBuy is the best job I’ve ever had for many reasons, but mostly because I truly believe in the product,” said Zelasko. “DirectBuy not only helps families stretch their dollars to buy the things they need but it helps them buy the things they want, too.”

Zelasko resides in Orchard Park with his wife Susan and their five children. 

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy club membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy club locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

James Zelasko receives DirectBuy’s Achievement Circle honorsRead More

Sharing the spotlight…Boston Pack and Ship donates boxes and packing supplies to Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops’ Memorial Day event.

BRAINTREE, MA and BREWSTER, MA…

On May 25, Memorial Day, Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops held its 5th annual Spotlight on the Troops at the K-Mart Plaza on Route 132 in Hyannis. In addition to honoring U.S. service men and women at the event, Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops collected items for care packages to be sent to troops serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Boston Pack and Ship, a Braintree-based small load shipping specialist, donated 200 boxes and packing supplies towards this effort.

Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops is a non-profit organization started by 15-year-old Dylan DeSilva of Brewster, Mass. Dylan wanted to find a way to honor U.S. Troops for their service and sacrifice to our country. With the help of his family and friends, he sends care packages to our Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan on a weekly basis. The Spotlight on the Troops is just one of the vehicles Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops holds to generate awareness and collect donations.

“Good things may come in small packages, but without the packages, we can’t collect or send anything anywhere. So we really appreciate Boston Pack and Ship’s generous donation as some of those were used to collect donations at the Spotlight on the Troops event and the rest will be used to ship the care packages overseas,” said DeSilva.

Donating to Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops is not a new endeavor for Boston Pack and Ship. The Braintree-based packing and shipping company also donated boxes to Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops holiday effort in which more than 500 care packages were sent to troops overseas.

“When we heard Dylan’s story, it wasn’t a question of would we help, but how much could we help,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship. “By donating boxes for the event and the mailing, as well as selling additional boxes at cost, we’re hopefully doing our part in keeping this very worthwhile effort going.”

For people who would like to contribute items for the care packages, Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops’ Web site, www.capecod4thetroops.com, contains a complete list of personal, food and other useful items you can donate. Interested parties can donate at the Spotlight on the Troops event on Monday, May 25 or at any of the drop-off locations also listed on www.capecod4thetroops.com.

If you would like to make a monetary contribution, please send a check to: Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops Troops, 1831 Long Pond Rd.  Brewster, MA  02631.

For more information on the breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s services, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.

 

Small load specialists

Boston Pack and Ship, a small load specialist, has been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

Sharing the spotlight…Boston Pack and Ship donates boxes and packing supplies to Cape Cod Cares For Our Troops’ Memorial Day event.Read More

Plymouth South freshmen get the treatment from upper classmen…Tutoring program mentors receive Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s “Driven Student” award.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

 

As a high school student, your freshman year can be the most difficult. New school, new teachers and more demanding homework. To help freshman class members struggling with the heavier workload, Plymouth South High School developed a tutoring program with upper classmen acting as mentors. The upper classmen who participated in this very successful program were honored recently as the Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac Driven Students of the month for May.

 

To honor these students, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac treated several members of the tutoring team to a pizza party. Those taking part included: Sara Amell, Kiana Barrett, Derek Basler, Josh Begley, John Carroll, Diane Coon, Jackie Davies, Justin Embree, Leah Fahey, Kate Hagenburg, Crystal Jankowski, Eric McCue, Stefanie Morrison, Sean Mulvey, Kelly Noonan, Sean Reid, Brianna Thissell, Taylor Wilson, Matt Mulligan and Thomas Murphy.

 

“The stereotype is that freshman are generally picked on by the upper classmen. With this tutoring program, we have smashed that perception,” said Yvonne Loranger, one of the program’s faculty advisors, along with Matt Carpentino. “These students carry full academic loads as well as balancing other activities and still have taken time out to help their fellow students. That’s beyond commendable. And the bottom line is that it’s benefitted the students they’ve been tutoring tremendously.”

Adds Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac President Jeff Tracy, “Being a high school student is tough enough without adding anything else to your plate. By taking part in this tutoring program, these students are not only helping out this crop of freshman, but setting an example for the entire school. For that, they are most deserving of this month’s ‘Driven Student’ award.”

 

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Driven Student program recognizes Plymouth high school students for their performance and achievements in and out of the classroom. Awarded on a monthly basis, recipients are selected by faculty and advisors at the student’s given school.

 

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (800) 640-2884.

Plymouth South freshmen get the treatment from upper classmen…Tutoring program mentors receive Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s “Driven Student” award.Read More

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Outline New COBRA Provisions for Businesses

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists, have outlined new COBRA provisions that were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to help businesses throughout New England understand the new provisions.

“The IRS recently issued additional guidance relating to the COBRA provisions adopted in the ARRA. In general, the new provisions provide a 65 percent subsidy for COBRA continuation premiums for up to nine months for workers who have been involuntarily terminated, and their families,” according to Tom Astore, CPA, JD, Tax Manager at Rodman & Rodman (http://www.rodmancpa.com)

Astore noted that these rules apply to group health plans that are subject to the Federal COBRA continuation coverage requirements or to similar requirements under State law.

So, if a company has such a plan, and receives a 35 percent payment from someone eligible for the subsidy, it must make the remaining 65 percent premium payment. However, the company is not “out of pocket” for this cost because they can claim a payroll tax credit to offset this subsidy.


In order to qualify for premium assistance, a worker must:


·       Be “involuntarily terminated” between Sept.1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2009;
·       Be eligible for COBRA coverage; and
·       Elect such coverage.


The period of coverage ends on 12/31/2009 or on the date the terminated worker becomes eligible for coverage under any other group health plan or for Medicare benefits – whichever comes first. Companies must notify terminated workers of their right to a COBRA continuation coverage subsidy.

The subsidy is not taxable when received, but higher income recipients, such as those with modified adjusted gross income above $125,000 ($250,000 for joint filers) will have to pay back part or all of it at tax return time.


In most cases, an employer will be reimbursed for the subsidy by way of a federal payroll tax credit.

“As you can tell, these rules are complex. Employers can claim the payroll credit, but should consult their accountant on how to properly do so. Special rules will also apply; one example of this is if the employer includes health premiums as part of a severance package. Be sure to consult a professional for guidance,” noted Astore.

For more information about COBRA provisions in ARRA, contact Rodman & Rodman, P.C. at (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth.

From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Outline New COBRA Provisions for BusinessesRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 300 at Volunteer Luncheon

Maura Shepard, Diana DiGiorgi and Lucille Dallaire of OCES
Maura Shepard, Diana DiGiorgi and Lucille Dallaire of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) in Brockton recently recognized over 300 volunteers who generously dedicate themselves to OCES (http://www.oldcolonyelderservices.org) and to helping elders in the community.

The Volunteer Recognition Luncheon’s apt theme was “Volunteers are Treasures”. More than 300 volunteers in the Nutrition and Money Management programs and on the Board of Directors as well as those who volunteer for the Money Management Program Advisory Board and the local cable television program known as Senior Options were presented with Scrolls of Recognition for their service to OCES and seniors in the community. Gift certificates were presented and various raffles were held. All enjoyed entertainment by one-man-band Dave Burbank and a buffet lunch was served in OCES’ newly renovated conference room and catered by Lindley Food Service.

OCES Nutrition volunteers participate in the Meals on Wheels program and deliver meals to elders’ homes or they may volunteer as a food server at one of OCES congregate meal sites.

Money Management volunteers are assigned to assist elders by providing a personalized money management service. They make home visits at least once a month to help keep track of income and expenses. OCES Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Board are comprised entirely of volunteers. Senior Options is a local Brockton Cable T.V. show which is a collaboration between OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging. Local Brockton volunteers run the entire cable show which includes filming, producing, directing, sound, interviewing, etc.

“Our volunteers are very valuable and this recognition is well-deserved. We cannot run our programs without them. We are extremely grateful to those who tirelessly dedicate their time and expertise in volunteering for programs to help elders,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes 300 at Volunteer LuncheonRead More

J.P. Licks Names Josh Diveley as New GM of Newbury Street

J.P. Licks has recently promoted Josh Diveley, a resident of Somerville, to the position of General Manager of the Newbury Street store.

Diveley began his career at J.P. Licks (http://www.jplicks.com) as a scooper and supervisor in 2006. He was promoted to Assistant Manager in 2008 and assumed the duties of overseeing the daily and weekly activities of the business including hiring, training and development, customer service, and sales building. In his new role as General Manager, Josh will be held responsible for the store’s operations and business growth.

“Josh has the intelligence, experience and the skills necessary to assume this leadership role. Josh’s promotion is well-deserved,” noted Vince Petryk, founder of J.P. Licks.

For the past four years, Josh has also served as a Road Crew Team Leader for WZLX-FM, managing and assisting the road crew at promotional events and concerts. He also volunteers his time. Since 2006, he has been a volunteer at the New England Aquarium in the Penguin Husbandry program.

Diveley holds an Associate’s degree from Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from James Madison University in Virginia. He is a member of the Boston Area James Madison University Alumni Chapter.

Best of Boston and Beyond

For more than 27 years, J.P. Licks has been serving homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt and other specialties in their eight Kosher-certified shops in and around Boston. They have won, literally, hundreds of awards over the years. Most recently, J.P. Licks won their 11th consecutive “Best” award from The Phoenix. They have received six “Best of Boston’s” from Boston Magazine and three consecutive “Bests” from The Weekly Dig magazine. J.P. Licks was also chosen as Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s “Small Business of the Year” in 2007.

J.P. Licks recently expanded their product line to include Numi loose leaf teas and hot breakfast at every store and French Press coffee at their locations in Jamaica Plain, Coolidge Corner, One Brigham Circle, West Roxbury and Harvard Square.

Additionally, J.P. Licks roasts their own fair trade and organic coffee beans in the Jamaica Plain store and they cater ice cream parties, too. Visit the website at jplicks.com for even more information.

J.P. Licks Names Josh Diveley as New GM of Newbury StreetRead More

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth donates Chevy for Boys and Girls Club 4th Annual Golf Tournament at Crosswinds Golf Club

Jeff Tracy with Chevy
Jeff Tracy with Chevy
“Golf drive” takes on a whole new meaning.  As part of the upcoming Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield 4th Annual Golf Tournament, participants now have the chance to drive in a hole in one and drive away in a brand new Chevy donated by Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, Plymouth.
The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield will hold their 4th Annual Golf Tournament on June 26 at Crosswinds Golf Club, 424 Long Pond Rd. in Plymouth.  Registration starts at 11 a.m. Tee-off is at 12 p.m.  There are still a few openings for golfers, hole sponsors and auction item donors.
Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac President Jeff Tracy noted, “The hole in one car contest is an added highlight for golfers.  Who wouldn’t get a kick out of hitting the perfect shot and snagging a new car as a prize?”  In addition to helping out the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, Tracy is also on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Plymouth.
The Boys and Girls Club’s exciting Annual Golf Tournament has drawn participants such as the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals Sean Morey (who is a Marshfield native) in the past.  Morey is both a recent Super Bowl champ and Pro Bowler. This year’s tournament is sponsored by Marshfield’s “Citizens of the Year” Jack and Beth Griffin of Buythecase.net (Pembroke) who will be playing in the tournament.  Other “local celebs” playing include Selectman Michael Maresco, Police Chief Bill Sullivan, Fire Chief Kevin Robinson and Pat Roche, founder of Roche Bros. along with his sons.
Tickets are $150 per person or $600 for a foursome and are on sale now at the Boys and Girls Club in Library Plaza and online at www.marshfieldboysandgirlsclub.com.  Early registration is recommended.  Every foursome receives free use of a golf cart, goody bags and a commemorative framed photo of themselves at the tournament.
Hole sponsorships are available for $150.  Raffle and silent auction donations are needed.  Those interested should contact the Boys and Girls Club directly.
“We have 18 foursomes signed up for this fun event and are looking for another 24 to round it out,” noted Greg Jackson, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Marshfield.  “Last year we raised over $25,000 from registration, fees, sponsorships and from the auction items.  This year we’d like to top it.”
All players will receive a box lunch.  An awards dinner will be held at Crosswinds after the event and prizes will be given for “Closest to the Pin” and “Longest Drive” among others.  Restaurant gift certificates, golf items and sports memorabilia will be offered through a Silent Auction.  Raffles will held.  There is also the possibility of winning a new car from Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth with a hole in one.
For those who are unable to attend the golf tournament, but would like to attend the dinner, a $50 donation is asked.
Stop by the Boys and Girls Club or visit www.marshfieldboysandgirlsclub.com to purchase tickets and register for the event.  For more information, contact 781-834-2582.
About the Boys and Girls Club
The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s purpose is to establish a safe haven for recreation and fun, which includes a variety of supervised activities for the 1,100 current members and is available to youth (between the ages of 6 to 18 years old) within the town and surrounding communities. The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield has five Core Areas:  Character and Leadership; Education and Career; Health, Sport Fitness Recreation and Life Skills; The Arts; and Technology.  These Core Areas serve as the foundation for all programming.
As a privately-funded, non-profit organization, the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield relies tremendously on the generous philanthropic support of individuals.  Financial gifts assist in providing the financial strength necessary to continue the club’s mission “to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive and responsible citizens, as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders.”
So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac
For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (800) 640-2884.
For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield golf tournament, please contact (781) 834-CLUB (2582) or visit the club in Library Plaza or the website at MarshfieldBoysAndGirlsClub.com.  The club’s mailing address is P.O. Box 311, Marshfield, MA  02050.

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac of Plymouth donates Chevy for Boys and Girls Club 4th Annual Golf Tournament at Crosswinds Golf ClubRead More

Dr. Kate McDonough, Chiropractor, Expands Services to Include State-of-the-Art Microcurrent Technology

The Chiropractic Office of Dr. Kate McDonough, serving patients throughout the South Shore since 1993 and located in Hanover, has recently expanded their services to include state-of-the-art Microcurrent technology for facial and body rejuvenation.

Dr. McDonough now offers Microcurrent treatment, which is a type of safe, painless electrophysiology that utilizes subsensory currents to sculpt and tone the face and body.

According to Dr. McDonough, “Microcurrent works wonders on the face and body. When used on the face, the results are similar to a facelift, but without the surgery. When used on the body, it can improve tighten, lift, tone and reduce cellulite. No harmful lasers are used and there is no wounding of the skin. Best of all, patients feel no soreness or pain and there is no recovery time involved.”

Microcurrent technology provides effective and immediate results on the face and body that include: diminished wrinkles and lines; tighter, firmer skin; elimination and/or reduction in acne and dark under eye circles; reduction in the symptoms of Rosacea, Eczema and Melasma; cellulite reduction; and reduction of calloused skin on elbows, knees. When used in body sculpting, microcurrent provides measurable overall reductions, which result in firmer and more lifted buttocks; a more toned stomach and slimmer, tighter legs.

“Microcurrent is a popular non-invasive technology which provides patients with anti-aging results without the recovery and downtime of surgeries and other aggressive treatments,” explained Dr. McDonough.

Microcurrent technology rejuvenates the skin and muscle tone of mature patients and serves as more of a preventative measure in younger patients. Mature patients will experience the most dramatic results. Treatment courses vary according to the patients, buy typically, would consist of 10-12 treatments over a period of approximately two months.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. McDonough’s office at (781) 829-9099 or visit their website at http://www.drkatechiro.com.

Chiropractic Office of Dr. Kate McDonough

The Chiropractic Office of Dr. Kate McDonough focuses on healthy living naturally and serves as a Natural Healing Center for patients throughout the South Shore. For more than 15 years, Dr. McDonough has been providing chiropractic, corrective exercises and spinal and postural screenings. As a Natural Healing Center, the practice provides lifestyle advice, nutritional assessment, physiotherapy and most recently microcurrent anti-aging and cellulite reduction.

Dr. McDonough believes that treating the whole body, not just the symptoms, plays an instrumental part in pain relief, healing and wellness. The Chiropractic Office of Dr. Kate McDonough accepts most insurance plans including: Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, MAMSI, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim, United, Guardian, Medicare and others.

For more information, contact the office at (781) 829-9099 or visit the website at www.drkatechiro.com.

Dr. Kate McDonough, Chiropractor, Expands Services to Include State-of-the-Art Microcurrent TechnologyRead More

What you don’t know about retail markups does cost you…

MERRILLVILLE, IN …

These tough economic times have families and homeowners reevaluating budgets and looking for ways to reduce spending. One area a family’s internal audit might not take into consideration is how much more they spend by purchasing items they need at retail prices.

According to information from the 2007 U.S. Census, consumer retail markups range from 46.6 percent at furniture and home furnishing stores to 38 percent at department stores, and from 33.5 percent at building supplies and materials stores to 28 percent at electronics and computer software stores.

“When it comes to retail markups, many consumers don’t even realize what they are spending. And if they do, they often feel helpless. They don’t know there are alternative options to retail stores, so they opt to spend less rather than spend more wisely,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices. “You can’t stop shopping altogether. If you’re a homeowner, particularly if you purchased your home in the past few years, it’s difficult to spend less because you run the risk of your home running into disrepair and lowering the property value.”

In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builders website, www.homeeconomics.com, families spend $12,332 during the first year after buying a home built in 2004 or later; and $8,927 if the home was built before 2004. For a non-moving owner, that figure was $4,420.

Even further evidence that homeowners are still investing in their properties comes from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. In a recent report, the Joint Center projected that U.S. homeowners will spend $134.1 billion on home improvements in the third quarter 2009 and $137.2 billion in the fourth quarter 2009.

So, if consumers are still going to spend on home improvement, how do they escape costly retail markups?

“At our clubs across the U.S. and Canada, we enable our members to buy directly from the manufacturers. That eliminates the markup and gives them optimal value for their dollar,” said Shragal. “That’s why member sales are up at many of our clubs because, even in this difficult economy, people know they have to reinvest in their homes and want to get the maximum bang for their buck.”

DirectBuy clubs offer members the opportunity to save on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories. In addition, DirectBuy clubs boast teams of specialists and access to designers to help members with their purchases, as well as exclusive access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

What you don’t know about retail markups does cost you…Read More