LinkShare today announced the successful completion of its Symposium East 2009 held June 23, 2009 in New York, NY. New market research revealed at the event establishes the emergence of the “value shopper” �" consumers who consider the Internet the best place to find value in today’s tough economy. In addition to unveiling these findings, LinkShare announced the winners of the 6th Annual Golden Link Awards, which celebrate the top leaders and innovators of the ecommerce industry.
Research conducted by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, Inc. (PSB), and commissioned by LinkShare earlier this year identified a new breed of consumer �" the “recession shopper.” These consumers claimed that as economic situations worsened, they would look online to find the best deals. Months later, as the economy continues to remain in a downturn, more online consumers are now looking online to find the best value for their money, establishing that the “recession shopper” is here to stay, having evolved into a new online consumer category �" the “value shopper.”
“The current economy continues to challenge businesses in many ways �" to make a profit, remain relevant, and establish and maintain a consistent brand identity,” said Jonathan Levine, co-president, LinkShare. ”As a leader in the performance marketing industry, LinkShare strives to help members of our network achieve these things �" not only through the development of innovative tools, but also by providing them with industry insight to help them remain competitive. This new research stresses the importance of value to the online consumer �" value in quality, price, convenience and time.”
Each year, LinkShare rewards the ecommerce leaders and innovators within its network by presenting them with a Golden Link Award, which represents quality, leadership, creativity and originality.
“We are very lucky to have such creative and innovative advertisers and publishers within our network,” said Yaz Iida, co-president, LinkShare. “Because of their commitment to �" and wide-spread influence within �" the world of ecommerce, we think it’s important to recognize their important role in the evolution of online retail. These innovative companies/individuals are re-defining how we shop and creating an online world where consumers turn to find and measure value.”
LinkShare Symposium East 2009 Golden Link Award winners are:
* Innovative Publisher of the Year: Vertive for Offers.com
* Innovative Advertiser of the Year: drugstore.com
* Best New Advertiser: The North Face
* Best New Publisher: DBG Loyalty for Bank of America
* Advertiser's Choice Award: CouponCabin
* Publisher's Choice Award: Gaiam.com
* International Advertiser of the Year: LEGO
* Best Communication Strategy: Bare Necessities
* MVP �" Most Valuable Publisher for Lead Generation: Nelnet
* Technology Genius Award: iStorez
LinkShare wishes to thank its many Symposium East 2009 sponsors, including Fleurop-Interflora (fleurop.com), Macy’s, Yesmail, Affiliate Voice LCC, AVON, Barefruit, Bella True, Clicks2Customers, CostumeSuperCenter.com, Doheny’s Water Warehouse, FreeShipping.com, GourmetGiftBaskets.com, LWS Media, OneCause, Savings.com, SmartBargains.com, Upromise, Affiliate Summit, Electronic Retailer, Revenue, magaz!nes.com, ShopToEarn, TOSHIBA and Limoges Jewelry.
