BUFFALO, NY, November 27, 2007 - AAA is expecting North American shoppers to save $35.3 million this holiday season by taking advantage of member discounts at consumer electronics stores, booksellers, clothing boutiques, and other retail establishments through the AAA Show Your Card and Save® program.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average consumer is expected to spend $619 on gifts this holiday season. AAA's member savings can help consumers get more for their money at retailers such as Payless ShoeSource, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Dell, and many more.

"Our research has shown that that the vast majority of AAA members are unaware of the retail savings that accompanies their membership," said Tom Chestnut, President and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. "The same card used for emergency roadside assistance, travel planning and complimentary maps can also save a lot of money on gift giving during the holidays and throughout the year."

AAA is reminding shoppers who might plan to spend conservatively this year that they can get more bang for their buck by using their membership cards. The AAA Show Your Card and Save program is available at over 110,000 North American retail locations and on the internet. According to the NRF, the average consumer plans to do 30 percent of their holiday shopping online. AAA members can take advantage of discounts at popular stores such as Target.com, Barnesandnoble.com, FTD.com and more.

Some exclusive holiday savings for members include:

• 40 percent off many popular books, CDs, and DVDs from November 28 through December 10 at BarnesandNoble.com, plus save an additional 10 percent and receive Fast and Free shipping on orders over $25. AAA members save five percent year round at AAA.com/barnesandnoble.
• 20 percent off all regular priced items at Payless ShoeSource during the month of December. Visit AAA.com/save to download a coupon or visit your local AAA Travel and Insurance Center.
• 20 percent off and free shipping on radios and accessories from SIRIUS Satellite Radio. In additional, sign up for a one year subscription and receive free activation and a free month of service. Visit AAA.com/Sirius for more details.

This year's savings forecast is based on retail shopping transactions through AAA's Show Your Card and Save program from November 1st through December 31st of 2006. During that time AAA members saved $34.5 million, a 28 percent increase from 2005.

AAA's Show Your Card and Save program consists of more than 150,000 locations worldwide and is the largest member discount program in the world. For additional savings and a complete list of retailers and locations, visit AAA.com/save.

 

As Upstate New York's largest motoring and travel organization, AAA provides its 870,000 members with travel, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety, security and mobility of all travelers. AAA can be visited at www.AAA.com.

Contact:
Shaun Seufert (716) 929-3600
Diana R. Dibble (315) 453-5904
Wally Smith (716) 626-3225