Electronics, Apparel and Practical Gifts Are Top of Mind This Holiday Season

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - November 25, 2008) - The holiday shopping season is already well underway and with sales affected increasingly by the widespread economic crisis, retailers are discounting heavily to spur holiday spending. Electronics, apparel, and accessories are among the more popular items for gifts this season, according to information from NearbyNow, Inc., about shopping trends in over 500 cities across the US. Discount retailers and specialty stores like RadioShack, Gamestop, Sheikh Shoes, The Walking Company, and Sears are in good position to cash in.

NearbyNow is giving a peek -- throughout the holiday season -- into what items are in the highest demand across hundreds of cities in the US, based on the use of its popular local shopping service where consumers can search for items near them and put them on hold to pick up. Earliest indicators show that people are planning a jump start to their New Year's resolutions by snapping up the Wii Fit Bundle, and continue loading up on the Wii Accessories. These two items are particularly popular in the Midwest and Northwest, while the Southwest favors UGG® Australia Women's Classic Short Suede Boots and the Nintendo Gamecube System. The Northeast is all about basketball, as Nike Women's Air Flight Dime Dropper and Jordan Men's Big Fund Basketball Shoes top the most requested items. Across the country, the top most requested items include:

--  Nintendo - Wii (including Starter Kits)
--  Nintendo Wii Accessory Bundles
--  The Children's Place Buckled High Top (Shoes for Children)
--  Ganz Sherling Lamb (Stuffed Animal Toy)
--  Nike Air Jordan Mens Big Fund Basketball Shoe
--  Superman Classic Logo T-Shirt
--  Ingram Micro Wii Fit & Wii Balance Board
--  Converse Chuck Taylor Ox (Shoes)
--  Tripp Purple Lace Corset Dress
--  Aerie Diamond Tanga (Underwear)
--  Converse Unisex Chuck Taylor Hi Top (Shoes)
--  UGG® Australia "Cardy" Tall Crochet Boots
--  UGG® Australia Classic Short Boots
--  Mylec Deluxe Hockey Goal Set
--  Armory JabbaWockeez Tee
--  Nike Men's Shox Elite II Basketball Shoe
    

Holiday shoppers can get these popular items by going to www.nearbynow.com, searching, and once found, clicking "is it in stock?" The NearbyNow Concierge Service will call the store to verify the item is still available, and put it on hold -- or if not in stock, they will keep checking back until it's in. Users will get an email and/or text message back confirming the product has been reserved and the name of a contact at the store.

"Retailers have been reducing inventories this year, which increases the likelihood that an item may not be in your size when you arrive at the store," said Scott Dunlap, CEO of NearbyNow. "To save time, gas, and money, shoppers can use NearbyNow to ensure the hot product they want is ready to pick up with a few clicks of the mouse."

About NearbyNow, Inc.

NearbyNow, Inc. provides a unique online service that allows consumers to search all products, brands, and sales currently available in local shopping areas near them using the Internet or mobile phones. Shoppers can even put items on hold to pick up with a single click, ensuring that items will be available in the needed size and color. The company also creates an efficient marketing tool for retailers to target nearby consumers, helping increase sales by turning online shoppers into in-store buyers. NearbyNow is headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Additional information can be obtained by phone at (650) 967-0940 or via the Web at www.nearbynow.com.

Contact Information: MEDIA CONTACT: Alicia Nieva-Woodgate Trier and Company for NearbyNow Phone: 415.515.0866 alicia@triercompany.com