News Bite: Economy Has More Women Becoming Strippers

I know everyone's entitled to do what ever they want but I just find it a little disturbing that some women are chosing to go this route to make extra money.

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Economy Has More Women Becoming Strippers
Many Turning To Adult Entertainment Industry For Work

by The Associated Press

As a bartender and trainer at a national restaurant chain, Rebecca Brown earned a couple thousand dollars in a really good week.

Now, as a dancer at Chicago's Pink Monkey gentleman's club, she makes almost that much in one good night.

The tough job market is prompting a growing number of women across the country to dance in strip clubs, appear in adult movies or pose for adult magazines.

Employers across the adult entertainment industry said they're seeing an influx of applications from women who, like Brown, are attracted by the promise of flexible schedules and fast cash. Many have college degrees and held white-collar jobs until the economy soured.

"You're seeing a lot more beautiful women who are eligible to do so many other things," said Gus Poulos, general manager of New York City's Sin City gentleman's club. He said he got 85 responses in just one day to a recent job posting on Craigslist.

The transition to the nightclub scene isn't always a smooth one -- from learning to dance in five-inch heels to dealing with the jeers of some customers.

Some performers said they were initially so nervous that only alcohol could calm their nerves.

"It is like giving a speech, but instead of imagining everyone naked, you're the one who's naked," Brown, 29, said.

Eva Stone, a 25-year-old dancer at the Pink Monkey, said dealing with occasional verbal abuse from patrons requires "a thick skin."

Makers of adult films cautioned that women shouldn't rush into the decision to make adult movies without considering the effect on their lives.

"Once you decide to be an adult actress, it impacts your relationship with everyone," said Steven Hirsch, co-chairman of adult film giant Vivid Entertainment Group. "Once you make an adult film, it never goes away."

The women at the Pink Monkey say dancing at a strip club might not have been their first career choice, but they entered the business with their eyes wide open. The job gives them more control and flexibility than sitting in a cubicle, and "it's easy, it's fun and all of us girls ... look out for each other," Brown said.

In this economy, "desperate measures are becoming far more acceptable," said Jonathan Alpert, a New York City-based psychotherapist who's had clients who worked in adult entertainment.

For some, dancing is temporary, a way to pay for college loans or other bills. Others say they've found their niche.

Dancers at the upscale Rick's Caberet clubs in New York City and Miami can make $100,000 to $300,000 a year -- in cash -- even with the economic downturn, club spokesman Allan Priaulx said.

Priaulx said 20 to 30 women a week are applying for jobs at the New York club, double the number of a year ago.

Still, analysts said, the industry isn't immune to the economic recession. Business is down an estimated 30 percent across all segments, including adult films, gentleman's clubs, magazines and novelty shops, said Paul Fishbein, president of AVN Media Network, an adult entertainment company that has a widely distributed trade publication and an award show.

"In the past, people have said this industry is recession-proof," said Eric Wold, director of research for financial services firm Merriman Curhan Ford. "I definitely don't see that; maybe recession-resistant."

Strip club dancers and managers said they're drawing in the same number of customers, but fewer high rollers.

"They're not getting the big spenders," said Angelina Spencer, executive director of the Association of Club Executives, a trade group for adult nightclubs. "They're not getting the guys who come in and drop $3,000 to $4,000 a night anymore."

Still, the clubs' operating structure leaves them with low overhead and profit margins of up to 50 percent, Wold said.

Dancers are independent contractors, paying clubs a nightly flat fee depending on how long they work. At the Pink Monkey, for example, dancers who arrive at 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday pay a $40 "house fee," while women who don't arrive until midnight pay $90. And they keep their tips.

Wold and others say it's almost impossible to estimate the size of the adult entertainment industry because few companies are publicly traded. He does pay close attention to three that are: Lakewood, Colo.-based VCG Holding and Houston-based Rick's Caberet, which own clubs, and New Frontier Media, a Boulder, Colo.-based adult film producer and distributor.

All three are profitable.

Rick's Caberet had $60 million in revenue in its 2008 fiscal year, up from $32 million the year before, Wold said, and he estimates VCG will have $57 million for last year, compared with $40.5 million in FY2007. New Frontier Media generates more than $400 million in consumer buying a year.

Larry Flynt, whose half-billion dollar Hustler empire publishes magazines, produces and distributes films and operates a casino, said he's continued to do well. But he doesn't expect those who are solely in the film business to survive.

"A lot of the small studios are out of business now, there's no doubt about that," Flynt said.

Adult magazines also are struggling along with the larger publishing industry, and have to cut pages like everyone else.

But the economic realities aren't keeping jobseekers away.

Vivid Entertainment's Hirsch said the number of women in his business has doubled in the last couple years, with roughly 800 working as adult actresses. "It is more competitive than I've seen it in 25 years," he said.

That doesn't mean all the newcomers are planning on lengthy careers in the industry.

Stone, who has a bachelor's degree in graphic design, took up dancing four years ago to help pay her student loans. She plans to go to graduate school this year to pursue a master's in education.

Brown, meanwhile, has a ready answer for those critical of her career choice.

"I have job security," she said.

Style and Focus News Bites

** Ashley Judd Protest Against Gov. Sarah Palin for Promoting Aerial Killing of Wolves. According to The Huffington Post (huffingtonpost.com), Ashley Judd stars in a new campaign targeted at Sarah Palin's alleged "anti-conservation agenda" and her promotion of the killing of wolves and bears in Alaska.

The group that Judd is working with is the Defenders Action Fund which have a new Website, EyeonPalin.org. In a video, Judd condemns Palin for promoting the aerial killing of wolves and even accuses her of suggesting $150 bounties for the severed forelegs of killed wolves. "Now back in Alaska, Palin is again casting aside science and championing the slaughter of wildlife," Judds recites somberly. "Palin even proposed a $150 bounty for the severed foreleg of each killed wolf. And now she is encouraging even more aerial killing. it is time to stop Sarah Palin and stop this senseless savagery."

** As Hotels Struggle for Business, Some Guests Find an Upside to the Struggling Economy. The upside for many guests are: bargain rates, less-crowded hotels and rooms available at the last minute at most popular hotels. Many also are enjoying improved service and special treatment, such as free upgrades to suites or club floors, as hotels roll out the red carpet to try to attract and hold on to customers. However, despite the good fortune of guests, many hotels have laid off workers or decreased their work hours resulting in guests having to wait longer to check in and out, have rooms made up and have cars returned by the valets. Luxury hotels are feeling the biggest decline in service, many travelers who used to stay at luxury hotels "are trading down," staying at less-expensive ones, says Will Marks, an industry analyst for JMP Securities. (USA Today)

** Emma Watson (The Tale of Despereaux and Harry Potter), has decorated and signed a Blue Peter plate for the Blue Peter's Mission Nutrition Appeal. The plate is currently being auction on Ebay (click here for link). The goal of the appeal is to provide meals to over 2 million children worldwide.

** In celebration of Black History Month, Payless ShoeSource Has Launched the Payless Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship Program for Minority Youth. Through the new program, Payless is selling a limited-edition I Believe necklace for only $4 (click picture for better view) in more than 800 stores nationwide and Payless.com, while supplies last, and will donate 100 percent of the net profits of necklace sales, with a minimum donation of $35,000, to a newly developed scholarship program established with the National Urban League (NUL). This is the first-ever retail partnership for the NUL. Payless said it expects the NUL to distribute a minimum of a dozen $2,500 scholarships to African American and other minority youth through its signature program, Project Ready.

"Youth and education are critical to the future of our nation," said LuAnn Via, president and CEO of Payless. "Our efforts this February are focused on supporting African American and other minority youth with our Payless Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship program. The unique, limited-edition I Believe necklace is available for only $4 -- a price point accessible to so many. Together, we are truly celebrating Black History Month with this fun, fashionable and affordable item and benefiting youth in the process -- providing strong opportunities for higher education and financial support to help make academic dreams come true." For more information on the I Believe necklace or the Payless Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship program, please visit http://www.payless.com/bhm. (Press Release)

** Angelina Jolie plea for more freedom to thousands of Burmese refugees that have been locked inside camps for up to 20 years in Thailand. After Jolie's visit to Thailand's Ban Mai Nai Soi refugee center, asked the Thailand government to give approximately 110,000 refugees in the northern part of the country freedom to move around and seek higher education. "I was saddened to meet a 21-year-old woman who was born in a refugee camp, who has never even been out of the camp and is now raising her own child in a camp," Jolie said in a statement. (People magazine)

The Importance of Staying Visible in Tough Times

by Annice Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

Yes, it's common sense to stay visible doing tough economic times but many seem to forget that. As the old saying goes "Out of Sight, Out of Mind". Instead of using all their resources many are choosing to scale back or eliminate their Marketing and Public Relations altogether. Why? By doing that all it will do is put you at a disadvantage once the economy starts to take off again. This may not be the best time to promote curtain products such as luxury items but companies no matter if their selling birds seeds to Bottega Veneta need to stay in the public eye.

It's doesn't require companies using stunts to get attention. Promote the company's positive points such as charitable endeavors or how the company is striving to succeed during this lack luster economy. This is the real value of using PR to tackle issues such as this. Just come up with creative ideas to promote your company and/or products. Human interest pieces such as helping a local soup kitchen in need to Recession-proof workshops for small businesses can help increase visibility as well as provide you with positive feedback with your target audience. To move products many tried and true way work such as grocery stores, book stores and clothing boutiques have noticed increase in sales with in store signings (book stores and boutiques) and free samples with coupons (grocery stores).

However, despite the tough times many companies are doing the reverse and are increasing their budget. For instance, in a November Wall Street Journal article "Marketers Take a Softer Tack to Reach Uneasy Customers" several companies including Pillsbury are increasing their marketing budget with successful campaigns that focus on family, warmth and safety of home. It shows stability in an unstable time.

But don't over flood the social media networks, newspapers, etc. with "news" because doing that will easily result in no media coverage at all. Make it standout but remember no over the top gimmicks or stunts.


Style & Focus Lifestyle PR is a strategic and creative freelance based company catering to small businesses in the Lifestyle, Fashion and Beauty market. We provide clients with original ideas, services and personal attention through promotion and increased public awareness. For more information contact Style and Focus Lifestyle PR: styleandfocusfreelance@yahoo.com

7 Date Ideas for a Recession Budget

By Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

Don't let the sagging economy ruin your romance. Here are a few low dough ways to enjoy your Date Nights:

* Plan a Date Night at Home. Prepare an easy yet delectable meal (check the web for recipes - from Italian - French) and don't forget the dessert. Set the mood by keeping the lighting low. Light a few candles but if you're the forgetful type you may want to opt for flameless candles instead. Perfume the room with a light fragrance by using scented candles to invoke a relaxing and sensuous experience. Remember it's a romantic evening, get rid of the clutter. You don't want stacks of paper and piles of clothes to ruin the moment.

* Daytime Dates Can Be Just as Fun. Meet up for Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch and you can find great food at great prices. Also, some restaurants may even offer a special theatre dinner menu and prices be sure to ask.

* Meet at a little cafe for coffee and dessert. The surprising thing is you'll feel like your the only two people in the room.

* Make a date to go Star Gazing. Whether it's the backyard, balcony or the park a night of star gazing can be romantic. Pack a couple of blankets, a Thermos of coffee (tea, hot chocolate) or a bottle of wine.

* Game on. Can't afford Pro Ball tickets? There's always high school or college games tickets available. With the money saved you can continue the energy at a sports bar.

* Feel Like a VIP. Get Dressed up and go out for drinks at a upscale hotel. You will feel like a million bucks.

* Hit up the arcade. Feel like a teenager again and play some of the classic games. For fun, challenge each other for the highest score. Loser buys drinks.

Style and Focus News Bites

** Economy: Jobless Claims Surge Above 400,000. The number of newly laid off people filing claims for unemployment benefits bolted past 400,000 last week as companies trimmed their workforces to cope with a slowing economy. The Labor Department reported Thursday that the number of new applications filed for these benefits rose by a seasonally adjusted 34,000 to 406,000 for the week ending July 19. The snapshot of layoffs was worse than economists were forecasting. They were expecting claims to rise to 375,000 according to economists surveyed by Thomson/IFR. (USA Today) - Economy

** Beauty: Aveda Reformulates Make-up Line With Natural Pigments. Leading natural cosmetics provider Aveda has updated and expanded its Uruku make-up collection, opting for natural annatto pigment instead of synthetics. The range now includes a new bronzer, an updated and reformulated lip pigment line, together with a new eye accent and cheek/lip crème, all benefitting from the use of the annatto, which is a powdered pigment derived from urukum and mica, and is a light reflecting mineral. Aveda says that this pigment delivers lasting color for all skin types, with the added benefit of being naturally derived, reducing the risk of toxicity and other drawbacks associated with synthetic pigments. (Cosmetic Design) - Beauty

** Publishing: NYT to Raise Newsstand Price to $1.50. The New York Times Co. will increase the Monday-Saturday newsstand cost of its flagship paper by 25 cents to $1.50. Times CEO Janet Robinson said the price increase for The New York Times will take effect Aug. 18. The last increase came a year ago. The company recently announced a 4.5 percent increase in home delivery prices for the paper that takes effect this month, the second bump in a year. (The Associated Press) - Publishing

** Business: Amazon Sales Brisk Despite U.S. Economy. Amazon.com Inc. reporting Wednesday that its second-quarter profit more than doubled and surpassed analyst expectations. The Internet retailer also raised full-year revenue projections. Sales were strong in several sections of Amazon's massive marketplace. (Los Angeles Times)

** Fashion: Gucci Loses Out to Vuitton as Brand Starts to Fade. "Gucci may be squandering its high-end credentials for more mainstream growth", says Rita Clifton, chairman of London-based Interbrand consulting company. "There's a real danger zone at Gucci at this moment," Clifton said. "It's easy in these high-pressure times to drive growth by keeping your foot on the accelerator, but they've got to make sure they keep reinvesting in top-end luxury." "With the slowdown in US consumption, Gucci's flaws are beginning to show", says Washington Post fashion critic Robin Givhan, adding that the label has "lost its personality". Gucci's first-quarter sales growth slowed to 2.5 percent from 11 percent in the fourth quarter.

"Gucci has disappointed the market and LVMH has surprised," said Scilla Huang Sun, who runs a luxury fund for Julius Baer Holding AG in Zurich. Julius Baer cut its stake in PPR by 25 percent this year, while buying LVMH, the world's biggest luxury-goods maker.

Gucci accounts for 36 percent of PPR's operating profit and 11 percent of sales. A recent effort by Gucci to design a lower-priced handbag to compete with Vuitton's Neverfull tote also gave a down-market image to the brand, critics said. Canvas GG Joy purses and bags, introduced last year, are emblazoned with printed GG logos and cost about 350 euros for a small doctor-bag model. (China Daily) - Fashion

Is Creativity the Way to Boost Sales during Recession?

by A. Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

During hard times companies are looking towards their marketing, PR and advertising - in-house or outside agency - to provide creative ways to make an impact and attract sales more often than not with a minimized budget. Creativity will be key because it will set a business apart from all it's competitors.

This is when marketers, advertisers and publicist really start earning their paychecks and surprisingly are given more free range to be more creative and use their imaginations to promote the products, services, the company's image, etc. However, there is no magical formula but it will take creative energy, innovative ideas and follow through to implement the new marketing plan. Publicist will continue to work the "free press" to get their clients name out there including continued contact with bloggers and social networks sites. They are also sending out more human interest pieces to show that the company cares as well as the traditional news releases and media alerts. It's a great cost effective way to reach the target market.

No doubt you have probably noticed the free gas cards being offered at certain businesses, new packaging, company logo's being updated, promotional tie-ends and free GWP (gift with purchase), magazines offering low priced subscriptions, etc. all to encourage current and potential new customers to try their products or services. The goal is to stay visible to their customers.

Visibility is important to fashion boutiques, because several popular ones continue to set up celebrities in-store promotions to promote the celebrity's clothing line which would result in additional sales and "free press" with perhaps the daily newspapers, entertainment TV shows and blogs. However, visibility can work in reverse with many boutiques dropping some celebrity lines if they can not get the celebrities for an in-store promotion, case in point, with the recent removal of Lauren Conrad's line from Kitson and Victoria Beckham's clothing also from Kitson back in April.

Will injecting more creativity boost sales during recession?



Style and Focus Lifestyle PR is a publicity and marketing freelance company as well as an informative and entertaining blog, Style and Focus Lifestyle PR, that helps small businesses build brand awareness in Fashion, Beauty, Philanthropic, Lifestyle, Entertainment and more. For more information contact Style and Focus Lifestyle PR: styleandfocusfreelance@yahoo.com

Fantasy versus Finance: Can Luxury Goods Hold-up During Hard Times?

It's no big secret that in the U.S. we are experiencing some financial hardship. Will luxury goods (LG) be affected as well?

Some consumers see luxury goods as a status symbol and a way to trade up to a different lifestyle market. They want to purchase what the affluent consumer is purchasing for several reason 1) to keep up with the Joneses, 2) as a reward for achieving something and 3) as a perceived value of prestige and high quality goods. Items that were once only purchased a few times a year had started to turn into instant gratification items that are purchased weekly. With America heading into a slower economy will the LG soon be taking a hit? Will manufactures/retailers have to cut back on creating, stocking and selling certain items?

With the average consumer making cuts, will the demand slow? The demand for LG will not completely slow down not as long as there are consumers who still want to purchase them whether they can afford it or not. The credit card fills that financial void for those who can not. But for how long?

Most magazines continue to promote luxury goods despite the average consumer feeling the economic crunch. But don't blame them, it's there job of selling a fantasy lifestyle to consumers. However, consumers are not buying it, they are strategically making cuts to their budgets and limiting some luxury items. They are figuring out what to continue to buy and what to leave on the shelves.

Areas that are starting to see a slight decline are:

* $100+ jeans: consumers still want the top styles but are looking to more affordable brands to get those looks.

* High-end jewelry: excluding the engagement ring, consumers are making for conscious decisions about which items to purchase and are looking for one or two key stand out pieces instead of following the latest trend.

* Expensive designer watches

* Large homes

* Luxury cars

* Expensive beauty products that don't live up to their claims

* Expensive bottled water


However, there are areas that are still in demand:

* High-end Wine and Liquor

* Designer handbags and shoes

* Designer clothing: although there is a slight decline for some items such as the basic, many consumers want that special piece such as dress or coat.

* Spas and beauty treatments

With Money Tight, How are Women Saving Money and Still Look Amazing?

With the economy not as stong as it once was, I decided to go into research mode to find out how women are saving money and are still looking amazing. They don't want to sacrifice their appearance even though their budget has taken a fall. I wanted to know what they were looking for beauty, fashion, and entertainment wise. So, what are some stylish but frugal women doing?

From my research:

* Many women are purchasing multi-purpose clothes that they can wear to work, on a date, etc. They want clothes that can work for more than one occasion. They want clothes that are durable, fashionable and affordable.

* Women are also choosing muliti-purpose makeup and beauty products that they can get more use out of. They want products that are time saving and portable, that will be useful in getting them out the door in the morning more quickly.

* Despite what's being promoted in the magazines some women are forgoing designer clothes and handbags and instead opting for affordable yet equally high quality clothes that will fit their new budgets. However, if they do choose to buy designer pieces they are purchasing from the sale or clearance racks instead. Many asked why don't their favorite magazines show more affordable options in between the inspirational designer pieces.

* Some women are choosing to forgo a few non-essential luxuries to keep at least one or two little luxuries like forgoing their daily lattes/coffees for professional manicures and pedicures.

* As for hair care products, there doesn't seem to be too much cutting back there but some are looking for more effective hair products that do what they claim they are suppose to do. However, they are limiting the number of blowouts and other professional services they are getting but are looking for products that will help extend the life of their professionally styled hair.

* Lastly, they are looking for more affordable ways to entertain and have fun, for instance going out to nightclubs and out to dinner can be fun but are quite expensive. Many women are looking for more ways to stretch their entertainment budget and still have a good time without sitting at home on a Saturday night. They are choosing some affordable but fun options such as: going to bars, pubs and diners for cocktails and meals, hosting or attending dinner parties, karaoke bars, taking turns hosting fabulous cocktail parties with their friends, etc.