Page 13 - Sphere No.32 (Dec 2012)

Sphere 32 11
is becoming a promotion-intense period because of this
trend, and now the holiday months account for a significant
proportion of our yearly sales volumes.”
3 hong Kong and 3 ireland agree. “We have seen an increase
in the purchase of phones and phone plans as christmas gifts,
and thus we often hold promotions during the winter months
in which shoppers can buy discounted plans, obtain a free
smart phone with the signing of a contract or make use of other
rebates and special offers during this time,” said Debra ma.
however, not every division sees the increase in profits one
might expect. The Group’s energy and infrastructure division,
for example, sees sales remain steady throughout the holiday
season, despite the prevalence of holiday lights and travelling
home to be with family. “surprisingly, the holiday season is
not a particularly higher period for electricity consumption,”
shared alex sturge, communications manager of uK Power
networks in the uK. “occasionally we see a slight spike on
christmas Day, for example, when many families are using
their stoves, ovens and domestic electrical appliances at full
force, but for the most part, we do not register higher usage
rates during the holidays.”
husky energy in canada echoes these findings. “Winter is
a peak period for energy use, but this is not necessarily driven
by the holidays. more likely, the cold winter weather is the
root cause, because people must use their central heating
systems more steadily,” said carla yuill, manager,
corporate communications.
The holidays signal more than simply an opportunity for
financial gain in the hutchison family, though. many of the
company’s divisions take great measures, such as doubling their
on-site staff, to ensure that their services go uninterrupted
during the holiday season, recognising that many of their
customers rely upon them for a smooth and enjoyable
holiday celebration.
“The power we supply enables more than a quarter of the
uK to relax and enjoy the holiday festivities,” said alex sturge.