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TV TIME, TASTY TREATS... NEW SURVEY REVEALS AMERICANS' FAVORITE INDULGENCES

Consumers Provided Opportunity to Purchase One-of-a-Kind Retail and Experiential Packages; American Express to Select and Grant “Ultimate” Consumer Wishes

NEW YORK, May 09, 2006 -- Hitting the snooze button…ice cream with chocolate syrup…relaxing with a favorite television show. Everyone has their personal preference on how to indulge when celebrating a special occasion or taking a break from the rigors of daily life. Emmy award winner Ellen DeGeneres prefers to kick up her feet and do nothing. For four-time Oscar nominee, Kate Winslet, it's about tickling her taste buds with chocolate.

According to American Express' “Life's Little Indulgences” survey, Americans' top daily indulgences are watching their favorite television show (14 percent) and enjoying their favorite meal (13 percent). And, it's not only the everyday consumer who feels this way. Tennis champion Andy Roddick cited eating good food his personal indulgence, while world-class surfer Laird Hamilton and basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski lean toward fine wines.

The survey also revealed the differences between men's and women's preferences in indulging themselves. Men preferred to watch television (17 percent), eat a good meal (15 percent) or work out (14 percent). The largest response from women mirrored that of Wimbledon champion Venus Williams – sleeping late (14 percent). Women are also more likely to go shopping (13 percent), get a manicure (12 percent) or take a long bath (7 percent).

While a vacation (28 percent) and home improvement project (24 percent) were cited as the top indulgences when consumers receive a sudden windfall of money, it doesn't necessarily cost a fortune to enjoy one's self. To help its Cardmembers and celebrate life and make their dreams come true, American Express this week launched My WishList(1), a promotion that makes a limited number of luxury items such as jewelry, cars, electronics and more available to its Cardmembers at unheard of prices.

Beginning June 1, Cardmembers logging on to www.mylifemycard.com/mywishlist will have the opportunity to buy limited supplies of once-in-a-lifetime products and experiences at “dream prices” including:

  • A Hollywood star weekend experience, including a walk-on role in the HBO hit series Entourage (WishList price: $2,000.00)
  • 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero convertible – Three of 20 made for the United States to celebrate Saab's 20th anniversary (WishList price: $5,000.00)
  • 2006 Moto Guzzi Griso motorcycle (WishList price: $3,500.00)
  • Canon 7.1 megapixel digital camera with compact photo printer and memory card (WishList price: $300.00)
  • 32-inch Sony Bravia S-Series Digital LCD high-definition television (WishList price: $850.00)

Knowing that one wish does not fit all desires, American Express is also offering Cardmembers the opportunity identify their personal wishes and indulgences, from an annual gym membership to an exotic travel package to a new set of tools for Father's Day. Through May 15, American Express Cardmembers can submit their own wish list, and the Company will grant three of those wishes on June 16, making additional quantities available to other Cardmembers.

“Every day, Americans are working hard to deliver a good life for themselves and their families,” said Ayesha Almeida, vice president, American Express Network Marketing. “My WishList is one way for Cardmembers to escape from the day-to-day activities and reward themselves with great products and experiences at amazing prices. The site has something for everyone, whether it is electronics, the hottest cars or a nice night on the town.”

When to Indulge
The American Express survey found a wide range of factors that impact when consumers take time to indulge themselves.

  • Nearly 35 percent of consumers are more likely to indulge themselves when they're happy, while 23 percent noted a preference to celebrate personal milestones
  • Two-thirds of respondents (66 percent) noted they allow themselves little indulgences at least once a week, with 40 percent celebrating life 1-2 times a week
  • More than 40 percent look for great deal before indulging, while 20 percent indulge when they just can't pass something up.

How Consumers Can Fulfill Their Indulgences
My WishList showcases thousands of this summer's hottest products and experiences at special Cardmember-only prices. These limited-supply items, which valued collectively at nearly $3 million, will be made available to Cardmembers at designated times from June 1 through June 16. To purchase a WishList item at the Cardmember-only price, Cardmembers simply click on the dedicated “I want it” button.

If the item is sold out, Cardmembers will also have access to savings on great gift items from a variety of leading manufacturers such as The Home Depot, Starwood and XM Satellite Radio, among others. My WishList includes more than 10,000 opportunities to save at major national brands such as Best Buy and Bath and Body Works, as well as local merchants featuring apparel, entertainment and dining, home furnishings and more.

About the “Life's Little Indulgences” Survey
The “Life's Little Indulgences” survey was conducted from April 26 through April 30, 2006 and compared attitudes and preferences among a nationally representative sample of 1,012 adults. The survey, conducted by the research firm International Communications Research, has a margin of error +/- 3.1 percentage points.

About American Express
Establishment Services is the merchant network of American Express, which acquires and maintains relationships with millions of merchants around the globe, which welcome American Express-branded Cards. American Express Company is a leading global payments, network, travel and banking company founded in 1850.


(1) Available to U.S. Cardmembers only. Quantities on Hot Products, Featured Products, and Wish Certificates are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. All sales are final. Void where prohibited. Restrictions apply. See www.mylifemycard.com/mywishlist for full promotion details. Products and offers subject to full terms and conditions available on www.mylifemycard.com/mywishlist. Payments must be made on your American Express® Card.



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