Valentines Day
Email Flows

Struggling to make your Valentine's Day sale emails land with a delightful *thud* in your subscribers' hearts (and wallets)? 🤔 You're not alone! How do you cut through the noise and make your offers irresistible?

Crafting the perfect Valentine's email is totally achievable.

But isn't everyone else doing the same old "roses and chocolates" routine? 🙄 How can *your* brand stand out?

True, generic messages often get lost in the shuffle.

Let's explore how to make your emails genuinely connect and convert.

Valentine's Day Event Explained

What is the Valentine's Day sale?

The Valentine's Day sale is a promotional event held by ecommerce businesses leading up to and on February 14th. ❤️ It's a prime opportunity to boost sales by offering special deals and promotions on items that make great gifts for loved ones (or even for treating oneself!). Think beyond just romantic gifts; it's about celebrating affection in all its forms. 🎉

This event typically sees a surge in consumer spending, making it a crucial period for your marketing efforts. Don't miss out on this wave of enthusiasm! 🌊

It's a chance to connect with your audience on an emotional level.

By tapping into the spirit of the occasion, you can create meaningful engagement and drive conversions. 📈

Why is it important for ecommerce?

For ecommerce owners, the Valentine's Day sale represents a significant revenue-generating opportunity. 💰 Many consumers actively seek out gifts online during this period, making targeted email campaigns particularly effective. It's a chance to acquire new customers and reward loyal ones. 🤗

A well-executed Valentine's Day promotion can significantly impact your bottom line. Consider the potential for increased average order value and overall sales volume. 🚀

Seriously, it can make a huge difference.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to build brand affinity by associating your products with positive emotions and gift-giving. 🎁

Key elements of a successful sale

A successful Valentine's Day sale often includes attractive discounts, limited-time offers, and creatively themed promotions. Think about bundling items or offering personalized recommendations. 🤔 High-quality product visuals and compelling copywriting are also essential to capture attention. ✨

Don't forget the power of urgency! Highlighting limited stock or the approaching holiday can motivate quicker purchasing decisions. ⏳

Make it easy for them to say "yes!".

Excellent customer service and a seamless shopping experience are the cherries on top. 🍒

Leveraging email marketing for the event

Email marketing is a cornerstone of a successful Valentine's Day sale strategy. It allows you to directly reach your subscribers with tailored messages and offers. 💌 You can segment your audience and personalize your communications for maximum impact. It's like sending a digital love letter! 🥰

Through email, you can nurture leads, announce promotions, remind customers about deadlines, and even recover abandoned carts. It's a versatile tool for every stage of the customer journey. 🗺️

Don't underestimate its power.

A well-planned email sequence can guide your subscribers from initial awareness to final purchase. 🛍️

The History of Valentine's

Ancient origins of Valentine's Day

The roots of Valentine's Day are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with connections to ancient Roman festivals like Lupercalia, a celebration of fertility. 🏛️ There are also stories associated with several Christian martyrs named Valentine. These historical threads weave together to form the basis of the modern holiday we know today. It's quite a journey through time! ⏳

Lupercalia, observed in mid-February, involved rituals believed to promote health and fertility. The pairing of young men and women by lottery was one tradition. Quite different from today's chocolates, eh? 😉

Fascinating stuff, really.

The association with St. Valentine emerged later, with legends depicting acts of love and defiance during times of persecution. ❤️

The emergence of romantic traditions

The formal association of Valentine's Day with romantic love began to solidify in the Middle Ages. Poetry and literature played a significant role in shaping these traditions. Think Geoffrey Chaucer and his writings! ✍️ The exchange of handwritten valentines became popular, expressing affection in heartfelt ways. It was all very poetic. 📜

As centuries passed, these customs evolved, incorporating new ways to express love and admiration. Flowers, especially roses, became a prominent symbol. 🌹

Sweet sentiments took centre stage.

The industrial revolution brought about mass-produced cards, making it easier for people to send Valentine's greetings. 💌

Valentine's Day in the modern era

Today, Valentine's Day is a global celebration of romantic love, friendship, and affection. It's characterized by the exchange of gifts, cards, flowers, and special dates. 💐 The commercial aspect has grown significantly, with businesses offering a wide array of Valentine's-themed products and experiences. It's a big business, no doubt. 🛍️

While some view the commercialization with a critical eye, the underlying sentiment of expressing love remains central for many. It's a chance to show someone you care. 🥰

Love makes the world go round, they say.

Ecommerce businesses play a key role in facilitating these expressions of affection through their offerings. 🎁

Connecting history to your marketing

Understanding the origins and evolution of Valentine's Day can add depth to your marketing messages. You can weave historical tidbits into your email copy to create engaging and informative content. 🤔 Perhaps a "then and now" theme? It adds a touch of storytelling to your promotions. 📖

Highlighting the tradition of heartfelt gestures can resonate with customers seeking meaningful gifts. It's about more than just a transaction; it's about connection. 🤗

Make it feel special.

Consider referencing historical symbols or customs in a modern context to create a unique campaign. ✨

Global Celebration of Love

Countries that widely observe Valentine's

Valentine's Day is celebrated in numerous countries around the globe, though the specific traditions and customs may vary. 🌍 In many Western countries, it's primarily associated with romantic love and the exchange of gifts between couples. Think chocolates, flowers, and romantic dinners. 🍽️

However, its observance has spread to other parts of the world, often adapting to local cultures and social norms. It's a truly international affair! ✈️

Love knows no borders.

Understanding these nuances can be beneficial if you have an international customer base. 🗺️

Regional variations in traditions

While the core theme of love and affection remains, Valentine's Day traditions can differ significantly by region. In some countries, it's also a day to celebrate friendship. 😊 In others, specific gifts or gestures are customary. For example, in Japan, women traditionally give chocolates to men on Valentine's Day, with "White Day" a month later for men to reciprocate. 🍫➡️🤍

These cultural differences highlight the diverse ways people express affection. It's fascinating to see the variations! 🤔

Adapt your approach where needed.

Being aware of these nuances can help you tailor your marketing messages to specific markets. 🎯

Impact of culture on consumer behaviour

Cultural norms and values significantly influence consumer behaviour around Valentine's Day. What is considered an appropriate gift or gesture can vary greatly. 🤔 Marketing campaigns that are culturally sensitive and relevant are more likely to resonate with local audiences. Respecting these differences is key. 👍

Consider the language, imagery, and overall tone of your emails to ensure they align with cultural expectations. Avoid any potentially offensive or inappropriate content. 🙅‍♀️

When in Rome... you know the rest.

Understanding these cultural nuances can give you a competitive edge in international markets. 🚀

Tailoring your message globally

If your ecommerce business operates internationally, consider segmenting your email lists based on location and tailoring your Valentine's Day messages accordingly. This might involve adjusting the language, highlighting culturally relevant gift ideas, or acknowledging local traditions. 🌐 A one-size-fits-all approach may not be the most effective. 🚫

Researching local customs and preferences can inform your campaign strategy. It shows your customers that you understand and appreciate their cultural background. 🤗

Make them feel seen.

This level of personalization can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates. 📈

Timing Your Email Campaigns

The importance of early engagement

Starting your Valentine's Day email campaign early is crucial to capture the attention of eager shoppers. Think about launching your first teaser emails at least two to three weeks before February 14th. 🗓️ This allows your subscribers ample time to browse, consider their options, and make purchasing decisions. Don't wait until the last minute! ⏰

Early engagement builds anticipation and keeps your brand top-of-mind as Valentine's Day approaches. It's like planting a seed that will blossom into a sale. 🌸

Get in there early.

It also gives you the opportunity to reach those organized shoppers who like to plan ahead. 🤓

Key email send dates to consider

Strategically plan your email sends leading up to Valentine's Day. Consider sending a series of emails with different focuses: initial announcements, specific product highlights, discount reminders, and last-minute offers. 🗓️ Here’s a possible timeline:

Around three weeks before: Initial teaser email.

Two weeks before: Announce your main Valentine's Day sale.

One week before: Highlight specific gift categories or offers.

Three days before: Gentle reminder about shipping deadlines.

Valentine's Day itself: A final reminder or a special day-only offer.

This structured approach ensures consistent engagement without overwhelming your subscribers. 📧

Timing is everything, as they say.

Don't forget to factor in weekend sends, as open rates might differ. 🤔

Setting up reminder email flows

Automated reminder email flows are essential to nudge subscribers who haven't yet made a purchase. Set up triggers based on website activity, such as viewed products or items added to the cart but not purchased. ⚙️ A gentle reminder a few days later can often convert these hesitant shoppers. It's like a little nudge in the right direction. 😉

Personalize these reminder emails with the specific products the subscriber showed interest in. This makes the message more relevant and increases the likelihood of conversion. 👍

They were *this* close!

Don't be afraid to reiterate the benefits of your offer or highlight any urgency. ⏳

Last-minute email strategies

Even if a subscriber hasn't engaged with your earlier emails, a well-timed last-minute reminder can still be effective. Focus on quick and easy gift solutions, like digital gift cards or expedited shipping options. 🎁 Emphasize the urgency and the fact that it's not too late to find the perfect gift. Panic buying is real! 😅

Subject lines for these emails should be attention-grabbing and convey a sense of immediacy. Think phrases like "Still need a gift?" or "Last chance for Valentine's delivery!". 🚨

Rescue those last-minute shoppers!

Make the call to action clear and direct to facilitate quick purchases. 🖱️

Email Marketing Goals

Defining your campaign objectives

Before you start crafting your Valentine's Day emails, it's important to define your campaign objectives. What do you hope to achieve? Increased sales? Higher website traffic? New subscriber acquisition? 🤔 Having clear goals will help you tailor your messaging and measure the success of your efforts. Aim high! 🚀

Your objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This provides a framework for your planning and execution. 🎯

Know what you're aiming for.

For example, instead of "increase sales," aim for "increase Valentine's Day sales by 15% compared to last year." 📈

Measuring success metrics

To determine if your Valentine's Day email campaign is successful, you need to track relevant metrics. Key indicators include open rates, click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, and revenue generated from email. 📊 Monitoring these metrics will provide insights into what's working and what's not. Numbers don't lie! 🤓

Keep an eye on your unsubscribe rate as well. A sudden spike could indicate issues with your messaging or frequency. 😬

Data is your friend.

Use analytics tools to track your performance and identify areas for improvement in future campaigns. 🛠️

Setting conversion rate targets

Setting realistic conversion rate targets for your Valentine's Day emails is essential. Consider your historical performance and industry benchmarks. What percentage of email recipients do you expect to make a purchase? 🤔 This target will help you gauge the effectiveness of your offers and calls to action. Aim for improvement! 💪

Analyze past Valentine's Day campaigns to identify trends and set achievable goals. Small, incremental improvements can lead to significant overall growth. 🌱

Every little bit helps.

Continuously test and optimize your emails to improve your conversion rates over time. 🧪

Using data to refine your strategy

The data you collect from your Valentine's Day email campaigns is invaluable for refining your future marketing strategies. Analyze which types of offers, subject lines, and email designs performed best. 🤔 Use these insights to inform your approach for other holidays and promotions throughout the year. Learn from every campaign! 📚

A/B testing different elements of your emails can provide valuable data on what resonates most with your audience. Experimentation is key to continuous improvement. 💡

Never stop learning.

Data-driven decisions lead to more effective and profitable email marketing. 💰

Segmenting Your Subscribers

Why segmentation is crucial

Segmenting your email list is vital for sending relevant and personalized messages to your subscribers. Not everyone on your list will have the same interests or needs when it comes to Valentine's Day gifts. 🤔 By dividing your audience into smaller, more targeted groups, you can craft emails that resonate more effectively. It's all about sending the right message to the right person at the right time. 🎯

Generic, one-size-fits-all emails are less likely to capture attention and drive conversions. Personalization shows your subscribers that you understand their preferences. 🤗

Make it personal.

Segmentation leads to higher engagement rates and a better overall customer experience. 👍

Different ways to segment your list

There are several ways you can segment your email list for your Valentine's Day campaign. Consider segmenting based on: past purchase history (e.g., customers who bought gifts last year), demographics (e.g., age, gender, location), browsing behaviour (e.g., subscribers who viewed specific product categories), and engagement level (e.g., active vs. inactive subscribers). 🤔 Get creative with your segments! ✨

You could also segment based on relationship status if you have that information (e.g., those who indicated they are buying for a partner vs. a friend). The more specific your segments, the more tailored your messaging can be. 💌

Think about new customers versus loyal customers.

Tailored messages feel more authentic and relevant.

Personalizing messages for segments

Once you have your segments, personalize your email messages to match their interests and needs. For example, if a subscriber has previously purchased jewellery, you might highlight new arrivals or special offers on necklaces and earrings. 💍 If they've bought gifts for friends, focus on items suitable for platonic relationships. 😊 Small details make a big difference. 👍

Use dynamic content to insert personalized product recommendations or offers based on a subscriber's past activity. This level of customization can significantly boost engagement and conversions. 🚀

Speak directly to their needs.

Personalized emails show that you value your customers and understand their preferences. 🥰

Benefits of targeted email campaigns

Targeted email campaigns, made possible through segmentation and personalization, offer numerous benefits. They typically result in higher open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates compared to generic emails. 📈 Subscribers are more likely to engage with content that is relevant to their interests. It's a win-win situation! 🎉

By sending more targeted messages, you can also reduce your unsubscribe rates and improve your sender reputation. This leads to better deliverability and long-term success. 📧

Relevance is key to engagement.

Ultimately, targeted email campaigns lead to a more positive customer experience and increased revenue. 💰

Crafting Teaser Emails

Building anticipation for your sale

Teaser emails are designed to build anticipation and excitement for your upcoming Valentine's Day sale. These emails should hint at the amazing offers and promotions you'll be featuring without revealing all the details at once. Think of it as a sneak peek! 👀 Create a sense of curiosity and encourage subscribers to look forward to your main sale announcement. Intrigue them! 🤔

Use compelling subject lines that pique interest, such as "Something special is coming..." or "Get ready for some love!". Keep the body of the email brief and focus on generating buzz. ✨

Don't give it all away just yet.

A visually appealing design can also enhance the impact of your teaser emails. 🎨

What to include in teaser emails

Your teaser emails should include a few key elements to be effective. Start with a captivating subject line. Then, in the body, briefly mention the upcoming Valentine's Day sale and hint at the types of offers subscribers can expect (e.g., discounts, special bundles). Include a visually appealing image or graphic related to Valentine's Day. ❤️ Finally, include a call to action that encourages them to stay tuned for the full announcement (e.g., "Keep an eye on your inbox!"). 📧

Consider including a specific date for the sale reveal to build even more anticipation. This creates a sense of urgency and encourages them to check their email on that day. 🗓️

Make them eager to know more.

A countdown timer can also be a great addition to your teaser emails. ⏳

Timing of your teaser email(s)

The timing of your teaser emails is important. Generally, sending one or two teaser emails in the week leading up to your main sale announcement is a good strategy. Avoid sending too many, as this could overwhelm your subscribers. 📧 Space them out to maintain interest without causing fatigue. Patience is a virtue! 😉

Consider sending your first teaser email around two weeks before Valentine's Day and a follow-up a few days later. This gives your audience enough notice to get excited without forgetting about it. 🎉

Strike while the iron is hot... but not too hot!

Monitor your open and click-through rates to gauge the effectiveness of your timing. 📊

Example of a teaser email

Subject: A Little Birdie Told Us... 😉

Body:

Something lovely is heading your way for Valentine's Day! ❤️ Get ready to discover delightful treats and perfect gifts to share with your special someone (or yourself!).

Keep an eye on your inbox – big surprises are coming soon!

Warmly,

[Your Brand Name]

This example is brief, intriguing, and creates anticipation without revealing specific details. It uses emojis to add a touch of Valentine's Day spirit. 🥰

Valentine's Day Email Flow

Welcome/Announcement Email

This is your main announcement email, sent a week or two before Valentine's Day. Clearly state that your Valentine's Day sale is now live! 🎉 Highlight the key discounts and promotions you're offering. Showcase your best gift ideas with appealing visuals and concise descriptions. Make it easy for subscribers to browse and shop. 🛍️

Include clear calls to action (CTAs) that direct subscribers to specific product categories or landing pages. Use strong action verbs like "Shop Now," "Discover Gifts," or "Find Your Perfect Match." 💘

Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.

Personalize this email where possible, perhaps by including the subscriber's name. 👋

Example:

Subject: ❤️ Our Valentine's Day Sale is HERE! Up to 30% Off!

Hi [Subscriber Name],

Love is in the air, and so are incredible savings! 😍 Our Valentine's Day sale is now live, with up to 30% off selected items perfect for gifting (or treating yourself!).

Discover romantic jewellery

Find the sweetest treats

Explore unique gift ideas

[Eye-catching image of featured products]

Shop Now and make this Valentine's Day extra special! ➡️ [Link to your sale page]

Warm wishes,

[Your Brand Name]

Gift Guide/Product Highlight Emails

Send one or two emails focusing on specific gift categories or highlighting popular products. If you sell clothing, you might showcase romantic outfits. If you sell home goods, feature cozy items for couples. 🏡 Tailor the content to different interests and relationship types. Consider including a range of price points. 💰

Use high-quality product images and write compelling descriptions that emphasize the benefits of each item as a Valentine's Day gift. Include direct links to the product pages. ✨

Show them what they need!

Consider segmenting these emails based on past purchase behaviour or browsing history.

Example:

Subject: 🌹 Find the Perfect Romantic Gift!

Looking for something truly special? Our curated Valentine's Day Gift Guide is here to help! ❤️

For Her: Elegant Necklaces & Sparkling Earrings [Link to Jewellery]

For Him: Stylish Watches & Thoughtful Accessories [Link to Men's Accessories]

For Sharing: Cozy Blankets & Delicious Treats [Link to Home Goods/Food]

[Images of featured products]

Browse our full Gift Guide now! ➡️ [Link to your gift guide page]

Spread the love,

[Your Brand Name]

Shipping Deadline Reminder

As Valentine's Day approaches, send a reminder email highlighting your shipping deadlines to ensure customers receive their gifts on time. ⏰ Clearly state the last day for standard and expedited shipping. This helps manage expectations and encourages timely purchases. Don't let them miss out! 🚚

Use a clear and concise subject line, such as "Last Chance for Valentine's Delivery!" or "Order by [Date] for On-Time Arrival." Make the deadline prominent in the body of the email. 🗓️

Time is ticking!

Consider offering expedited shipping options for last-minute shoppers.

Example:

Subject: 🚨 Don't Miss Out! Valentine's Shipping Deadline Approaching!

Just a friendly reminder that Valentine's Day is just around the corner! ❤️ To ensure your gifts arrive in time, please note our shipping deadlines:

Standard Shipping: Order by [Date]

Express Shipping: Order by [Date]

Don't delay – shop now to make this Valentine's Day unforgettable! ➡️ [Link to your website]

Happy Shopping,

[Your Brand Name]

Last Chance/Day-Of Email

On Valentine's Day itself or the day before, send a final reminder email for any last-minute shoppers. Highlight any special day-only offers or promotions. Emphasize the urgency and the fact that it's still possible to find the perfect gift. ❤️ Even a small gesture can mean a lot! 🥰

Consider offering digital gift cards as a convenient last-minute option. Make the call to action clear and direct. 🖱️

It's not too late!

Inject a sense of fun and excitement into this final email.

Example:

Subject: ❤️ Last-Minute Valentine's Gift Ideas Inside!

Still searching for the perfect Valentine's Day gift? Don't worry, we've got you covered! 😉

Shop our special day-only deals! [Link to sale page]

Send an instant Digital Gift Card! [Link to gift card page]

Make today a day filled with love! ❤️

With love,

[Your Brand Name]

Abandoned Cart Recovery

Identifying abandoned carts

Abandoned cart recovery emails are crucial for reclaiming potential sales. Set up your system to track when subscribers add items to their cart but don't complete the purchase. 🛒 Identifying these abandoned carts in a timely manner is the first step in your recovery process. Time is of the essence! ⏳

Most ecommerce platforms offer features or integrations to track abandoned carts automatically. Make sure this functionality is enabled. ⚙️

Don't let those items go to waste!

Understanding *why* carts are abandoned can also inform your overall strategy. 🤔

Setting up abandoned cart flows

Create an automated email flow specifically designed to recover abandoned carts. A typical flow might consist of one to three emails sent within a few hours to a day after abandonment. 📧 The first email should be a gentle reminder that they have items in their cart. The subsequent emails can offer incentives to complete the purchase. Sweeten the deal! 🍬

Personalize these emails by including the specific items left in the cart and a direct link back to their cart. Make it as easy as possible for them to pick up where they left off. 👍

Make it seamless for them.

Consider using dynamic content to show product images and details. ✨

What to include in recovery emails

Your abandoned cart recovery emails should be friendly and helpful. Start with a subject line that grabs attention, such as "Did you forget something?" or "Your items are waiting!". In the body, politely remind them about the items in their cart. Include clear visuals and descriptions of the products. Offer assistance if they encountered any issues during checkout. 🤔

Consider offering a small incentive, such as free shipping or a small discount, to encourage them to complete their purchase. This can be particularly effective in the second or third recovery email. A little extra nudge can go a long way! 😉

Make it worth their while.

Include a clear and prominent call to action that links directly back to their shopping cart. 🛒

Example of recovery emails

Email 1 (Sent 1-2 hours after abandonment):

Subject: Did you leave something behind? 🤔

Hi [Subscriber Name],

We noticed you added some lovely items to your cart but didn't complete your order. Your selections are waiting for you! 👇

[Images and descriptions of items in cart]

Click here to return to your cart and complete your purchase! ➡️ [Link to cart]

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

[Your Brand Name]

Email 2 (Sent 24 hours after abandonment):

Subject: Still thinking about it? Enjoy free shipping!

Hi [Subscriber Name],

Those beautiful items you left in your cart are still available! ❤️ As a little extra encouragement, we're offering free standard shipping on your order.

[Images and descriptions of items in cart]

Claim your free shipping and complete your order now! ➡️ [Link to cart]

We hope to see you soon!

[Your Brand Name]

Sweetening the Deal

Offering attractive discounts

Discounts are a powerful motivator for Valentine's Day shoppers. Consider offering a percentage-based discount (e.g., 15% off), a fixed amount off (e.g., £10 off orders over £50), or a "buy one get one half price" promotion. 🤔 Tailor your discounts to your target audience and your profit margins. Make it enticing! ✨

Clearly communicate the discount in your email subject lines and body copy. Highlight how much they can save. Savings are always appealing! 💰

Make the offer clear and easy to understand.

Consider offering different discount levels based on spending thresholds.

Bundling products for value

Product bundling is a great way to increase the perceived value of your offers. Create Valentine's Day-themed bundles that include complementary items at a discounted price compared to purchasing them separately. For example, you could bundle a piece of jewellery with a small box of chocolates. 🎁 It's a convenient and attractive option for gift-givers. 🥰

Highlight the savings customers will enjoy by purchasing a bundle. Use appealing visuals to showcase the bundled items. Make it a tempting package! 📦

Think about creating bundles for different relationship types (romantic partners, friends, family).

Clearly state what's included in each bundle and the total value.

Free gifts and other promotions

Consider offering free gifts with purchases over a certain amount. A small, Valentine's Day-themed item can add extra appeal. ❤️ Other promotional ideas include offering free gift wrapping, personalized messages, or a small sample of another product. Little extras can make a big impression. 🤗

Promote these freebies prominently in your emails. Highlight the added value customers will receive. Who doesn't love a freebie? 😉

Make sure the free gift aligns with the Valentine's Day theme.

Clearly state any requirements to qualify for the free gift.

Creating a sense of urgency

To encourage timely purchases, create a sense of urgency in your Valentine's Day email campaigns. Highlight limited-time offers or the fact that the sale ends on a specific date. Use phrases like "Limited Time Offer," "Sale Ends Soon," or "Don't Miss Out!" in your subject lines and email body. ⏳ Fear of missing out (FOMO) can be a powerful motivator. 🚨

Consider using countdown timers in your emails to visually reinforce the limited-time nature of your offers. This can be very effective in driving conversions. ⏱️

Prompt them to act now!

Clearly state the end date and time of your sale.

Conclusion

So there you have it, my friend. Navigating the Valentine's Day email landscape doesn't need to feel like wading through treacle. With a bit of planning, a dash of creativity, and a genuine understanding of your audience, you can craft email campaigns that not only boost your sales but also spread a little love. Remember, it's about connecting with people, offering value, and making their gift-giving experience a delightful one. Go forth and make Cupid proud!

Think about the impact you can have on their Valentine's Day.

Now, go get 'em!

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