The spate of discounting beginning in late November had the most negative impact on perceived value and lower increases in spending and appeal among men and older and wealthier consumers. Discounting had a positive effect on overall spending and the appeal of luxury products among women, consumers under age 55, and consumers with less than $1 million in net worth.

Matt Kaden, associate director of Net Worth Solutions, believes that direct-to-consumer sites such as those hosted by Rue La La and Gilt Groupe will continue to capture consumers looking for luxury at better prices. “These are sites that are supported by major venture capital money,” he said.

Kaden doesn’t believe online discounting damages a brand’s image. “These sites are by invitation only, which leverages off of the social-networking trend,” he said.

Gian Maria Argentini, general manager of outerwear brand Allegri, said, “The consumer is looking at the concept of value for money.”

The company, which had an annual volume of $45 million last year, has started to use hangtags as a way to provide product information, such as technical elements of water-repellent fabrications, as a point of communication with consumers. “Because consumers will not pay the same prices as in the past, we need to communicate why they should pay $500 for a jacket or coat,” said Argentini.

He sees the Internet and social-media sites such as Facebook and Twitter as useful tools to market products to consumers.

According to Andrew Sacks, president of marketing consultancy Agency Sacks, contact between consumers and brands will become even more important as firms try to retain and grow market share.

“The affluent have gone from living in a world of luxury to living in a place of flux,” Sacks said.

According to research data from Agency Sacks in conjunction with the Affluence Collaborative, of those with household income of $250,000 and over or investable assets of $2 million plus, 63 percent are optimistic about their own future, although 70 percent no longer consider themselves wealthy.

“What stands out is people who have self-confidence, those who made their own money, are not terribly concerned that they will not make it again. Luxury marketers need to take a longer-term view of things. This is the time to build relationships, something that luxury brands don’t do well with their core customers. Consumers spend thousands of dollars, and what do they get? A form letter,” Sacks said.

He explained that in the joint survey, more than 52 percent of the affluent are on Facebook and 68 percent visit the site regularly. Of those 30 percent who are on LinkedIn, 27 percent check it regularly. As for Twitter, 11 percent of the affluent are connected, and 60 percent of them check in regularly.

Sacks is telling companies to go out and hire letter writers to get that personal connection with consumers. He also sees a greater number of wealthy consumers spending time online.

“Use social media. Engage in a real dialogue. Social media is real. Be direct, be human, and show thanks. Companies have to work harder to provide a rational alibi to purchase. Educate. Make it OK for them to spend money,” he advised.