NR Market Watch

Here is the Youtube video from April 24, 2009 currently enjoying popularity among people concerned about forest health and renewable energy. What do you think?

State of the Timber Industry – Membership Meeting, May 11

• Allyn Ford, president and Chief Executive Officer of Roseburg Forest Products
• Douglas County Fairgrounds sponsored by Douglas Timber Operators
• Reservations for the 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. meeting are required by May 7.
• Cost of the program is $15 for members, $20 for non-members and $110 for a table of eight. A buffet lunch is included.
• Pay online at http://www.roseburgareachamber.org/chamber/events.php.

24/7 Wallstreet predicts several well-known brands are likely to disappear before the end of 2010. Among the names you’ll recognize: Chrysler, Palm, Old Navy, Borders and Budget Rental Cars. Click the link for the rest of the list.

Washington, April 14, 2009 – Several months of stronger-than-expected retail sales provided hope that the industry was poised to bounce back, but March retail sales demonstrate that the industry is continuing to struggle. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales for March (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) decreased 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted from February and dropped 3.7 percent unadjusted over last year.

March retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail (more…)

Washington, April 16, 2009 – It’s not easy having the hardest job in the world, but mom will likely understand the reasoning behind smaller, less expensive gifts for Mother’s Day. According to NRF’s 2009 Mother’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, Americans will spend an average of $123.89 per person, compared to last year’s $138.63. Total Mother’s Day spending is expected to reach $14.10 billion*, which is slightly more than Easter.

Of the four in five Americans (83.3%) who will celebrate Mother’s Day, the majority will focus on the women with whom they are closest. Most people (62.4%) will purchase gifts for (more…)

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2009 – Import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports hit its lowest level in seven years in February as the number of containers dropped below the 1 million mark for the first time in half a decade, (more…)

Women grocery shoppers are responding to the current economy by stocking up on bargains, eating out less, and price comparison shopping according to this article in Supermarket News. From the article: Sixty percent of survey respondents said they were still shopping each week at their regular supermarket, while 20% said they were using superstores or supercenters for regular trips each week, and 10% said they frequented discount supermarkets.

From Neil Hummel, Century 21

March Real Estate Activity

Real estate sales continue to climb upward nationwide which is a positive sign. In fact, construction of new homes nationwide has also seen an increase according to the National Home Builders Association.

In Douglas County the Planning and Building departments report an increase in applications and permits. Even though these increase are only slight, we are optimistic that they will continue for spring and summer are normally our best months in the real estate business.

In Douglas County new listings decreased by 13.4%, closed sales decreased by 23.9% and pending sales decreased by 9.6% during the same period. However, comparing March 2009 to February 2009, pending (more…)

Seems my information about the current state of business for contractors was limited and overly optimistic. I am corrected by a long-time Roseburg area contractor who says, “I have been doing this for close to 30 years and I must say: NEVER have I seen it like this.”  He adds his concern about low-ball offers for contractors who still must cover their license, bonding and insurance costs. Some have been forced to close and are leaving Douglas County altogether.

So, if you are considering getting some work done this is a good time to be working with a local contractor. You’ll help keep the money in our community and you’ll get work done by people who have knowledge and skill.

Baby Boomers weren’t the most sought after youth market just because they were young. They were sought by advertisers because they were many and they had money. Funny, that market has moved on while most marketers still focus on the youth demographic.

Well, Boomers still are a huge demographic and they have even more money. And, they are probably your biggest customers. They are my biggest customers.

Here is an article from Entrepreneur Magazine about how to “Find hidden opportunities in the senior market”.

This is a tougher market to engage than many. I’d add that one of the best ways to reach them is through newspapers, which have tremendous reach and frequency with people for whom the newspaper is truly an important part of their day.