June 27, 2011
Big Research finds consumer optimism is little changed but a few category are ripe for improvement, according to recent research.
Consumers are worried about unemployment and pessimism is rising again. Practicality in spending is the mood of the day.
Still consumers say they are preparing to increase spending in high dollar durables.
June 2, 2011
Washington, May 3, 2011 – In an effort to better serve multi-touchpoint, always-on, and empowered consumers, a growing number of retailers are experimenting with mobile and social initiatives — some that are paying immediate dividends and some that are still in the speculative phase. According to “The State Of Retailing Online 2011: Marketing, Social, and Mobile” report conducted by Forrester Research Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR) for Shop.org, 91 percent of retailers currently have a mobile (more…)
May 31, 2011
From: National Retail Federation
-Spending on Dad Totals $11 Billion, an All-Time Survey High-
Washington, May 31, 2011 – Faced with tough budgeting decisions, consumers have put Father’s Day on the back burner for years, but this year Americans seem intent on showering dad with their appreciation. According to NRF’s Consumer Intentions and Actions Father’s Day survey, conducted by BIGresearch, Americans will shell out an average of $106.49 on dad, up from $94.32 last year and the most in the survey’s eight-year history. As dad gets more recognition, the gap between Mother’s Day spending (average of $140.73) and Father’s Day spending has narrowed substantially. Total Father’s Day spending is expected to reach $11.1 billion.*
“Spending on Dad has taken a backseat for the past few years, but some kids and wives are planning to make up for lost time this Father’s Day,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Shoppers seem to be more excited when it comes to gift giving, an encouraging sign for retailers – and dads – everywhere.”
With an array of gift options to choose from, consumers (more…)
May 26, 2011
What a cool idea!
Mall’s are using a new program from Park Assist to show motorists where there are open parking spots. The program uses cameras to identify open parking spots and then illustrates them using LEDs. The same cameras provide drivers information about where they parked, using their license plates and a kiosk.
The premise, according to the National Retail Federation, is that the less time shoppers spend on parking the more time and money they are spending in stores.
March 8, 2011
Click for complete survey
Washington, March 8, 2011 – With an estimated 122 million Americans planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, there will be no shortage of parties or celebrations. According to NRF’s 2011 St. Patrick’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by BIGresearch, 52.4 percent of Americans will celebrate the Irish holiday, up from 45.2 percent last year and the most in the survey’s eight year history.
The survey found that while more people will celebrate, the average amount they plan on spending will be a lot closer to what it was last year ($33.97 vs. $33.05 in 2010). Total spending is expected to reach $4.14 billion.*
“Eager to shake off the winter blues, consumers will look to St. Patrick’s Day as their first spring related celebration, meaning great things for the economy, retailers and restaurants,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “As a non-gift giving holiday, retailers will need to make sure they have the best assortment of merchandise, aiming to attract celebrants looking for decorations, holiday food and even apparel.”
Fans of the holiday will celebrate in more ways than one; the most popular form being wearing green apparel. Nearly 102 million people (83.3%) will wear green for the holiday. In recent years, restaurants and bars have also upped the holiday spirit as well, hosting parties and serving green beverages. Thirty-eight million Americans (31.2%) will attend a party at a bar or restaurant – also the highest in the survey’s history. Additionally, 41 million (33.9%) will make a special dinner, 31 million people (25.1%) will decorate their home or office and 23 million (19.1%) will attend a private party.
“Inexpensive, fun celebrations surrounding St. Patrick’s Day will make it easy for consumers of all ages to take part in the festivities,” said Phil Rist, Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, BIGresearch. “March is typically one of the slower months of the year in terms of consumer spending, but we expect this year’s celebration to provide a nice boost for companies who are in the business of promoting the holiday.”
Demographics paint an interesting picture of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Eighty-six percent (86.4%) of people in the West will wear green, which is more than the survey found for the average adult. Young adults 18-24 will be the biggest group attending private parties (33.9%) and adults 25-34 years old will spend the most ($41.30).
About the Survey
The NRF 2011 St. Patrick’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, was (more…)
February 28, 2011
Social Media tops Retail Customer Experience’s Top 100 for 2011, a report they expect to produce annually. Also in the top listings: multi-channel integration, Apple Stores, online reputation management, digital products and 95 more. This is an interesting report for consumers and an even more interesting report for retailers.
February 23, 2011
The company has been buoyed by international sales, but same store domestic sales have dropped for nearly two years, according to Financial Times.
February 23, 2011
Here is a quick post from CNBC forecasting what consumers will purchase with their tax refunds.
February 23, 2011
Predictions from the floor of the National Retail Federation trade show.
February 12, 2011
Okay, the Oregon tag is what caught my eye on this story from Bplans.com. It is a brief article about a bakery thriving in small Oregon town and doing so without (gasp!) any social media. No website. No blog. No twitter.
Just a the owner’s smile , friendly conversation with longtime customers, and the embracing smell of fresh bread.
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