Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

Store brands are starting to improve on several product benefits typically associated with national brands, namely: quality, innovativeness, uniqueness and packaging, according to a new study conducted by Ipsos Marketing. While analysts believed that store brands had reached their peak during the worst of the recession, they are positioning themselves to succeed very well in an improving economy as well.

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Video Game Publishers. The following are the predicted Top 3 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

According to a new study by research and consulting firm, AlixPartners LLP, shoppers are willing to wait longer for their packages as long as they receive free shipping. 75% of the consumers in the study said they were willing to wait at least five days for an e-commerce order to arrive if the shipping were free—including 50% who said they’d wait a full week. Retailers who offer low-cost shipping options and a simplified return process will have the competitive advantage.

According to Packaged Facts, sales of ice cream topped $25.1 billion in 2011, up 2.4% over 2010. Within the retail mass market for packaged products, packaged ice cream is the largest category, accounting for 55% of total retail sales, followed by frozen novelties at 36%. Innovative and differentiated products are also gaining favor among consumers.

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Tattoo and Body Piercing Shops. The following are the predicted Top 3 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

The range and quality of foods now offered at many U.S. colleges and universities has created a greater degree of competition. According to recent Mintel research, 72% of college students who have dined on campus have done so at their campus cafeteria. The expectation for higher quality food is putting pressure on schools to include quality foodservice as part of their overall package for attracting students.