Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

Competition for convenience shoppers is increasing as grocery and other retail outlets are targeting these on-the-go consumers. These retail outlets are increasingly filling the needs of consumers looking for a convenient location, a quick grab-and-go purchase, and long hours of operation. Non-traditional outlets are also winning convenience consumers’ visits on price, selection, quality, and value – attributes that may not typically be associated with convenience stores.

U.S. consumers haven’t been going out to quick-serve restaurants (QSRs) in big numbers for breakfast. But several leading chains have identified the breakfast category as a key opportunity for growth. To generate more business and to steal market share from competitors, ad budgets are getting pumped up.

A new survey from Accounting Principals finds that U.S. workers spend nearly $3,000 a year on coffee and lunch. Half (50%) of the American workforce buys coffee regularly at work, spending more than $20 a week on coffee, an average of approximately $1000 a year. Two thirds (66%) of American workers buy their lunch instead of packing and bringing it, spending an average of $37 per week. This means that on average American workers are shelling out nearly $2,000 a year on lunch alone.

While brides still know best and are sticking to their budgets, the 2012 “What’s on Brides’ Minds” survey uncovers new trends that are beginning to take shape, such as sharing resources. For the last two years, more than a third of brides (38% in 2011, 36% in 2010) have considered buying a second dress to wear for the wedding reception. While brides continue to cut back, they are less likely to cut spending on reception essentials including venue, decor and alcohol.

According to NRF’s 2012 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, the average person celebrating the holiday will shell out $126.03, up 8.5% over 2011 and the highest in the survey’s 10-year history. Total spending is expected to reach $17.6 billion. Discount stores are expected to see the most traffic, but tablet owners will also make a mark; more than half of all tablet owners (53.8%) will use their device to research products, compare prices, redeem coupons, look up retailer information or purchase products.

According to a new survey by the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, 173 million people will watch the game Sunday, February 5, the most in the survey’s eight-year history and up from an estimated 171 million in 2011. Consumer spending for the Super Bowl will reach an all-time high, too, with the average game-watcher expected to shell out $63.87 on related merchandise, apparel and snacks, up from $59.33 last year. Total Super Bowl spending is expected to reach $11.0 billion.