Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

More than 51% of consumers plan to spend the same amount of money in 2012 as in the previous year, according to a 2012 Shopping Outlook survey conducted by PriceGrabber. Consumers cite confidence in the economy and expectations of better discounts from retailers as reasons they will spend as much or more this year than last. Electronics and clothing top the wish list, followed closely by travel and vacations.

Retail sales and celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day will get a boost this year as the holiday falls on a Saturday. According to BIGinsight’s St. Patrick’s Day spending survey, 54.4% of Americans say they will celebrate the traditionally Irish holiday this year, the most in the survey’s nine-year history. Overall, the average person will spend about $35 on the holiday, totaling $4.6 billion.

The gluten-free industry is booming, growing 27% since 2009 and exceeding $6 billion in 2011, and fueled by an abundance of new products in 2010 and 2011 that bear a gluten-free claim. However, despite an increase in popularity and product development, celiac disease and gluten intolerance is thought to be widely undiagnosed, as just 1% of consumers say they’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease and only 8% overall say they are gluten intolerant/sensitive.

According to beauty market research conducted by The NPD Group, Inc., in 2011, total U.S. prestige beauty generated $9.5 billion, an increase of 11% in dollars over 2010. Prestige fragrances experienced the strongest dollar and unit performance in 15 years; dollars grew +11% and units grew +7%. Prestige skincare continued to lead prestige beauty with growth of +14% in dollars and +9% in units.

The market for targeted health and wellness foods and beverages is a dynamic and growing one, driven by escalating healthcare costs, a graying population, and consumers seeking to address one or more specific health and wellness conditions or concerns. According to David Sprinkle, publisher of Packaged Facts, “Two-thirds of U.S. grocery shoppers have purchased a food or beverage in the past year for the purpose of addressing, with cholesterol management and digestive health of particular concern.”

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