Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

Health-aware consumers tend to shop more frequently and spend slightly more than consumers who are less concerned about health, according to Nielsen analysis of National Marketing Institute (NMI) data. When it comes to health beliefs and practices, the NMI found that people fit into one of five distinct segments that inform their shopping and buying decisions. Preferred channels for health-conscious consumer segments include grocery stores, which offer the widest variety of fresh and organic products; drug stores, where they can find medications as well as dietary supplements, and warehouse club stores known for outstanding value but limited offerings on the food and drug fronts.

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for TV Station Operators.

While the B2B community has been buzzing about cloud computing lately, consumers are interested in this technology, too. The basic idea behind cloud computing is being able to access digital information from any location at any time. The ability to access email remotely appeals to nearly half of online U.S. consumers according to a Harris Interactive poll. But these consumers have reservations about immediate access to information such as pictures or tax information. For the most part, these reservations are linked to security.

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Taxi Services. The following are the predicted Top 5 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

* Taxi driver employment is expected to grow 16% between 2008 and 2018, due in part to predicted increased demand from the aging population and tourists.
* Some cities are testing out congestion pricing, including New York City, which is starting a three-year program to improve traffic management.
* More taxis are equipped with technology-based improvements, including interactive electronic passenger maps.

According to new data from Kline & Company, U.S. sales in the cosmetics and toiletries market declined by 0.8% in 2009. Besides competitively-priced products, new value-oriented consumers are showing a preference for products that include multiple benefits. Anti-aging features such as skin firming and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles are still attracting consumers who are willing to pay premium pricing. SPF has also become popular in the beauty segment. Nail polishes was the biggest winner, and the only category to post a double-digit increase, reaching 14.3% growth in 2009 due to the return of nail color in the fashion world, as well as the shift from nail salons to at-home application as economic instability motivated consumers to forego salon visits.

Even as national brand CPG marketers plot to regain their lost market share with the introduction of new and improved products and ad campaigns, consumers have their own plans. And for many consumers, an improved economy will not necessarily lead to once again purchasing their favorite brands. Instead, many will continue to reach for private labels according to the recently released GfK Custom Research North America for the Private Label Manufacturers Association report.