Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

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.

More retailers are enhancing their e-commerce navigation tools, and also are more focused on mobile commerce and social media than a year ago, according to new data from The E-tailing Group. In addition, retailers are making moves to set themselves apart from the competition beyond a reliance on promotional tactics. To that end, retailers are highlighting particular brand offerings, exclusive products or the latest trends as a primary means to differentiate themselves. Mobile strategies are advancing quickly, too.

U.S. sales of stereo headphones priced above $100 more than doubled in 2011, according to The NPD Group. While models under $100 make up the majority of headphone sales, models priced above $100 have doubled their unit share to 6%, and now account for more than $342 million in sales through November of 2011. Products emphasizing brand, sound quality, and celebrity endorsements have driven much of this growth.

The use of technology for shopping by 18-25 year olds is significantly overrated, according to new research from LIM College. In fact, more than 68% of the 18-25 year olds surveyed “prefer to shop in stores than online for apparel and shoes.” However, they are using the Web for gathering information — with 66% using the Web to browse and compare prices.

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.