Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

As one of the biggest TV-viewing events of the year approaches, Super Bowl 44, retailers and manufacturers may wonder if the market for HDTVs holds any potential for growth. A study by the Leichtman Research Group indicates that while 50% of U.S. households currently have an HDTV, a sizeable portion of consumers still has an interest in making this purchase – sooner rather than later.

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Video Game Publishers.

According to Kids and Entertainment Content, from The NPD Group, 79% of kids age 2-14 have acquired some form of physical or digital content in the past year, with 31% acquiring both physical and digital content. According to the report, digital content seems to be an additional source kids turn to when they want to supplement their physical collections, which is supported by that fact that less than 1 percent of kids only acquired digital content. “Since parents are the first touch point for children this age, it is important for companies to develop marketing strategies that reach parents as well as kids,” said Anita Frazier, industry analyst, The NPD Group.

Now that HDTV has become just another commodity, manufacturers have been working on the next new thing. Sales in the consumer electronics industry fell 7.8% in 2009 so businesses need revenues from new products just to keep their doors open. The industry has seen hope in the latest TV models which are entering a new dimension. Specifically, consumers will may soon be able to see 3D TV at home.

The recession drove more consumers into movie theaters in 2009 and resulted in industry revenues that topped $10 billion. While a ticket to a pro ball game is beyond the budget of most people, especially those who are accepting pay cuts or worried about losing their job, attending movies is seen as an affordable luxury. Despite this good news, the movie industry is watching profitability closely, especially in light of the large drop in DVD revenues.

Restaurant operators are still struggling to lure consumers to spend money on dining out. Statistics are so grim that research concerns like Technomic are pointing out that while sales are still declining in sectors like full service, they appear to be declining at a slower rate as we close out 2009. It’s little wonder that operators are looking to everything from menu overhauls to special pricing deals to increase traffic.