Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

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

* Many gift retailers report that home accent pieces experienced the biggest sales growth in 2009.
* Products designed with spiritual or religious themes are gaining popularity.
* More retailers are setting up shop online to further boost revenues.

As the use of mobile phones becomes nearly ubiquitous, about 87% of U.S. consumers now own these devices, marketers can begin targeting users by type to improve the effectiveness of their campaigns. Experian Simmons has divided U.S. mobile phone users into several types based on how they most frequently use these devices.

Although the total gift card market and prepaid card market dropped in 2009, analysts expect revenue growth in 2010. The tighter credit standards are the primary drivers behind card market improvement as consumers shift to a pay-now or pay-before mindset. A Javelin Strategy & Research study suggests that marketers can increase sales by targeting specific businesses and demographics with prepaid and gift card products.

Medical journals deliver a unique audience to the pharmaceutical industry. Certainly the industry spends vast sums marketing its latest products directly to consumers. But for any drug to achieve big sales, it must find acceptance by an important gatekeeper, the physician who writes the prescription. These days, as regulations have crimped the style of drug detail reps who distribute samples to physicians, medical journals can have an important influence on busy pediatricians and internists.

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

* More consumers are becoming interested in green/organic/sustainable landscaping, in regards to both products and design.
* Many businesses are starting to offer xeriscape design to their services.
* Landscape contractors report that mowing/maintenance is one of the fastest-growing services for their businesses.

Consumers who turn to more than one platform to watch video are often highly engaged with the programming. And, these days, consumers of all ages are comfortable seeking out their entertainment on the Internet. But TV remains the preferred format for specific types of entertainment according to data presented at the Advertising Research Foundation’s annual meeting.