Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

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

* There was an 8% increase in music dealers who sold sound reinforcement/recognition products in 2010 over 2009.
* Electric drums are experiencing a major increase in demand. Growth is attributed to many factors, including the quietness of playing, the increase in home music studios and the space-saving size and portability.
* Budget cuts continue to affect music education programs in schools across the country, which creates a challenge to many in the industry who sell instruments to schools and students.

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

* While ATV sales overall have been soft due to the recession, UTV (“side-by-sides”) sales have been a bright spot in the industry. These have been particularly appealing as low-cost alternatives to trucks and tractors for farmers.
* Incentives from the government for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) increased consumer demand for vehicles like golf carts, and many towns across the country are legalizing golf carts on roads with 35mph-or-less speed limits.
* Through 2010, sales of scooters have continued to be down as gas prices remain low.

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

* Auto parts sales were driven by applications parts, which increased 10% in dollar volume for the January through April 2010 time period compared to the same period in 2009.
* While sales of mobile electronics were down for the total 12 months prior to April 2010, sales jumped back up January through April 2010. Leading sales were vehicle music players/receivers.
* Some aftermarket retailers are looking to expand their online offerings, as research shows that online average tickets are notably larger than those in-store.

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

* One of the strongest growth areas for casinos in 2009 was racing: Gross gaming revenues for racetracks increased 17.2% over 2007.
* More casinos are embracing technology: Some are allowing guests to make sports wagers through their mobile phone and keep up on casino news via mobile applications.
* An emerging marketing trend among casinos is including celebrities in television commercials and events. Casinos report success from these appearances and that fees for celebrities are more than met by increased revenues.

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

* Home builders need to have an online presence. Of Americans who bought a home in 2009, 33% say the first step in their home search was to go online to look for properties.
* In 2010, home builders report that their focus will be on lower-priced models (cited by 95%)and smaller homes (96%).
* While minority ownership is expected to grow, white middle-class households are expected to decline after 2010, due in part to aging Baby Boomers. But, growth is expected from specific Boomers: Older couples without children and older singles.

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

* Looking to expand services, agencies are adding immigration bonds, which are federal bonds that must be posted when individuals are held after arrest by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
* More states are passing the Citizen’s Right To Know Act, which requires reformatting and increased reporting of pretrial release information and encourages the use of commercial bail bondsmen.
* The industry is competitive, as the number of bond agents has grown 50% in the past five years.