At this point of the year, we like to prognosticate. It never makes much sense to look at how marketing will change in 2012. It's here. But it does make sense to look at how marketing to affluent customers will change during the next business cycle. It makes sense to try to predict changing market conditions. With that in mind, understand that the changes in affluent customer behavior and attitudes have already happened. They have been affected by the recession and slow recovery. The next business cycle continues to be marked by slow income growth and a potentially game-changing commitment …

Tracking the evolution of luxury into 2012 and beyond.

The automakers released their 2012 lines a few months age, and we were curious to see how they have been received by affluent consumers. While we didn't look at specific models, our most recent study provides a good view into how well-heeled buyers feel about the leading brands. What it shows is that the average consideration of the 22 major brands studied dropped from 15% in 2010 to just 11% in the fourth quarter of 2011. This loss reflects a decline that has lasted most of 2011. For some brands the impact has been dramatic. However, as you'll see, there …

China is forecast to be the world's top buyer of products such as cosmetics, handbags, watches, shoes and clothes by 2015, according to consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers. To capitalize on this opportunity, many luxury goods companies have filed their IPOs or joined the Hong Kong stock exchange.