• automotive Lexus Leads J.D. Power's Service Index by Karl Greenberg

    The less tangible benefit for both dealership and the automaker is dealership and brand loyalty, and more customers. Not only do customers feel better about the dealership and, by extension, the brand (think Saturn), they also talk about it to anyone who will listen, and those who listen remember the brand as much as the store. ...Read the whole story

  • food Del Monte Reports Exceptionally Strong Quarter by Karlene Lukovitz

    In pet products, price increases on both food and snacks depressed overall volume slightly (losses were offset by volume gains in Kibbles 'n Bits and new Meow Mix products), but net sales jumped 15.1%, to $433 million. "The trends in the pet food industry show very little impact from the recession," notes a research analyst. "By and large, people are not trading down on pet food -- they'd trade down on their own diets first." ...Read the whole story

  • pharma Consumers Spending Less On Rx Drugs by Aaron Baar

    Despite the decreased spending and greater interest in generics, convenience is still the main factor when it comes to filling prescriptions, Kurt Salmon Associates' Peter Shia says. As in real estate, location is a significant factor, which is why Walgreens and CVS are maintaining their market share. "The vast majority of people are still buying on convenience," he says. "When you're sick, you want to get your prescriptions filled quickly." ...Read the whole story

  • strategy Enviro Group Launches Online Issue Campaign by Les Luchter

    The campaign's direction was dictated by a desire to reach a younger demo than might see traditional advertising. "They are the ones that are going to be most affected if we don't change our energy policies and the way we deal with toxic waste," says Waterkeeper Alliance's Mishele Wells. "TheDirtyLie.com is designed to talk to them directly about their future. It's a matter of speaking to consumers on their own terms, and being agile and visible enough for them to find you." ...Read the whole story

  • retail 7-Eleven Working Up Mo-Joe Blends by Karl Greenberg

    The company is aiming to woo cash-conscious consumers -- who still crave premium java -- away from higher-priced brands with a trio of new blends: Colombian, Exclusive Blend and the stronger Brazilian Bold, all included in the chain's hot beverage bars. The Brazilian Bold product will be marketed to younger consumers, who favor stronger coffee, per the company. ...Read the whole story

  • food Collateral Peanut Damage Dampens Smucker's Outlook by Karlene Lukovitz

    However, the temporary effects of the peanut-recall scenario aside, the growing popularity of sandwiches is among the reasons that Smucker is well-positioned, points out a research analyst. "Sandwiches are inexpensive, nutritious comfort foods, and consumers are willing to pay a bit more for a trusted brand like Smucker's in jams and jellies, which are affordable, multiple-use products," he says. ...Read the whole story

  • Who's Buying Watches? by

    These are the Top 10 DMAs in which live adults who have purchased a watch in the last 12 months: 1 Laredo, Texas 2 Greenwood/ ... ...More

insights What's Scarier, The Recession Or Consumers' Behavior Because Of It? by Lisa Collings

Relevance becomes extremely important as consumption shrinks and consumers become more reflective in all aspects of their lives, especially shopping. Here are some thoughts to ... ...More

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