A scholarly article finds disparities in marketing to black consumers which create an environment that contributes to obesity. The article in the September issue of the American Journal of Public Health examined marketing and advertising studies conducted between 1992 and 2006 that looked at foods and beverages marketed to blacks vs. whites. Sonya Grier, lead researcher on the project and associate professor of marketing at American University's Kogod School of Business, also notes that in some black neighborhoods, it's easier to find a fast-food restaurant than it is a grocery store. Grier and Shiriki Kumanyika are primary investigators …

A new study that polled nearly 1,400 consumers online finds that 72% are using more coupons than they did six months ago and three quarters of them say the economy made them do it. Most -- 81% -- use coupons for grocery items. Newspaper and magazines are currently the primary source of coupons for 51% of consumers. But 39% say they want to receive their future coupons via direct mail; 26% say e-mail -- either direct or through newsletters - and 16% prefer Web sites. Newspapers trail with 14%. Eighty percent say they would be very likely or likely …

The key factors covered in The Game-Changer: How You Can Drive Revenue and Profit Growth with Innovation include keeping a laser-sharp focus on the customer; establishing a disciplined, repeatable, and scalable innovation process; and creating organizational and funding mechanisms that support innovation. Following an excerpt from the new book about "game-changing innovation" by Procter & Gamble CEO A.G. Lafley and business advisor Ram Charan, Charan anticipates the feelings of managers who feel that it would be difficult to duplicate P&G's methods. Charan says leaders of innovation take their game to another level through a particular set of practices: 1. …

Facing the worst demand for their products in decades, Home Depot and Lowe's have refocused on offering everyday low prices. They are pulling back on margin-eroding discounts and promotions after flirting with aggressive promotions earlier in the housing downturn. The moves indicate recognition by the retailers that it will be several quarters before demand picks up -- with or without big discounts -- according to industry experts. Although the approach might cost the retailers some customers in the near term, it's the correct one in the longer term, analysts seem to agree. Lowe's and Home Depot …

Burger King is launching new TV spots that depict its King as a "reverse pickpocketer" who puts money back into consumers' wallets. It is also adding new items priced at $1.39 to its BK Value Menu -- the "Cheesy Bacon BK Wrapper" and the "Spicy Chicken BK Wrapper" -- that are similar to those already on the menu at McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC and Taco Bell. Smaller, lower-cost items on fast-fooders' value menus are one of the results of a long year spent haggling over the double cheeseburger. Although McDonald's has credited the double cheeseburger that anchors its dollar …

Vons has announced that it will match Ralphs in limiting how much coupon clippers can collect from high-value coupons. According to the new policies of both chains, if a coupon is less than or equal to 50 cents, its value will be doubled. If a coupon is worth more than 50 cents but less than $1, its value will be capped at $1. All coupons worth $1 or more will be redeemed at their face value. "The grocery business is highly competitive, and we frequently refine our promotions based on the market," Vons says. Indeed, the chain is …

The Body Shop is rolling out a "Nature's Way to Beautiful" print, online and in-store effort that will attempt to communicate the 2,500-unit chain's commitment to the environment more strongly than past campaigns. The rebranding initiative includes telling the story behind the products it sells through in-store displays. When sourcing aloe, a staple in The Body Shop's products, for instance, the company works with farmers who hand-cut the plant from its roots, so it grows back faster the next time. These and other aspects of the harvesting procedure will also be conveyed on the company's web site, which …