Consumer Spending Forecasts

Optimistic Millennials Are an Attractive Target for Marketers

MarketingForecast.com — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:06:53 -0400

According to a new report about Millennials, many generational ties bind this diverse group of young consumers and differentiate them from older consumers. These include a deep comfort with technology, heavy involvement in social media, a multitasking mentality, non-stop immersion with screens on cell phones, digital tablets and PCs, etc. The challenge for marketers is to leverage this common ground to find Millennials wherever they are and engage them no matter what they are doing. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Hispanics are Early Technology Adopters, Expected to Spend Big on Devices, Apps

MarketingForecast.com — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:00:38 -0400

Hispanics are early adopters of both tablets and smartphones, and also more likely than whites to go online using mobile devices. The high adoption rates for smartphones and tablets among Hispanics are likely due to the fact that they are on average a young group, and more likely to use mobile devices instead of landlines. Analysts expect this consumer segment to drive sales for device retailers and app stores in 2012. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Gardening Homeowners to Draw Marketer Attention Through Early Summer

MarketingForecast.com — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:16:02 -0400

Marketers are gearing up their seasonal ad campaigns to connect with homeowners who want to show off the interior and exterior of their homes. The latest research from Scarborough shows that these consumers make attractive candidates for retailers who are selling a wide range of home-related products. Increasingly, these same homeowners have favorite media destinations where they are likely to learn about the latest trends in their home-related hobbies. READ MORE

- Kathy Crosett, Ad-ology Research

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Both Domestic and International Air Travel on the Rise in 2012

MarketingForecast.com — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:23:59 -0400

According to a new TripAdvisor survey, 91% of respondents said they plan to fly domestically in 2012, compared to 84% that did in 2011. When it comes to flying, 40% would pay extra to sit in a designated "quiet" section of the plane and 35% would shell out $25 for more legroom on flights longer than four hours. In addition, 52% subscribe to frequent flier programs and find them valuable. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Pet Ownership Increasing, Propelled by Affluent and Hispanic Consumer Segments

MarketingForecast.com — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:00:44 -0400

According to new reports from Packaged Facts, main factors propelling the pet market include the burgeoning pet parenting phenomenon, and the increase in pet ownership by family-oriented and demographically potent Hispanics. Higher-income households are also simultaneously a crucial component of the pet market, with households earning $70K or more annually accounting for over half of overall pet industry expenditure. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Sales of Digital Fitness Products Likely to Rise With Consumer Awareness, Interest

MarketingForecast.com — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:00:00 -0400

According to a new report from The NPD Group, consumer awareness of digital health and fitness products like heart rate monitors (91% awareness), sports watches with GPS (79%) and handheld mobile GPS devices (71%) is high, however ownership of the devices remains low. Cost and availability are obstacles, however, advances in sensor technology and connectivity, as well as a renewed focus on health and fitness among consumers may boost sales of these products. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Online Retailers Trying Different Tactics to Coax Customers Back

MarketingForecast.com — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:57:10 -0400

Retailers are trying different tactics to coax customers who have abandoned carts to come back and complete their purchases. 52% of the surveyed merchants said that a reminder email was sent to customers who abandoned their cart; an image of the item left in the cart was displayed in 50% of the emails. Some type of incentive to complete the transaction was also provided in 20% of the emails. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Americans Are Increasingly Concerned About Salt Intake

MarketingForecast.com — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:00:07 -0400

Consumers are interested in healthy eating more than ever, and Mintel�s research reveals that approximately half (52%) of American adults are currently �watching� their diet. And while 60% report dieting because they want to lose weight, some 15% of dieters claim to be doing so at least in part because of concerns about �salt intake.� More than half (59%) of respondents �always� or �usually� limit salt consumption when at home. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Millennials Seek Better Deals from Marketers

MarketingForecast.com — Mon, 07 May 2012 06:57:56 -0400

Retailers often look to the younger generations to fuel their growth as they shop for goods and services they need for their growing households. Historically, younger consumers have been taste-makers as they make various brands and products their favorites. But the slow economic recovery is threatening this trend because the financial situation of many of today�s younger shoppers is strained and this new reality has implications for marketers. READ MORE

- Kathy Crosett, Ad-ology Research

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Despite Uptick in New Car Sales, Consumers Still Keeping Their Cars Longer

MarketingForecast.com — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:00:49 -0400

Despite an increase in new car sales, the post-recession trend of consumers keeping their cars longer continues. This is a trend that bodes well for the automotive aftermarket and repair industry. According to The NPD Group, among consumers purchasing automotive products or repair services 59% report their purchase was for a car eight years or older and 19% purchased for a car 15 years and older. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Digital Coupons Growing in Popularity as Price-Conscious Consumers Perform Product Research Online

MarketingForecast.com — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:00:26 -0400

Price-conscious consumers are doing more research online before making a purchase than ever before thanks to the battered U.S. economy. Those savings-savvy consumers will no doubt be helped by electronic circulars, which now rival their print counterparts in penetration. eMarketer estimates that there will be 92.5 million online coupon users by the end of 2012. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Despite Using a Grocery List, Majority of Shoppers Still Buy Items Not on Their List

MarketingForecast.com — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:02:07 -0400

Despite a shopping list being a tool to stay on budget and eliminate unnecessary purchases, research shows that nine out of ten shoppers still buy items not on their list, according to new research from The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research. Of these shoppers who purchase off-list items, 66% say the reason was a sale or promotion, 30% say they found a coupon, and 23% say they simply wanted to pamper themselves. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Majority of Smartphone Owners Access Travel Information on their Devices

MarketingForecast.com — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:22:54 -0400

According to a new study on mobile travel activities from comScore, 51% of smartphone owners accessed travel content on their devices during the three month period ending February 2012. Nearly 1 in every 5 smartphone owners use their device to book air travel or hotel reservations. �The on-the-go convenience of smartphones has facilitated their emergence as an essential companion for travelers,� said Mark Donovan, comScore SVP of mobile. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Although Over Half of Brides Find Registering Stressful, Majority Still Do � And at Multiple Stores

MarketingForecast.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:00:38 -0400

According to a new report, 6 in 10 brides-to-be and newlyweds have registered or plan to register prior to their wedding day. As many brides (53%) consider the registration process stressful, it is no surprise that an easy to use website (83%), an easy registration process (79%), and an easy return/exchange process (76%) rank in importance. Brides are also choosing to register at a variety of stores - three on average. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Food Gardening Catching On in Urban Areas

MarketingForecast.com — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:00:09 -0400

According to a new survey of 600 gardeners nationwide, 75% of respondents plan to grow vegetables in their gardens and 50% indicate they will be growing fruits and herbs. Gardeners cite better taste, fun activity and cost savings as the primary reason to grow their own produce. While long seen as a rural and suburban hobby, food gardening is now actively embraced by people living in urban areas as well. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Average Consumer to Spend $152 on Mother�s Day 2012

MarketingForecast.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:48 -0400

The average person celebrating Mother's Day is expected to spend $152.52 on gifts this year, up from $140.73 in 2011. Tablet owners ages 18-24 and 25-34 will make the most of their device as 40.4% and 40.9%, respectively, plan to shop and purchase gift items for mom via their tablets. Men will spend an average of $189.74 on the women in their life this Mother�s Day, with total spending is expected to reach $18.6 billion. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Home Accessorizing Trend, �Year of the Dragon� Weddings Driving Purchases of Home Furnishings

MarketingForecast.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:00:45 -0400

Sales of home furnishings in the U.S. are expected to increase nearly 8% in the second quarter to $23.222 billion, with online sales increasing 28.4%, according to a new IBM forecast. A number of important factors that could be driving purchases include "Year of the Dragon" weddings and the trend toward accessorizing living spaces. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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New Data Debunks Myth That Older Consumers are Less Comfortable with Online Buying

MarketingForecast.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:00:14 -0400

According to a recent Bazaarvoice study, those aged 55-64 and 65 and over were much more likely to report satisfaction with their online than offline purchases. Most customer feedback comes from purchasers in the 35 to 65+ age range, says the report. Across the board, data shows that in-store shoppers are less satisfied with the products they purchase in stores, compared to those who buy online. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Although Most Americans are Concerned About Eye Health, Only Half Protect Their Eyes During Outdoor Activities

MarketingForecast.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:00:55 -0400

According to a new national survey, almost half of Americans are not wearing sunglasses, which can lead to serious eye problems. While 85% of Americans feel eye protection is a major component of their overall good health, less than two thirds are wearing eye protection consistently while outdoors, and only about a third of those age 18-24 do so. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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Although Use of Dietary Supplements is on the Rise, Some Ethnic Groups Have High Vitamin Deficiencies

MarketingForecast.com — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:23:19 -0400

While overall the U.S. population has good levels of vitamin A and folate in the body, some groups still need to increase their levels of vitamin D and iron, according to a new report from the CDC. "...higher deficiency rates in certain age and race/ethnic groups are a concern and need additional attention," according to Christine Pfeiffer, lead researcher in the Division of Laboratory Sciences in CDC's National Center for Environmental Health. READ MORE

- Shannon Bryant, Ad-ology Research

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