Findings from a new Catalina report underscore the importance of reaching and motivating the right customers when introducing new products. A new report published by Catalina, a provider of precise consumer-driven marketing, finds that only a tiny fraction of shoppers determine the success of new Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) product launches. The report explores the…
Online and Mobile Buying Trend Upward
Sales from mobile devices reached 13.3% in Q1 2012, up from the 7% in Q1 2011. The U.S. retail industry saw continued growth in online and mobile buying trends in the first-quarter, driven by today’s rising digital consumer marketplace. According to the IBM retail online economic indicator, a cloud-based analytics report that examines the state…
2012 Gets Off To A Strong Start
“As a traditionally slower sales month for the industry, it’s encouraging to see such sustained growth in consumer spending and sentiment,” says NRF CEO. Building on the momentum of a strong holiday shopping season and propelled by gift card redemptions and warm weather, retailers’ January sales saw solid growth across the board. According to the…
The Pantry Announces Q1 Fiscal 2012 Results
The Pantry Inc. has announced financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended Dec. 29, 2011. First Quarter Summary: Net loss was $2.9 million or $0.13 per share. This compares to a net loss of $12.2 million or $0.54 per share in last year’s first quarter. Excluding the impact of impairment charges and loss on…
Deloitte Survey Shows Shoppers Expecting Discounts
Savvy consumers research brands and prices before heading into stores. Excitement over unexpected in-store deals has diminished as discounted prices become an anticipated part of the consumer products shopping experience, according to the Deloitte/Harrison Group annual American Pantry Survey. For nearly one-third (30%) of consumers, at least seven of 10 items in their shopping cart…
Cultivating Loyal C-Store Customers
An effective rewards program can drive new business and increase the average ticket ring with existing customers. By Howard Riell, Contributing Editor. There was a time when loyalty programs were tools used by large chains to reward customers for their daily business. But the times have changed. Convenience store operators of all sizes are now…
Seizing Control of Smokeless Sales
Convenience store retailers are still concerned over the FDA’s involvement in smokeless tobacco, but many expressed optimism that the category can continue to thrive. By Howard Riell, Associate Editor. While taxes and regulations haven’t impacted sales of smokeless tobacco products as much as some had predicted, it remains up to retailers to continue aggressively marketing…
Gaining Insights into Convenience Store Customers
MSA and Paradigm Sample, in partnership with Convenience Store Decisions, delve into c-store shoppers’ attitudes about buying seasonal and holiday candy. By Trish Temmerman, Contributing Editor. With Halloween and Christmas just around the corner, we are approaching that time of year when some of the most widely recognized seasonal confectionery items are purchased and consumed:…
Mintel Predicts Consumer Trends
As the economy slowing recovers, customers are still adapting. With that in mind, Mintel has predicted nine key consumer trends for the year ahead, examining how long term behavior has been implicated. In 2011, consumers are living for the long term with attitudes inspired by a changed value set. “The effects of the global economic…
Flat Holiday Sales Ahead?
As U.S. consumer confidence cautiously edges upward, The Nielsen Co. predicts consumer holiday spending to closely reflect 2009 spending with flat dollar sales at approximately $89 billion, and flat to declining unit sales, down .15%. “As we approach the holiday season, consumer confidence is up slightly, but below pre-recession levels,” said James Russo, vice president,…