Carrefour Introduces Virtual Clothes Shopping Experience March 19, 2014: 12:00 AM EST French retailer Carrefour, in partnership with technology innovator Clear Channel, is introducing “My Virtual Look by Tex”, an imaging experience that allows customers to use a screen to "try on" Tex brand clothes. Shoppers stand in front of the screen and select clothes by swiping through the collection with their fingers. They are then scanned and filmed in the clothes and appear on the screen “wearing” the items they have selected. The clothes are viewable from all angles. Customers can then snap a photo and share it with social media friends. According to Carrefour, the innovation “saves time and makes shopping for clothes easier”. "Carrefour is breaking new ground with the first virtual fitting rooms created in partnership with Clear Channel", Carrefour, March 19, 2014, © Carrefour

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Tablet Adoption Among Senior Consumers Growing Worldwide, Study Shows January 2, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Consumers who are 55 years and older are increasingly buying and using tablet computers, according to a market research from Deloitte. Results from the July 2013 study revealed levels of tablet ownership among senior mobile phone users ranged from 12 percent in Japan to as high as 53 percent in Singapore. Most often, tablet ownership among seniors were within 10 percentage points of the average level of tablet ownership in countries covered by the study. However, data showed senior tablet owners are less likely to download apps compared with their younger counterparts. "Older Mobile Users Adopt Tablets Around the World", eMarketer , January 02, 2014, © eMarketer Inc.

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Alibaba Execs Predict 2014 Online Developments For Small Retail Businesses December 27, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Michael Lee of Alibaba.com, and Jingming Li, vice president of Alibaba Group, put forward their predictions for how 2014 will play out for small retail businesses in the areas of m-commerce and e-commerce. For m-commerce, they expect small businesses will be able to access “more creative and low-cost or no-cost” mobile platforms; mobile checkout will need to be faster, more convenient and more secure; and US shoppers will increase their use of mobile wallets. They also expect cross-border e-commerce will expand as technology breaks down barriers and new online shoppers emerge from the BRIC and other growth economies, and that the growth of B2B e-commerce will outpace B2C e-commerce. Sara Angeles, "6 Ways Retail Will Change in 2014", Business News Daily, December 27, 2013, © Business News Daily

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Google Catching Up To Amazon In Online Product Searches December 19, 2013: 12:00 AM EST After redesigning its search page, Google is gaining ground on product browsing competitor Amazon. Changes in Google’s ads – allowing product pictures, descriptions and prices at the top of search results – are attracting advertisers and revenue-generating clicks. Ads on Google now more closely resemble what Amazon shows shoppers. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and eBay Inc. are the top buyers of Google's product ads, according to a search-advertising research firm. But despite the progress, industry experts say Google still has a long way to go to catch up to Amazon in the online-shopping search battle. Rolfe Winkler, "Amazon vs. Google: It's A War for the Shopping Search", Wall Street Journal, December 19, 2013, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc

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Wal-Mart Grows Global E-Commerce Sales By 40% In Third Quarter November 15, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart reported global e-commerce sales for the third quarter of 2013 (to October 31) were up 40%. CEO Mike Duke said that e-commerce sales were extremely robust, especially in China, where Wal-Mart owns 51% of Yihaodian, one of the country’s largest online mass merchants. Duke also highlighted e-commerce growth in Canada, where its e-commerce sales were up 96% on the third quarter of 2012, and Brazil, up over 50%. Duke told analysts it the company is investing heavily in the channel, with new fulfillment facilities in Texas, Brazil and China. The number of SKUs on Walmart.com is now around 5 million. Mark Brohan, "Wal-Mart grows global e-commerce 40% in Q3", Internet Retailer, November 15, 2013, © Vertical Web Media

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Growing Middle Class Meets Rising Food Prices: How Should Companies React? October 8, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The global middle class is growing by 70 million people a year, and food prices are forecast to double over the next 20 years. Those two huge trends, Nielsen says, are joining to create a time of rising demand, economic pressure and “aspirationally driven” buying behavior. The researcher, whose data come from an Internet survey involving 29,000 respondents in 58 countries,  says companies looking to take advantage of this convergence of megatrends should keep in mind that the term “middle class” can’t be defined solely by income – parameters vary from country to country. Instead, they should measure consumer diversity, spending flexibility and the “demand landscape” to understand how to tailor goods and services to meet the needs of consumers in developed and developing markets. "The Middle Class: State of Mind or Share of Wallet", Report, The Nielsen Company, October 08, 2013, © The Nielsen Company

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Consumers Around The Globe Ready To Spend On Branded Products October 3, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Companies with well-recognized, popular brand name products could find significant marketing opportunities among consumers in developing countries, according to a survey of 23,000 consumers in 20 countries. After five years of economic gloom, consumers in these countries and in the developed world are willing to spend more of their income on known brands. Two-thirds of consumers in affluent economies expect to trade up to more expensive goods and services in the travel, large home appliance and housing industries. Fifteen brands rank in the top 30 for both boomers and millennials. Twenty-nine brands appeal to only one or the other. The top-30 list for millennials includes newer companies and older brands that have positioned themselves for younger consumers Christine Barton, "The Resilient Consumer: Where to Find Growth amid the Gloom in Developed Economies", The Boston Consulting Group, October 03, 2013, © The Boston Consulting Group

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Mobile Technologies Contributed Almost 4.9 Percent To Asia-Pacific Region's GDP In 2012, Study Shows September 19, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Mobile technologies accounted for almost $1 trillion, or almost 4.9 percent, of GDP in the Asia-Pacific region in 2012, with 3 percentage points coming from improvements in productivity, according to a study by The Boston Consulting Group. Commissioned by the mobile industry group GSMA, the socio-economic impact study also forecast that as adoption rates continue rising, these technologies’ contribution to the region’s GDP could grow to almost 8 percent by 2020. Mobile technologies helped create almost 16 million jobs across the mobile industry in the region. Also, these technologies helped increase by 12 percent the financial inclusion in developing countries, reduced income uncertainty, and reduce fraud and economic leakage. In the healthcare segment, mobile technologies helped save lives through improved healthcare information and education. "The Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2013", Boston Consulting Group/GSMA, September 19, 2013, © Boston Consulting Group/GSMA

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Conventional Retailers Can Compete With Amazon Better By Combining Online And Offline Sales, Conference Panelists Say September 15, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Conventional retailers can compete with Amazon.com Inc. and other retailers by integrating online sales with options that only bricks-and-mortar stores can offer —store pickups, delivery, and returns. This was the main theme of online retail experts’ presentations at the Reuters Global Consumer and Retail Summit in New York. Several factors, however, are keeping most retailers from successfully implementing such an online-offline approach. These include costs associated with putting such a platform in place including expensive software for combining online and in-store inventory and retraining of employees. Although Amazon.com has had a head start in the online market, data from the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed online sales increased 18.4 percent in the second quarter of 2013. Online sales, however, accounted only for about 7 percent of total retail sales, leaving plenty of room for other retailers to catch up with the market leader. Phil Wahba, "REUTERS SUMMIT-Retailers must work harder to merge e-commerce, stores", Reuters, September 15, 2013, © Thomson Reuters

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Aldi, Lidl Adopt Contactless Payment Systems August 17, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailers Aldi and Lidl introduced their respective contactless payment systems. After completing a successful trial of the technology, Lidl rolled out Ingenico's iPP350 contactless payment system across its 580 stores. Aldi is running a trial at selected branches and is also considering the adoption of near field communication-driven technology. Several retailers in the UK have already implemented contactless payment systems in 2012, including Marks & Spencer and The Co-operative Group. Use of contactless payment systems in the UK has risen 22 percent in the first quarter of 2013, according to research by Visa. Daniel Lanyon, "Aldi and Lidl introduce contactless payments", The Grocer, August 17, 2013, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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L'Oreal Works With YouTube Star To Launch New Brand August 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST L'Oréal Luxe group and Michelle Phan launched the makeup line em michelle phan, which was developed by Phan with input from her online community. Michelle Phan has built an online community of followers with her story-driven makeup tutorials. She is now the #1 beauty guru on YouTube with nearly one billion views and 4.5 million subscribers. L'Oréal Luxe calls em michelle phan a startup-style brand that will be available at www.emcosmetics.com. The line took two years to develop and will launch with over 250 products including 36 shades of eyeshadow, blush and lipstick themed around life moments such as “Love Life,” “Day Life,” “Party Life” and “Night Life.” PRNewswire, "em michelle phan, the new makeup brand co-created by beauty expert Michelle Phan and her community, launches", PRNewswire, August 16, 2013, © PRNewswire

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Indian Consumers' Obsession With Fair Skin Drives Growth In Skin-Whitening Market August 14, 2013: 12:00 AM EST In 2012, Indians consumed 233 tonnes of skin-whitening products, driven by their obsession with fair skin. Started in 1978 with Unilever's launch of the Fair & Lovely brand of skin-whitening cream, the market grew to reach $432 million in value, according to market research firm ACNielsen. Unilever's first skin-whitening cream has paved the way for an endless line of whitening face cleansers, shower gels, and even vaginal washes that their makers claimed work to lighten the surrounding skin. The market for skin-whitening products was growing at 18 percent each year, ACNielsen data also showed. India's leading cricket players and Bollywood celebrities often endorse these products, further driving the public's fixation with whiter skin. Monisha Rajesh , "India's unfair obsession with lighter skin", The Guardian, August 14, 2013, © Guardian News and Media Limited

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Food Trend Spotter: Kitchens of Africa – Bringing African Flavors To America July 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST At the Fancy Food Show in New York earlier this month that we attended we looked at range of emerging themes, one of which was the rise of novel flavors. Suppliers continue to experiment with more exotic and more vibrant tastes – often spicier and hotter (especially with Mexican and southern flavors) but also with growing acceptance of ethnic influences from farther afield, notably Indian and Thai flavors.   One new departure is Kitchens of Africa, established in 2012, which appeared at the show. The company is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, but its ‘roots extend all the way to The Gambia, a tiny country in the western part of Africa.’The company aims to develop ‘a line of flavorful African-inspired convenience foods’ and currently has two sauces, Maffé and Yassa.    Maffé is a peanut simmer sauce that is ‘slightly sweet, spicy and tangy’ – Kitche ns of Africa’s website claims the sauce ‘might remind you of Thai food,  but in a more  delicious way’. Yassa is an onion simmer sauce that ‘captures the tropical flav ors of Africa with big, bright citrus notes’. Both sauces are available online at $14 for two 12oz jars. Kitchens of Africa also offers an African jerk paste (marinade) that has ‘many exotic spices to capture the essence and complexity of true African-style Jerk.’ The paste comes in three levels of spiciness: mild, spicy and fiery. The price of the paste is not provided at the company’s site.   Comments about the company and its products are available at its Facebook page.   Business360 staff, "Fancy Food Show Review", Business360 Comments, July 16, 2013

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Retail Stores Want More Customer Behavior Data, And Technology Is Helping Them Get It July 14, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Retailers all over the U.S. are testing advanced technologies, including video surveillance, that track shopper behavior and mood. A coffee store in California uses technology that measures the signals between a smartphone and a Wi-Fi antenna to count how many people walk by and how many enter. National chains like Family Dollar and Cabela’s, and specialty stores like Benetton and Warby Parker, are using the data they collect to determine how to change store layouts and whether to offer customized coupons. Some shoppers are unnerved by the data collection efforts. “The idea that you’re being stalked in a store is, I think, a bit creepy,” says a computer information systems professor who noted that consumers can rarely control or have access to this data. Stephanie Clifford And Quentin Hardy, "Attention, Shoppers: Store Is Tracking Your Cell", The New York Times , July 14, 2013, © The New York Times Company

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Peapod Expands Its Virtual Stores On The East Coast, In Chicago July 8, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Internet grocer Peapod said it is expanding its virtual grocery store technology, featuring physical or digital billboards of grocery aisles, to community locations including ballparks, concert sites, recreation centers and coffee shops around the East Coast and Chicago. In 2012, Peapod launched 100 virtual grocery stores at commuter rail stations. A high tech Peapod truck is also traveling in the region. The company said the ad campaign is designed to get smartphone users to scan a QR (quick response) code and download a free PeapodMobile app. Consumers can then shop for groceries on the go at any time. "Peapod virtual grocery stores pop up in unexpected places", News release, Ahold, July 08, 2013, © Ahold

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Walmart Streamlines Its Logistics System To Efficiently Handle Online Sales June 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Walmart is finally adapting its order fulfillment system to the reality of Internet shopping. It’s a high-stakes game: online sales rose 16 percent in the U.S. in 2012 to $224.3 billion and now account for about five percent of overall consumer-goods sales. That number will reach 10 percent by 2017. In an attempt to catch up to Amazon.com, which long ago created a super-efficient Internet-based sales and delivery model, Walmart is implementing a huge logistics system that includes new warehouses for Web orders – a la Amazon.com – but also uses staff at its more than 4,000 stores to pack and mail Web-bought items to customers – a faster and cheaper way to fulfill online orders, according to the company. Shelly Banjo, "Wal-Mart's E-Stumble", Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2013, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Walmart's Grocery Expansion Prompts Grocery Stores To Move Upscale Or Launch Own Low-Price Play June 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Walmart's expansion into the grocery segment forced grocery store companies to adopt a more upscale business model or go the discount route in the United States. Traditional grocery stores lost 17 percent of their business, mostly repeat customers, to Walmart, according to a market study by University of California San Diego marketing professor Karsten Hansen and colleagues. Also, the study found that most of customers who shifted to Walmart are people who do not have plenty of time to shop. Other customers, however, who wanted more choices, such as in terms of brand, and who are willing to pay a little more have prompted high-end retailers, such as Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, to expand their business. Some retailers, such as Save-a-Lot and Aldi, are offering products at discounted prices, trying to beat Walmart on its own low-price game. Tim Lockette, "As competition increases, grocery stores are adopting new models", The Anniston Star, June 16, 2013, © Anniston Star

Domains Innovation & New Business Models Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Asia-Pacific To Lead Men's Skin-Care Market Growth In 2012–2017, Euromonitor Says June 10, 2013: 12:00 AM EST In South Korea, sales of men's skin-care products reached $565 million in 2012, accounting for 21 percent of the global sales, according to market research firm Euromonitor International. Although China is expected to overtake South Korea as the biggest market for men's skin-care products in 2013, the country is forecast to remain the world leader in terms of per capita spending. Euromonitor International forecasts the world's men's skin care market to expand at a CAGR of 7 percent for 2012–2017. Asia-Pacific will lead this growth, with a CAGR of almost 10 percent, with the fastest growing men's skin-care markets expected to be India, Indonesia, and China.  Geok Leng,, "South Korea: Largest Market for Men's Skin Care Globally", Euromonitor International, June 10, 2013, © Euromonitor International

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Purina Acquires Pet Adoption Site Petfinder June 10, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Pet food manufacturer Nestlé Purina announced it will acquire the 17-year-old pet adoption site Petfinder. Purina brand manager Michael Kotick says the company has no immediate plans to alter the Petfinder platform, but acknowledges that the goal is to eventually transform the site into a content-marketing and community-building vehicle that would offer location-based services, nutritional expertise and heightened socialization. Petfinder, owned by Animal Planet parent Discovery Communications, has been involved in 22 million pet adoptions. Its mission dovetails with Purina's, according to Kotick: the company invests $30 million annually in pet welfare. The terms of the sale were not disclosed. Sonya Chudgar, "Nestle Purina to Buy Petfinder", Advertising Age, June 10, 2013, © Crain Communications

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Ocado Plans To Expand Online Grocery Business Into A Virtual Hypermarket June 5, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Online grocery company Ocado said it plans to launch non-food online stores as part of its strategy to expand its online operations into a virtual hypermarket. As part of this expansion, Ocado will launch Fetch, a website that offers pet supplies and veterinary health services and information, according Ocado non-food director James Matthews. Ocado hired staff that will provide veterinary information on the Fetch website, which is designed to help extend the company's range of pet food, toys, and accessories. After Fetch, the company will launch websites focusing on baby, health and beauty, toys, and other product categories. Simon Nias, "Ocado to launch non-food sites in 'hypermarket' drive", Marketing Magazine, June 05, 2013, © Haymarket

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Almost Half Of American Families Include Mothers As Primary Source Of Family Income, Study Shows May 29, 2013: 12:00 AM EST In the United States, 40 percent of all households with children below the age of 18 have mothers who are either the sole or primary source of income for the family, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. In 1960, it was just 11 percent. Breadwinner moms are made up of 5.1 million married mothers, who out-earn their husbands and account for 37 percent of the group, and 8.6 million single mothers who account for 63 percent. Results of the data analysis also revealed a huge income gap between the two mother groups — the median total family income of married mothers who earn more than their husbands was almost $80,000 in 2011, which is much higher than the national median income of $57,100 for families with children. In contrast, single mothers' families had a median income of $23,000. Wendy Wang, Kim Parker and Paul Taylor, "Breadwinner Moms: Mothers Are the Sole or Primary Provider in Four-in-Ten Households with Children; Public Conflicted about the Growing Trend", Pew Social Trends, May 29, 2013, © Pew Research Center

Domains TrendSpotter Individualism & Self-Expression Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

More Women In China Rise Up Corporate Ladder, Still Face Discrimination, Survey Shows April 30, 2013: 12:00 AM EST In China, 30 percent of women are occupying senior management positions within companies, according to a survey by Starcom MediaVest Group. Many women, however, are not fairly compensated for their contribution, with their salaries about two-thirds of the salaries of their male counterparts. Results of the survey also found that although many respondents view men as equals, almost 88 percent of women said marriage and having babies make them less equal and limit their career opportunities in the corporate world. Modernization has transformed marriage and motherhood from a vocation into an obligation that limits women's chances for personal fulfillment, according to Starcom MediaVest national research and insights director for Greater China Jeffrey Tan. This perhaps led more than 90 percent of women to agree that marrying the right man, defined as a man with large enough bank balance, is important. Jenny Chan , "Career mistresses, and the truth about women holding up half the sky in China", Campaign Asia, April 30, 2013, © Haymarket Media Ltd.

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Facebook Fans' Value To Leading Consumer Brands Grows Significantly April 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Every Facebook fan's worth for major consumer brands has increased an average of 28 percent to $174 since 2010, according to an empirical study conducted by Syncapse in cooperation with Hotspex. Evaluating 20 top global consumer brands' Facebook fanbase, the study repeats and improves upon the research conducted by Syncapse in 2010 which measured Facebook fans value as a driver of shareholder value. Results of the 2010 study revealed the average Facebook fan had the value of $136. Data also showed that since the number of fans has increased two times or more, even a minor increase in the value of an average fan is increased significantly. Also, top brands covered in the 2013 study have more than 15 million fans, with leading brands, such as McDonalds and Coca-Cola with 25 million and 60 million, respectively. "The Value of a Facebook Fan to Consumer Brands Increased 28% to $174 since 2010", PR Newswire, April 18, 2013, © Bloomberg L. P.

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In-Store Salespeople Getting As Lonely As Maytag Repairmen, Thanks To Tech-Savvy Shoppers April 17, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The increased use of digital communications technology for in-store shopping is expected to remain a significant retail trend, according to Euromonitor International. Consumers are increasingly adept at using smartphones while shopping in stores, not to buy necessarily, but to acquire more information about products and prices. A key result of this trend is that, in developed countries at least, checking a website on a smartphone for product information in stores is now more common than consulting a salesperson, though talking to salespeople is not yet passé in emerging markets. Euromonitor also found that use of the QR code on products and advertisements to gather detailed product information is still relatively rare. "Growing Role of Mobile Technology in Shopping", Euromonitor International, April 17, 2013, © Euromonitor International

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As Social Media Merges With E-Commerce, Online Spending Will Climb April 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Online shoppers are relying more on virtual social connections to make purchases, according to researcher Euromonitor, which has published a report on three key global trends in social media. Businesses are responding to the social media buying trend by developing with social media environments that support feedback and discussion. Networks, meanwhile, are making it easier to buy products on-the-spot. The result is a merger of social media and e-commerce and an increase in online consumer purchases. Businesses are hiking online adspend levels to integrate fully into social media. Euromonitor’s other key trends: emerging markets like Indonesia and India will see huge social media user growth, and social media brands will focus heavily on content and new features. Pavel Marceux, "Top Three Trends in Social Media for 2013", Euromonitor International, April 16, 2013, © Euromonitor International

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Procter & Gamble Collaborates With American Academy Of Pediatrics To Promote Home Safety March 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Procter & Gamble Co. partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics to help promote home safety in the United States. As part of the partnership deal, the parties will cooperate to provide parents with information and tools needed to maintain safety of their homes and their families. In observance of the National Poison Prevention Week, much of the partners' efforts will involve informing consumers about the correct use and storage of household cleaning and fabric care products. "P&G Announces Collaboration with American Academy of Pediatrics to Continue Household Safety Awareness and Education Program", Procter & Gamble, March 20, 2013, © Procter & Gamble

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E-coupon And Loyalty Card Technology Drive Grocery Stores Toward Sophisticated E-marketing March 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Grocery chains are finally emerging from a stubborn reluctance to embrace e-commerce, says e-commerce monitor Dynamite Data. Grocers have adopted loyalty card technology, which allows shoppers to register a store card and receive discounts at the checkout counter. E-coupon offers have doubled every six months in the last two years, with more than 500 unique manufacturer offers running every week. The new technology has led to a “dramatic … shift in consumer behavior” that has driven 22 major grocery chains toward multichannel commerce. Two major chains are attempting to vary e-coupon recommendations based on purchase history. One coupon aggregator will launch Twitter and Facebook integration this year, fashioning e-coupon offers based on trends from a customer’s social graph. Kristopher Kubicki, "For Grocers, After Years of Shunning Internet, Digital Starts to Click", Advertising Age, March 18, 2013, © Crain Communications

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Amazon Entices Brands With Online Space For Selling Their Wares November 21, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Amazon launched the Amazon Pages service, which allows companies to create their own pages on Amazon.com as customized online destinations. Amazon.com-branded URLs, dynamic Web designs, and social media links are some of the features of the service, which may help encourage brands and smaller companies to use the service instead of operating their own Web sites. Also, the company launched the Amazon Posts service, which lets companies promote themselves and their products across Amazon and Facebook, and Amazon Analytics, which helps measure the online platform’s performance. Ingrid Lunden, "Amazon Offers ‘Amazon Pages’ For Brands To Customize With Their Own URLs, And ‘Amazon Posts’ For Social Media Marketing", Tech Crunch, November 21, 2012, © AOL Inc.

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“Virtual” Grocery Shopping Takes Off In China October 16, 2012: 12:00 AM EST A Chinese retailer has launched 1,000 “virtual” 3-D supermarkets at “iconic landmark locations” in the metropolitan areas of Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Items at these “stores” can be purchased online using Yihaodian’s Virtual Store App; the purchases are then delivered to homes later in the day. Each virtual store offers as many as 1,000 items and offers promotional discount coupons and gift vouchers. Similar program are being tested in the U.K. and the U.S. Tesco created an online program for its HomePlus brand and offers virtual shopping in subway stations in South Korea. "1,000 ‘Virtual Supermarkets’ To Open In China", Inquisitr, October 16, 2012, © Inquisitr Ltd.

Domains TrendSpotter Virtual Life & Technology Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific China

India’s Aging – And Increasingly Affluent – Population Benefits Wellness, Personal Care Firms September 8, 2012: 12:00 AM EST People over age 40  in India want to be younger-looking – and healthy – as they age, a fact that is benefiting health, wellness and personal care suppliers and services. Customers over 40 are buying anti-aging serums, anti-wrinkle creams, eye rollers and skin repair moisturizers. Benefiting from the trend are product makers such as Hindustan Unilever, L’Oreal and Procter & Gamble, as well as thousands of beauty and slimming salons, a segment that has increased 50 percent in the last year. A recent market research report finds that the 40+ population in India will reach 500 million by 2025. "40-plus age group emerge as fastest growing consumer segment for wellness firms", The Economic Times, September 08, 2012, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd

Domains TrendSpotter Independence & New Living Individualism & Self-Expression Personal Empowerment & Action Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific India

Chinese Consumers Are An Evolving -- And Complex -- Target For Marketers September 5, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Marketers eager to tap into China’s huge – 1.3 billion potential customers – consumer market need to get a better understanding of the country’s economic and cultural complexities, says Chris Davis of Campaign Asia. Consumer demographics, buying patterns and product preferences vary by region and by major city, and each of these is at a different stage of economic development. But there are some key facts: Chinese shoppers look for prestigious brands; women tend to control the family’s purse strings; Internet shopping, product and price comparisons, and buying are surging; and senior citizens form a sizeable purchasing segment and do considerable shopping for their grandchildren. A crucial insight: China is becoming more modern and international in its outlook, but not “Western”. Chris Davis , "Understanding the evolving Chinese consumer", Campaign Asia, September 05, 2012, © Haymarket Media Ltd

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IPhone Attachment That Probes For Nitrate Residues Could Skewer Phony Organic Claims August 23, 2012: 12:00 AM EST Lapka Electronics LCC has developed a free downloadable app and personal environment monitor attachment (with probe) for the iPhone. The device measures nitrate concentration in food, a sure sign that food was not produced organically. Nitrates are used in non-organic fertilizers, so any residue left behind is evidence that a claim of organic is false. The Lapka device, expected on the market later in 2012, will have attachments that detect radiation, electromagnetism, and humidity as well. Food Product Design envisions people using the $220 device in grocery stores to probe fruits and vegetables, maybe even packaged foods, “which I’m sure will rile many a store manager”. " Test Pesticides With Your iPhone", Blog, Food Product Design, August 23, 2012, © Virgo Publishing, LLC

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Revlon Launches Online Marketing Campaign On Facebook July 5, 2012: 11:39 PM EST Revlon will launch The Revlon Expression Experiment, a Facebook-based social media campaign that will present various beauty-related challenges to consumers across the United States. The online marketing campaign will also allow consumers to post and share experience with their Facebook friends. Participants can also avail of a corresponding tutorial by Gucci Westman, Revlon’s global artistic director. Belisa Silva, "Revlon Charts New Digital Course", WWD , July 05, 2012, © Condé Nast

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As Market Explodes For Men's Cosmetics, Marketers Try Their Best To Convince Male Consumers It's Not Makeup June 23, 2012: 11:18 PM EST Sales of men's grooming products are forecast to reach $3.2 billion by 2016, up from $2.6 billion in 2012, which makes men's grooming one of the fastest expanding segments in the beauty market, according to market research firm Mintel. Although the market for cosmetics and skincare for men is booming, marketers have to deal with a major challenge — most men do not want to use products with packaging that seems too feminine. Marketers circumvent this issue by offering cosmetics with packaging that looks designed for cigar and liquor and sporting manly brand names. Nordstrom, for its part, transferred male grooming products from the beauty department to the men's furnishings section. Shan Li, "Market booms for men's cosmetics — but don't call it makeup", Los Angeles Times, June 23, 2012, © Los Angeles Times

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Majority Of India's Male Consumers Use Fairness Creams, Report Says June 6, 2012: 02:02 AM EST More than 80 percent of male consumers in India are using fairness creams, according to the report "India Male Cosmetics Market — Consumer Insight 2012," by KuicK Research. Overall, consumption of cosmetic products by Indian men saw an upward trend in the past years, driven by changes in men's attitude about cosmetics use. The research also found that majority of male consumers are spending INR 50–100 on fairness creams every month and are willing to pay a premium for creams for men. Andrew McDougall, "Skin whitening trend driving male cosmetic market in India", Cosmetics Design, June 06, 2012, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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Protein Trend Means Sales Boost For Powder, Bar Makers May 31, 2012: 09:07 AM EST America’s demand for protein is surging, thanks to a torrent of advice from physical trainers, diet gurus and weight-loss plans; that means big business for makers of protein powders, shakes and energy bars. The boost in protein demand is also benefiting retail grocers, whose shelves are now packed with protein products, replacing space once stocked with high-fiber and low-fat products. The irony is that, even without the protein powders and bars, Americans already eat plenty of protein, experts say. A diet survey from 2007-2008 shows “men and women commonly consuming more protein than needed, sometimes by a third or more,” the AP reports. Michael Hill, "Beyond meat: Americans preoccupied with protein", BusinessWeek, May 31, 2012, via Associated Press, © The Associated Press

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Massachusetts Company Is An Example Of The Online Bakery Phenomenon May 16, 2012: 11:35 AM EST According to Harvard Sweet Boutique (Mass.), online bakeries offering brownies, toffee, cookies and cookie bars are a rapidly growing phenomenon. Products can be ordered online to send as gifts, treats, or “just because,” the company says. Harvard Sweet Boutique prepares orders in small batches from scratch; personalizes each order; ships the high-quality products in whimsical striped or polka dot boxes, promptly – promising next day delivery when necessary. "Online Bakeries Are Now Left Right and Center Says Harvard Sweet Boutique", News release, Harvard Sweet Boutique, May 16, 2012, © Harvard Sweet Boutique

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Men's Growing Vanity Drives Market Growth For Men's Skincare in China April 16, 2012: 03:07 AM EST China's market for men's skincare products has seen explosive growth in the past five years, reaching almost $1 billion in retail sales value. Driven by growing vanity and desire for individuality among men, the growing market has encouraged manufacturers to introduce designed-for-men brands, such as Olay Men Solutions from Procter & Gamble, L'Oréal Men Expert, Nivea for Men, and Mentholatum. Marketers' key targets are male consumers who are mostly young, rich urbanites, career-focused, and searching for social success, according to Kantar Worldpanel. Normandy Madden , "P&G, Luxury Marketers Benefit From Male Vanity in China", Advertising Age, April 16, 2012, © Crain Communications

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Global Consumers Trust Word-of-Mouth, Online Reviews, Much More Than Ads April 10, 2012: 03:40 AM EST Though television and other forms of advertising remain a principal way marketers reach their target audiences, consumers are much more likely to trust recommendations from friends and online consumer opinions, Nielsen research shows. A survey of 28,000 consumers in 56 countries found that 92 percent trust word-of-mouth and recommendations from friends and family (dubbed “earned media”) above all other forms of advertising. That’s an 18 percent increase since 2007. Seventy percent of those surveyed say they trust online consumer reviews, up by 15 percent in four years. According to Nielsen, the explosion of ads in various media could be affecting “how well they resonate with their intended audiences on various platforms.” "Nielsen: Global Consumers’ Trust in “Earned” Advertising Grows in Importance", Business Wire, April 10, 2012, © Business Wire

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Tech-Savvy Consumers In Their Twenties Present A Challenge For Marketers April 9, 2012: 02:00 AM EST A small study conducted by Innerscope Research provides “directional insight” for marketers into the media viewing patterns of younger technology-savvy consumers. The 30 participants in the study were monitored for 300 hours of non-work time. Consumers in their 20s, dubbed “digital natives,” switch media venues 27 times an hour, or about 13 times during an average half-hour TV show. Older consumers who grew up with old school technologies (“digital immigrants”) switch only 17 times an hour. The lesson for marketers? Young consumers looking for engaging content have short attention spans. They “snack” for short periods of time on different media channels, so marketers need to communicate in short message bits. Brian Steinberg , "Study: Young Consumers Switch Media 27 Times An Hour", Advertising Age, April 09, 2012, © Crain Communications

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New Photo “Pinning” Web Site Gathers Momentum April 6, 2012: 01:49 AM EST The third most-visited Web site – after Facebook and Twitter – is a newbie known as Pinterest, where visitors “pin” photos and Internet info onto virtual boards. The ranking, reported by Experian, is based on the total U.S. visitors in March, not including mobile users. Pinterest’s founder Ben Silbermann says the key to the eye-popping success since its launch in March 2010 – and especially in the last six months – is the fact that people “pin photos of products they'd like to buy and other interesting bits of info they find while trolling the Internet.” He says the site is about helping people find things they didn’t know they wanted. Experian says the majority of visitors (60 percent) are women, and President Obama recently joined. John D. Sutter, "Report: Pinterest is third most-visited social site", CNN.com, April 06, 2012, © Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

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New Dads Are Getting More Involved In Social Networks April 5, 2012: 12:46 AM EST A growing number of first-time dads – those whose oldest child is no older than two – actively use social networks to share updates (42 percent), photos (56 percent) and videos (21 percent) with friends, according to a survey. The survey also found that millennial dads have more online friends than millennial moms: an average of 96 as opposed to 70. The findings correlate with a deeper trend: with about 17 percent of fathers these days at home, dads increasingly view themselves as partners with moms, sharing household responsibilities like nurturing, cooking and  food shopping. And dads are catching up to moms in another area: a study done a year ago found that 25 percent who use social networks follow a brand. "New Dads Are Big-Time Social Media Users", eMarketer, April 05, 2012, © eMarketer Inc.

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CPG Companies Tinker With Coupon Promotions As Shoppers Search For Bargains April 5, 2012: 12:44 AM EST Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are tweaking their coupon marketing programs to get the most value from promotions. But the changes being tested – faster expirations, multiple item requirements – don’t appear to be deterring price-conscious shoppers looking for deals. They redeemed $4.6 billion in coupons in 2011, a 12 percent increase from 2010. One researcher found that CPG companies distributed 8.1 percent fewer coupons in 2011, with the decline coming mainly in grocery products. On the other hand, there was an increase in discount offers for health and beauty products, including hair care, eye care and cosmetics. Teresa F. Lindeman, "Consumers still clipping coupons after manufacturers revise some rules ", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 05, 2012, © PG Publishing Co., Inc

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CPG Ad Market Offers A Big Revenue Opportunity For Amazon.com April 3, 2012: 02:20 AM EST Amazon.com has begun to ramp up its online advertising program targeting  consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies in hopes of attracting some of the billions of dollars spent annually on online ads in that sector. According to an Internet market research firm, spending by CPG companies on online ads will double by 2015 to $5 billion. The head of Amazon’s global ad sales called the CPG advertising market a “huge opportunity” in a recent speech, noting that only four percent of its customers purchase CPG products. Alistair Barr, "Amazon eyes ad dollars in consumer packaged goods", Reuters, April 03, 2012, © Thomson Reuters

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Cosmetics Market Booms In South Korea March 30, 2012: 03:51 AM EST South Korea's cosmetics market has been growing 10.4 percent annually from 5.6 trillion won in 2006 to almost 9 trillion won today, outperforming the overall retail market's average growth rate of 6.1 percent, according to the Samsung Economic Research Institute. In a sign of its resilience, during the financial crisis in 2009 when Korea’s economy growth at just 0.3 percent, the cosmetics market still rose 11.8 percent. Market growth is driven by cosmetics use moving beyond women to include men, teenagers, and senior consumers and innovation as companies adopt medical technology, nutrition, and biotechnology-based solutions to enhance "effect and quality" of their products. "South Korea's Lipstick Generation", Asia Sentinel, March 30, 2012, © Asia Sentinel

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Bullish Marketing Execs Expect Big Increases In Budgets, Especially For Online Campaigns March 27, 2012: 11:25 PM EST Marketing executives optimistic about the economy predict significant increases in spending overall and particularly in online efforts, a survey has found. Marketing budgets are expected to grow by as much as 8.1 percent in the next year, with much of that growth coming from online spending. The survey found that companies planned to earmark 7.4 percent of marketing budgets on social media campaigns in the next 12 months and expect that number to nearly triple in the next five years. Still, the survey found, nearly one in five execs say their companies have not yet integrated social media into marketing strategies. "Execs Foresee Continued Shift to Digital Marketing", eMarketer, March 27, 2012, © eMarketer Inc.

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PZ Cussons Faces Problems In Nigeria, Does Well In All Other Markets March 27, 2012: 11:22 PM EST PZ Cussons PLC stated that for January 25 to March 26, 2012, its financial performance and business operations in all markets, except in Nigeria, have turned out as the company predicted. Socio-economic tensions in Nigeria, such as social unrest in the northern parts of the country and the government's removal of fuel subsidy, have caused declines in consumer disposable income and disruptions in operations. Meanwhile, PZ Cussons launched a 12-month supply chain reorganization project to help the company keep its global supply chain costs at competitive levels. "PZ Cussons Challenged by Continuing Problems in Nigeria", GCI Magazine, March 27, 2012, © Allured Business Media

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Truvia Unveils Low-Calorie Stevia/Sugar Blend For Baking March 27, 2012: 11:48 AM EST Cargill’s Truvia brand has launched a low-calorie stevia/sugar blend for use in baking. According to the company, Truvia Baking Blend bakes and browns like sugar, but has 75 percent fewer calories per serving than sugar. For baking recipes, sugar amounts can be replaced with half as much Truvia. A 1.5 pound, $6.99 bag of Truvia Baking Blend has the equivalent sweetness of three pounds of sugar (about seven cups). Half a cup of Truvia Baking Blend has 190 calories and provides the same sweetness as a cup of sugar with 760 calories. "New Truvia Baking Blend Arrives on Retail Shelves: Offering Home Bakers 75% Fewer Calories, Naturally ", News release, Cargill, March 27, 2012, © Cargill

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“Antioxidant” Is The Magic Word For Personal Care, Cosmetics Products March 27, 2012: 03:31 AM EST A survey of 2,000 American adults by researcher Packaged Facts finds that the word “antioxidant” on cosmetics product labels attracts greater attention from female shoppers. Forty-four percent of women purchase skin care products that tout antioxidant content. According to Packaged Facts, retail sales of antioxidant cosmetics products reached $3.9 billion, and about $2.2 billion of that comprised skin care products. Top antioxidant ingredients in hair and skin products include cocoa, green tea, and pomegranate. The researcher said that “innumerable” cosmetics and personal care  products contain antioxidants, but the more appealing ones feature the term prominently on labels. Michelle Yeomans , "Antioxidant products a cosmetic winner according to market researcher", Cosmetics Design, March 27, 2012, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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Rising Number Of One-Person Households In Japan Signals Marketing Opportunities March 26, 2012: 11:50 PM EST A rise in the number of one-person households in Japan offers marketing opportunities for the household durables, communications, leisure and recreation, and retailing segments, Euromonitor reports. There are now 16.1 million single-person households in Japan – 31.5 percent of all households, much higher than in 2001 (27.9 percent). Factors driving the growth in single-person households include: young professionals delaying marriage, more women in the work force, a rise in the divorce rate, a general decline in the marriage rate, and a rapidly aging population with more elderly living alone. "Single-person Households on the Rise in Japan", Euromonitor, March 26, 2012, © Euromonitor International

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