Technical consumer goods market at four-year high

NUREMBERG, GERMANY: The German market for technical consumer goods grew by 3.7% to €13.1 billion* in the fourth quarter of 2010. According to GfK Retail and Technology, the technical consumer goods market also recorded value growth of 3.7% for the year as a whole, with total sales of €44.3 billion. These represent the highest quarterly and full-year values since GfK TEMAX® Germany was introduced in 2007. 16 Feb 2011 11:02

Consumption in 2011 - Germany on the ascent

NUREMBERG, GERMANY: At a press conference held this week in Nuremberg, GfK presented a review of private consumption in 2010 and an outlook for 2011. As forecast by GfK, private consumption rose last year by 0.5%. For 2011, the market researchers are expecting private household expenditure to increase by a significant 1.5% and therefore make a strong contribution to the economic upturn. 11 Feb 2011 10:51

Strong correlation between creative strategy and performance

TORONTO, CANADA: comScore, Inc. has released findings from comScore ARS indicating the importance of a strong upfront strategy and creative execution in driving campaign effectiveness for TV and digital advertising campaigns in Canada. 31 Jan 2011 09:57

Unemployment, inflation worries hit consumer confidence

NEW YORK, US: Consumer confidence fell in 25 out of 52 countries in Q4 2010 as hope for a global economic recovery evaporated at the end of last year, according to the latest edition of the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Index, which tracks consumer confidence, major concerns and spending intentions among online consumers. 27 Jan 2011 11:00

A change of a dress for the UK's young women

[Mintel Oxygen] LONDON, UK: It has been an iconic clothing item for fashionable women throughout history, made or broken reputations on the red carpet and most recently been the focal point of an impending Royal marriage - but now it seems dresses are the clothing item of choice for young women. 25 Jan 2011 10:02

Private label gets quality reputation; consumers change buying habits

[Mintel Oxygen] CHICAGO, US: The private label market has enjoyed sales growth in recent years that isn't likely to decrease in the near future. Private label companies continue to introduce better-for-you products and more attractive packaging, all while being easier on consumers' pockets. 25 Jan 2011 09:50

Consumer interest in diet foods getting slimmer?

LONDON, UK: As January begins, and many resolute Brits aim to curb the excesses of the festive period by eating healthily, it seems not everyone will be adding diet foods to their shopping list. Indeed, latest research from Mintel reveals some 60% of Brits today say they prefer food that is naturally low in fat or calories and two thirds (63%) of consumers who have dieted over the past three years have done so using reduced calorie foods. 18 Jan 2011 10:38

Accenture, comScore, dunnhumbyUSA announce initiation of breakthrough study

RESTON, US: Accenture, comScore, Inc., and dunnhumbyUSA have announced a groundbreaking initiative to help consumer packaged goods (CPG) marketers better understand the link between consumers' usage of brand websites and their in-store brand buying behaviour. 11 Jan 2011 13:02

Emerging markets enjoy digital camera boom

NUREMBERG, GERMANY: Sales of digital cameras rose significantly during in the first three quarters of 2010 the latest GfK Retail and Technology data has revealed, with the emerging markets very much at the forefront of this increase. GfK Retail and Technology presents key market figures as the International CES 2011 kicks off in Las Vegas. 7 Jan 2011 09:32

Crumbs! It's bad news for the bread maker

LONDON, UK: Christmas is over, and as the nation wallows in new appliances received as gifts, spare a thought for the lowly bread maker, Britain's least used gift appliance. 5 Jan 2011 10:13

Major household appliances industry grows 23% across Asian markets

SINGAPORE: Thanks to the economic recovery, increasing spending power of consumers in the region has been a boon to many industries, including the major household appliances sector, which has managed to bounce back from its weakened performance of yesteryear. 4 Jan 2011 10:56

US spending hits a high

RESTON, US: Final pre-Christmas push propels US online holiday season spending through December 26 to record US$30.8 billion - and a blizzard in the northeast provides additional boost to post-Christmas spending. 4 Jan 2011 09:01

European CE market ends 2010 with a positive performance

NUREMBERG, GERMANY: By the end of 2010, the European consumer electronics market had recorded positive growth of +2%, signalling the end of the impact of the financial crisis on this sector. 4 Jan 2011 08:51

Training essential in IT sales environment

[Daniel Silke] I am a good example of a connected, discerning customer who already has done most of his research even before entering a store and I usually shop around looking for the best deals from different vendors. Therefore, I was armed with all the information I needed and I knew the different offerings from the two major outlets selling the new Apple iMac. I was setting the outlets up for a bit of healthy competition by visiting both just before making my decision where to lay down my credit card. 29 Dec 2010 16:25