Videos on cell phones prove to be the fastest growing new media, and as web radio grows, so TV's influence to purchase declines. 24 Jan 2008
A new study from The Nielsen Company finds that 49% of US consumers are reducing their spending to compensate for rising fuel prices, up four points from June 2007. The study found that 70% of consumers are combining shopping trips and errands, and 41% are eating out less, and 39% staying home more often. The study has relevance here, as the SA fuel price rises. 22 Jan 2008
Cape Town restaurants and hotels face stiff competition amongst themselves as they vie for attention from the scores of visitors flocking to the city. But in an industry where word of mouth is vitally important to success, a lack of repeat clients due to lagging customer service is a sure sign that a restaurant isn't living up to its potential. 22 Jan 2008
According to a survey of US journalists by Brodeur, a unit of Omnicom Group, blogs are not only having an impact on the speed and availability of news but also influencing the tone and editorial direction of reporting. 22 Jan 2008
The ResearchBrief for today is forward looking from newspaper executives who identify the current trends they believe will have an impact on the future of businesses. 16 Jan 2008
What triggered such impressive gains in home network adoption in Europe? The answer is in the patterns of growth. The number of households gaining a home network between 2004 and 2006 far exceeded the number stating an intention to do so at the beginning of 2005. This pattern held true across the world. 16 Jan 2008
Rising oil prices, the spread of the sub-prime credit issue in international markets and the slow down in the US economy are all taking their toll on the confidence of the world's consumers. SA consumer's cite their main concern as the rise in interest rates. 15 Jan 2008
Next year US$1.38 billion is expected to be spent on ads on social networks - here's the bang for the buck and the pitfalls, Harry… 11 Jan 2008
We use our senses every day to assess the environment around us, but up until now marketers have operated in a two-dimensional world and have missed the benefits of sensory branding. In this article, we look in particular at the benefits that smell can have on sales and brand loyalty. 10 Jan 2008
As any parent with school-going children knows, the cost of uniforms, books and what-have-you is substantial. Well, it may actually be more than you think – and it seems the private schools are quite brand specific. 9 Jan 2008
Compared to last holiday season, online shoppers are 7.5% less likely to buy offline from the retailer in the future. This was due to a number of factors, including higher petrol prices. Industry related factors included an increase in competitive online shopping activity as shoppers look to stretch their limited resources further and aggressive discounting by online retailers. 9 Jan 2008
A recent survey conducted by Outlaw Consulting, a San Francisco research firm, concluded that Generation Y trendsetters are more drawn to brands that speak to them in a "straightforward and stripped-down way, use plain packaging, and avoid excess," says Holly Brickley, an Outlaw strategic analyst. 4 Jan 2008
Fifth annual holiday shopping and returns survey reveals majority of consumers want to return from home. 3 Jan 2008
Results from the Careers24.com Salary Survey in 2007, the most comprehensive online survey of its kind ever undertaken in South Africa, show an increase in salaries and general work happiness in the agriculture industry. 20 Dec 2007
Keller Fay Group and Bazaarvoice study finds altruism drives online reviewers: A United States survey of over 1,300 reviewers shows strong majority are motivated by a desire to give back to brand and community. 19 Dec 2007
A new study shows that value-conscious holiday shoppers are influenced most by coupons, newspaper inserts and word of mouth - and it seems that 78% can't identify a favourite holiday TV commercial. 18 Dec 2007
A new study by The Nielsen Company says that younger adult viewers are two-and-a-half times more likely than older viewers to be technologically proactive in catching up on television shows they missed. 18 Dec 2007
Despite the disconnect existing between plant floor and enterprise systems for some time, it is only in the last few years that manufacturers have really started to try to address and solve the issue. In a new report, Linking plant floor and enterprise systems for greater manufacturing agility, independent market analyst Datamonitor examines the priorities manufacturers are placing on linking various plant floor and enterprise systems. 13 Dec 2007
Brick-and-mortar retailers – once the laggards in online sales – are winning more and more respect from consumers, according to the latest ranking of the Customer Respect Group, an Ipswich, Mass.-based company that evaluates website performance. 12 Dec 2007
A new study conducted by comScore, a US global Internet information provider, with The Kelsey Group, shows that nearly one out of every four Internet users reported using online reviews prior to paying for a service delivered offline by restaurants, hotels, travel, legal, medical, automotive and home services. 11 Dec 2007
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