Consumer Convenience and the Death of Retail Segmentation

It used to be that if consumers wanted high-end, brand-name products, they were forced by circumstance to shop at high-end, specialty retailers. Conversely, when people shopped a mass-market retailer, they could expect to see not only less-expensive merchandise, but also fewer recognizable brand names. It was in many ways a comforting world in which everybody (and every product) knew their place.

Given today’s competitive business climate and the rapid evolution of the imaging market, it’s important for KONICA MINOLTA PHOTO IMAGING U.S.A., INC. to stay ahead of marketplace trends and attuned to industry changes. We spoke with the company’s Vice President of Marketing, Camera Division, Jon Sienkiewicz, to find out how NPD sales and marketing information helps his company assess the competition,

make important business decisions and fine-tune its marketing strategies.

Summertime for many people is the key time for relaxing on the beach or by the pool – but it's definitely not the most relaxing time for European swimwear industry executives and retailers. Sales recorded by NPD Sports Tracking Europe over the past year show that just over 80% of value sales in swimwear occurred within the April to September period in all of the “Big Five” countries combined. The remaining 20% of sales occurred between October and March.

In a recent meeting of NPD's team of Industry Experts, a common theme emerged: as consumers begin to spend again, many are “trading up” from value prices to higher-priced products than they would have chosen in the past. As a result, these pricier items are driving growth in many of the industries NPD tracks. What impact will “trading up” have in your segment of the marketplace?

The NPD Group Hires Ross Rubin as Director of Industry Analysis for NPD Techworld

The NPD Group today announced the appointment of Ross Rubin to director of industry analysis for NPD Techworld, the company's technology tracking division.

The NPD Group Reports the Restaurant Industry is Gaining Momentum

Fast food hamburger outlets are leading the recovery in the restaurant industry, after the weakest year in more than a decade.