“Deliver Value” is not just a slogan for NPD’s Retail Business Group; it defines our focus, investment and efforts as we move into the new year. During 2004, NPD made a significant investment to broaden the scope, resources and management of this group. We made some great strides and have firmly committed to increasing the value of the interface between retailers and manufacturers' sales groups. Let me give you a quick overview of how we are approaching this challenge.

The Valvoline Company is a leading marketer, producer and distributor of branded automotive and industrial products and services. Valvoline's Manager of Consumer Research, Larry Solomon, of the company's Lubricants Division, has a strong relationship with NPD Automotive. Larry Solomon recently shared his perspective on the value of NPD market information.

In the French prestige beauty market, the skincare category’s sales results have been flat in the past year. One significant challenge among skincare brands vying for market share is determining how to compete with new launches. Repeatedly, manufacturers and retailers have watched new launches cannibalize the existing product range, making an intensely competitive market segment even tougher.

 

 

The NPD Group Reports Clothing is the Number One Item on Consumers' Wish List This Holiday Season

According to a new NPD holiday consumer survey, apparel still remains the number one item purchased during the holidays. Of those consumers who plan to spend more this holiday season, 67 percent of them tell NPD they will buy apparel. Marshal Cohen, NPD’s chief industry analyst is available to provide insights into the latest apparel trends along with results from NPD’s holiday consumer spending survey.

 

The NPD Group Acquires Control of the Parkod Companies

The NPD Group announced that it has acquired control of the Parkod companies: Parkod France and Parkod Europe. With this acquisition, The NPD Group will now leverage Parkod’s software, brands and databases with NPD’s BeautyTrends service.

 

Fast Casual Restaurants Are Changing the Face of the Traditional Fast Food Industry

The fast food industry has opened its doors to the Fast Casual concept. After watching the Fast Casual segment continue to grow, traditional fast food restaurants are taking notice and making changes.

 

Convergence Drives Entertainment Opportunities On Cell Phones: Growing Usage Of Multimedia Continues To Trail Voice

One year after number portability became the hottest trend, multimedia opportunities and flexible pricing plans now tempt consumers to switch devices, according to The NPD Group’s recent report, Marketing Beyond Minutes: Tracking Cell Phone Photos, Games and Ringtones.

NPD Insights ®  is a newsletter of The NPD Group, Inc. NPD Insights presents vital information on key market trends and features the NPD services, which help our clients understand, anticipate and capitalize on these trends to build their businesses.