Content about Marketing

NEW YORK — Consumers' preference to shop in stores, online or via mobile can depend on such factors as reliability, convenience and safety, according to recent Nielsen research.

Online purchasing was rated the overall favorite by 59% of respondents surveyed and also was considered easiest and most convenient way to shop (both 68%). On the other hand, in-store shopping was considered the most reliable and safest option (69% and 77%, respectively) when compared with online and mobile shopping.

FORT LEE, N.J. — A vast majority of shoppers continue to purchase some private-label products on a regular basis, according to research from Perception Research Services.

Among roughly 600 primary household grocery shoppers ages 18 to 64 years polled, PRS found that 86% continue to purchase private-label items on a regular basis (compared with 84% in 2010), while 38% have purchased more private-label products than they did in 2010 (32%) and across additional categories. More than half (51%) said they feel smart/savvy when they buy private-label products.

LOS ANGELES — Most shoppers plan to spend the same amount of money for Father's Day as they did for Mother's Day, a new PriceGrabber survey revealed.

Polling 4,450 U.S. online shopping consumers, the survey found that 70% of shoppers plan to show Dad equal love this year, with 57% planning to spend less than $100 on gifts, 21% planning to spend between $100 and $249, 11% planning to spend more than $249 and an additional 11% saying they have no set budget when purchasing Father's Day gifts this year.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — MarcasUSA on Thursday announced the U.S. debut of Conazol, a leading over-the-counter athlete's foot treatment in Mexico.

The brand is expanding its U.S. distribution and can be found at such retailers as Walmart and Target in key U.S. Hispanic markets, such as Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas and Chicago, the company said.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Just 1-in-67 shoppers, or 1.5%, determine the success of a new product, according to Catalina Marketing's "New Product Report."

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Retailers are worried about rising gas prices, and apparently for good reason — while consumers aren't scrimping at the pump, what they are spending on more gas means less is spent elsewhere. And value continues to be a key decision influencer — 1-in-5 consumers are holding out for the "big" Memorial Day weekend shopping spree as they trade the traditional beach volleyball for blowout deals; and 4-in-5 consumers are on the look-out for rebates in making their purchase decision.

Appropriately promoting niche brands within the intimacy health space can be a little trickier than the average consumer packaged goods product. And social media isn’t necessarily the ideal platform — an adult may not be as comfortable “liking” an intimacy enhancement product on Facebook to show their brand affinity, for example. 


Drug Store News spoke with Adam Holyk, Walgreens divisional VP loyalty and consumer insights, about the newly created consumer insights team focused on enhancing Walgreens’ engagement with its patients and customers, and how it will help complement Walgreens’ marketing efforts.


DSN: What is the overall vision for the insights team?


DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — The lackluster cough-cold season will necessitate a greater need for marketing and promotion next season, ProPhase Labs chairman and CEO Ted Karkus said on Thursday in announcing first-quarter results for the period ended March 31.

CHICAGO — Merchandisers angling for that impulse purchase take heart: As many as 76% of buying decisions are being made in the store, according to research published Wednesday from Point of Purchase Advertising International. The findings are part of POPAI's "2012 Shopper Engagement Study."

CINCINNATI — Through its beauty brands, Procter & Gamble has announced its pledge to donate $400,000 to the P&G|Team USA Youth Sports Fund to enrich and support youth sports programs across the country.

P&G's commitment to youth sports expands on its partnership with USA Gymnastics, Alicia Sacramone and Natalie Coughlin for the London 2012 Olympic Games, and its global marketing partnership with the International Olympic Committee through the 2020 Olympic Games.