Content about Marketing

SHELTON, Conn. — Energizer Personal Care has unveiled under its Schick brand the second generation of the Hydro razor, the Schick Hydro Blast.

CHICAGO — U.S. consumers that opted to become more thrifty during the recession will face rising food costs with ease as they've mastered ways to stretch their money, according to new research by NPD.

The research group's Economy Tracker found that nearly 3-out-of-4 consumers (74%) strongly agreed that they expect coupons and special deals will be much more important in deciding what to buy, while 67% said that they would shop less in general and 53% said that they would be buying in bulk.

NEW YORK — Retailers rank among the highest for their customer service, according to a new report by the Temkin Group.

The consulting and research firm analyzed responses from 6,000 consumers, found that Amazon.com ranked No. 1 for providing an "excellent" customer experience, coming in with a ranking of 81.3%. A business qualifies for an "excellent" rating when their score is 80% or higher, Temkin said.

NEW YORK — Some of the nation's most popular retailers earned a spot on Interbrand's annual ranking of the 50 most valuable U.S. retail brands.

Walmart topped the list, with Target coming in the No. 2 spot, while CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens and Sam's Club respectively earned the fifth, sixth and seventh spots.

Other retailers on the list included Publix, Dollar General, Costco, Whole Foods and Family Dollar.

NEW YORK — A line of products developed for pets by Tigi Bed Head will be the exclusive pet grooming, accessories, toys and apparel company for the Backstage Artist Lounge, which provides famous bands with a variety of sample products during their rock tours.

Pet Head, whose products are pH-adjusted and are paraben-, sulfate-, DEA- and cruelty-free, will travel on tour with famous bands by providing a variety of sample products during their tours.

Pet Head's lineup includes such products as Dirty Talk shampoo and So Spoiled conditioning cream rinse for dogs.

NEW YORK — The share of private-label brands and products will double to 50% by 2025, thanks to a continued emphasis made by retailers.

In a new report released by Rabobank's Food and Agribusiness Research division, author Sebastiaan Schreijen noted that national brands and smaller, secondary brands (referred to as "A" and "B" brands, respectively) will prompt an intense price competition and therefore will cause the private-label market to become chock-full of higher-quality "B"-brand products at lower prices.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Personalization of the in-store customer experience will be a key objective for retailers over the next two years, according to two new Aberdeen Group reports sponsored by HP.

According to the 100 senior retail executives surveyed from such industries as apparel, grocery and department stores, 76% do not possess the technology tools or the business processes for executing Web, catalog or special orders from stores. This challenge is being fueled by rising consumer expectations of rich, multimedia in-store shopping experiences.

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Rubbermaid has taken its Easy Find lids to the next level by pairing them with its glass storage containers.

Additional benefits of the Rubbermaid Glass with Easy Find lids line include:

• Oven-safe up to 425 degrees;

• Flex and Seal leak-proof lid that won't tear or break;

• Square shape to maximize space; and

• Superior stain and odor resistance.

IRVING, Texas — Hostess is going "old-school cool."

For a limited time, the iconic snack cakes maker's treats, including chocolate cupcakes, Ding Dongs and Ho Hos, will tout retro packaging. Hostess also is bringing back the original banana Twinkie-filling recipe for a limited time.

NEW YORK — The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus on Thursday recommended that Peak Life modify its advertising to clearly convey the message that claimed sleep benefits associated with its Somnapure dietary supplement are achieved from a regular, consistent program of supplementation with these ingredients, and not with one-time use.

NEW YORK — A report released Tuesday by payment system provider ACI Worldwide found that many retail loyalty programs leave consumers feeling underappreciated, and many consumers are enrolled in a program they don’t completely understand.

Although 3-out-of-4 Americans are members of at least one retail loyalty card program, 85% of those surveyed said that they haven’t heard a single word from a loyalty program since the day they signed up. Likewise, 81% said they don’t even know the benefits of the program or how/when they will receive rewards.

MELVILLE, N.Y. — Natural personal care brand Jason has debuted for 2011 a fresh look with new and improved packaging designs.