Information Resources, Inc. (IRI)

IRI, Accenture, and GMA White Paper - CPG Innovation & Growth

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 12:30:48 -0600

To help industry leaders increase product performance at each product life stage, IRI, Accenture and GMA have teamed up on this new white paper which investigates new strategies in this space to contribute to growth and cost reduction. This research clarifies what steps companies can take to maximize their returns on PLM investments. Firing on all PLM cylinders remains challenging, especially for consumer companies contending with fewer resources to invest, but seizing the right opportunities to refine PLM strategies and capabilities will result in winning products, produced and delivered cost effectively. This report discusses current and leading PLM practices and capabilities and provides a short action plan of PLM refinements that have proven to significantly impact product success. Developing an overarching effective product lifecycle strategy supported by key capabilities and efficient cradle-to-grave processes will allow companies to extract more from their current resources and position them for more effective investments in the future. In the current economy, every dollar spent must add value, and it is important to make investments that result in the greatest potential rewards

In the News: 7-Eleven stores take a Big Gulp... of wine

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 09:43:03 -0600

What goes well with Slim Jims and Slurpees? 7-Eleven wine, naturally. The convenience store chain announced Tuesday it is getting into the value wine business, releasing two low-priced proprietary wines in the United States and Japan.

Driving Millennial Women Shoppers to Your Store Webinar

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:29:44 -0600

Preparing for the Upcoming Surge in Millennial Women Shoppers’ Spending Millennials - primarily the offspring of Baby Boomers born between 1979 and 1989 - represent one of the largest demographics in the country and will soon be entering a strong growth period in both income and CPG spending. However, they are not a typical consumer group and taking advantage of this emerging $54.3 billion opportunity presents a significant challenge. What is the right course of action to build store loyalty among this diverse emerging consumer group? Based on IRI’s Millennial Women Shoppers report, this webinar will reveal what is important to these shoppers and what it will take for retailers to earn their loyalty. This consumer group is indeed complex, but through micro-segmentation combined with detailed channel and category-level analysis, retailers can forecast the most significant changes approaching over the next decade in where they shop and what they buy. This session will highlight key Millennial-driven U.S. growth markets and provide deep insights into which channels and categories are well positioned to benefit from future shifts, where the risks are, and what action to take today. Don’t miss the opportunity to earn more than your fair share of this $54.3 billion business growth opportunity. * SEE distinct purchase patterns of women shopper segments, how these patterns will evolve in the next decade across categories, and key opportunities for private label. * ACT with fact-based support for impactful young women shopper segmentation, store clustering, media spending, and other initiatives that can be implemented across traditional and non-traditional CPG channels. * WIN with strong shopper-focused differentiation that enables center store sales growth. Host: Sean Seitzinger, Senior Vice President, IRI Consulting and Innovation Date: Tuesday, November 17th Time: 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. PT; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. CT; 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET

Retail Industry News Weekly: Week October 30, 2009

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:45:31 -0600

Southwestern Connecticut Sees New Grocery Competition Sansolo Speaks: "The Undiscovered Market" Costco Set To Accept Food Stamps Nationwide Kroger Offers Superior Traceability With New Salad Line New Seasons Takes Unorthodox Approach To Healthy Food Marketing Meijer Simplifies Pricing, Discounting Program Food Lion Introduces "Cascading Refrigeration System" FastNewsBeat Executive Suite

Blog: And the candies that consumers are screaming for are...

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:37:53 -0500

Halloween is here and nothing says Halloween more than costumes, pumpkins, and candy! IRI research conducted after last Halloween (the eight-week period ending November 9, 2008) from supermarkets, drugstores, and mass merchandise outlets (excluding Walmart) revealed that out of the 20 different popular choices of chocolate candies we monitored, Hershey’s® and Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cups® were the top sellers while Regular M&M’s® and Snickers® were extremely close for third place. At the same time, consumers aren’t putting all their chocolate eggs into the same basket as we have been noticing a growing popularity in variety bags as well. In the non-chocolate candy basket last year, Brach’s® were the most popular candies, while Tootsie Rolls® and Twizzlers® were next in line. Private label candies also realized considerable growth in sales during the Halloween 2008 timeframe. With the current economic situation, it’s safe to say that pricing is a key factor with candy sales this year. We wouldn’t be surprised to see these less expensive, but still popular candies, make headway this year as parents try to keep their wallets in their pockets while keeping trick-or-treaters happy. IRI continuously monitors this type of data to help CPG retailers, manufacturers and marketers anticipate the sugary desires of their key customers, candy-inspired ghouls and goblins! On the other hand, perspective into the consumer shopping experience also ensures that retailers and manufacturers are able to monetize their inventory, reducing the amount of products that never end up leaving the shelf. We’re currently analyzing similar data for 2009 and are eager to see and compare the new findings to last year’s data. We’ll see if this year’s Halloween brings retailers and manufacturers more tricks or more treats. Stay tuned! Best, Thom Blischok (Note: Chocolate candy included in the research: Hershey’s® Milk Chocolate, Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cups, M&M’s® Regular, Snickers®, M&M’s Peanut®, Kit Kat®, Milky Way®, Butterfinger®, 3 Musketeers®, Hershey’s® Kisses, Mars®, Twix®, Hershey’s® Almonds, Dove®, Crunch®, Almond Joy®, Baby Ruth®, York® Peppermint Pattie, Hershey’s® Special Dark, and Raisenettes®. Non-chocolate candy included in the research: Brach’s®, Tootsie Roll® Child’s Play®, Twizzler®, Skittles®, Toosie Roll®, Starburst®, Wonka® Mix Ups, Tic Tac®, T Marzetti®, Sour Patch®, Altoids®, LifeSavers® Gummies®, Mike & Ike®, Ice Breakers®, LifeSavers®, Tootsie Roll® Pops®, Dum Dum Pops®.)

In the News: Channel Strategies: C-stores face more competition

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:45:15 -0500

The convenience channel is getting a run for its money from alternative retail formats in the battle for quick-trip customers, say retail industry experts. In addition, today’s price-sensitive consumers are looking to save more than just time, and they are shopping multiple channels for value.

Webinar Replay: Times & Trends: Zero-Moment of Truth

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:04:16 -0500

TIMES & TRENDS: ZERO-MOMENT OF TRUTH Redefining the Consumer Decision-Making Process In CPG, the evolution of the consumer in response to the economy has been marked by obstacles and opportunities. Behavioral changes observed over the past year have centered largely on cost-cutting. Channel migration has increased in response to high levels of deal-seeking behavior. Consumers are trading down and, sometimes, trading out in order to save money. Perhaps the most significant change, however, is that the nexus of the consumer decision-making process has shifted. Today, more than three-quarters of consumers’ CPG decisions are made before even reaching the retail environment. How can you prevent your brand or category from being de-selected before the consumer even reaches the store? Based on the latest Times & Trends report, this webinar provides insight into the mind of the new CPG consumer within the roles of shopper, buyer and end-user. Consumer decision making is indeed complex, and this session will dissect the process from the recognition of a need all the way through post-purchase evaluation. No doubt, consumer packaged goods is a whole new ballgame today, centered on the consumer. CPG marketers with an intimate understanding of how the consumer is wired and a deft ability to market to the new consumer will win the game in the long run. * SEE how consumers behave and make decisions as shoppers, buyers and end-users and how you can deliver against each of these roles. * ACT by executing product, customer, and in-store marketing programs designed to affect the consumer decision-making process at the three stages along the route from home to store. * WIN with strategies that maximize opportunity within the new, emerging retail environment. Host: Susan Viamari, Editor of Times & Trends, IRI Duration: 60 Minutes

Press Release: Mastering Nuances is Key to Meeting Shoppers' Changing Needs, according to IRI Report

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:31:18 -0500

CPG Marketers with Intimate Understanding of how Consumers are Wired and a Deft Ability to Market to the New Consumer Will Win Game in Long Run CHICAGO, Oct. 28, 2009 - Underneath all the news coverage highlighting the dichotomy between a range of economic indicators that point to a recovering economy and the persistently increasing unemployment rate are many subtle behaviors from shoppers that combine to form significant trends. The latest IRI Times & Trends Report, "Zero-Moment of Truth: Redefining the Consumer Decision-Making Process," takes an in-depth look at how shoppers learn about, plan for and execute their consumer packaged goods (CPG) shopping trips and how these behaviors have changed in response to a prolonged period of economic unrest. Perhaps the most salient of these trends is represented by where consumers make their CPG decisions. As late as 2007, 60 percent of shoppers made their decisions at home and 40 percent in the store. However, in July of this year, 83 percent of shoppers stated that they are making their purchase decisions at home, an astounding 23 point increase. In addition, 64 percent of shoppers now make a list prior to visiting a store. "While there is a stereotype that it is aging boomers who are most likely to make shopping lists, clip coupons and generally practice the most draconian money-saving strategies, it is actually Millennials, shoppers under the age of 30, that represent the most frugal consumer segment," says IRI Shopper Marketing & Innovation President Thom Blischok. "In fact, this group is most heavily represented in four out of seven money-saving activities researched by IRI. Additionally, our research indicates that Millennials' frugal ways will persist long after the recession ends." Consumers are still relying heavily on store fliers for their at-home research and coupon clipping. Even though Internet coupons totalled just 1 percent of total coupons printed in 2008, this statistic belies the importance of the Internet in several ways. First, that 1 percent represents an 80 percent increase over a single-year period, and 44 percent of shoppers indicate they are looking online to find coupons. Finally, among those who receive permission-based e-mail from a CPG company, an enormous 91 percent have downloaded or printed a coupon based on that e-mail. In-store shopper behaviors have also changed during the past several years. Recent IRI research indicates that 54 percent of shoppers notice promotions in the shelf area of the store, a significant seven point increase versus 2004. However, the same report also reveals that the time shoppers spend in front of the shelf has dipped from 49 to 43 seconds during the same period of time. CPG companies and retailers must take note of these critical changes and be succinct. CPG retailers and manufacturers seeking to understand and deliver against the new consumer mindset should consider the following action items: * Product Marketing: Collaborate with key retail or manufacturer partners to facilitate consumers' list-making efforts with innovative programs combining convenience and savings, such as buy one/get one and discounts on combined meal ingredients/components, etc. * Customer Marketing: Work with key retail or manufacturer partners to create cross-merchandising and cross-promotional programs which feature products that are complementary to targeted trip types. * In-Store Marketing: Closely tie in-store efforts with externally-targeted promotional campaigns to reinforce/solidify purchase decisions made prior to entering the retail environment. About the Report The IRI Times & Trends Report, "Zero-Moment of Truth: Redefining the Consumer Decision-Making Process," is available from IRI, the leading global provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights for the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare industries. The findings of this report were compiled based on IRI Consumer Network and IRI Shopper Insights Advantage. To download the report, visit http://us.infores.com/page/news/times_and_trends. About Information Resources, Inc. IRI is the world's leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights supporting 95 percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail and healthcare companies. Only IRI offers the unique combination of integrated market information, automated and predictive analytics, innovative enabling technologies, and domain expertise. With IRI, leading retailers and manufacturers are able to quickly discover breakthrough insights driving smarter decisions and actions across the enterprise for breakthrough results. Companies around the world depend on IRI for improved productivity, stronger brands, and dramatic revenue growth. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com. # # # IRI CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 726-1091 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 726-1091

Blog: IRI Thought Leadership Webinar: Times & Trends: Zero Moment of Truth

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:04:03 -0500

Today, Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. CT, IRI's Times & Trends Editor, Susan Viamari, will spend one hour detailing the findings of IRI's recent report, "Zero Moment of Truth," providing insight into how today's new frugal consumer researches, buys and uses CPG products. In CPG, the evolution of the consumer in response to the economy has been marked by obstacles and opportunities. Behavioral changes observed over the past year have centered largely on cost cutting. Consumers are trading down, and sometimes trading out in order to save money. Perhaps the most significant change, however, is that the nexus of the consumer decision-making process has shifted. Today, more than three-quarters of consumers' CPG decisions are made before even reaching the retail environment. How can you prevent your brand or category from being de-selected before the consumer even reaches the store? Consumer decision making is indeed complex, and this session will dissect the process from the recognition of a need all the way through post-purchase evaluation. No doubt, CPG is a whole new ballgame today, centered on the consumer. CPG marketers with an intimate understanding of how the consumer is wired combined with a deft ability to market to the new consumer, will win the game in the long run. * SEE how consumers behave and make decisions as shoppers, buyers and end-users and how you can deliver against each of these roles. * ACT by executing product, customer, and in-store marketing programs designed to affect the consumer decision-making process at the three stages along the route from home to store. * WIN with strategies that maximize opportunity within the new, emerging retail environment. Host: Susan Viamari, Editor of Times & Trends, IRI Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28 Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT; 1 to 2 p.m. CT; 2 to 3 p.m. ET HOW TO ATTEND Register on our Web site http://us.infores.com/NewsEvents/EventsWebinars/TimesTrendsZeroMomentofTruth/tabid/221/Default.aspx No time to join us? Follow a live feed of facts throughout the Webinar on Twitter @infores or #IRIWebinar

IRI Speaks: Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:47:06 -0500

Description: The Institute’s monthly speaker program features prominent individuals who are well known in their fields. Speakers present timely topics of importance to practicing operations research and management science professionals. Past speakers have included Nobel Prize laureates, senior corporate executives, world-known economists and others working at the cutting edge of OR/MS practice. Date: November 18, 2009 Location: The Penn Club, New York Topic: Successes and Failures in Marketing Mix Modeling Speakers: Douglas Brooks, IRI Senior Vice President of Modeling & Analytic Services Session Timing: November 18, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Learn More: http://informsny.org

Retail Industry News Weekly: Week October 23, 2009

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:34:23 -0500

Supervalu Gets Out Of Urban Fresh Business Tesco Tests Self-Checkout-Only Store In UK Walmart Announces "Deep Savings" Initiative Supervalu Plans To Double Number Of Save-A-Lot Stores C-Store Association Announces Two New Initiatives Not Exactly A Blue Christmas, But... Sansolo Speaks: "Silo Busters" Target To Offer Discounts To Shoppers With Reusable Bags Walmart Looks To Small Formats As Engine For Big Growth FastNewsBeat The MNB Wal-Mart Watch The Balance Sheet Executive Suite

Retail Industry News Weekly: Week October 16, 2009

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:05:39 -0500

7-Eleven Gets The Hots For Foodservice Reporting In: Day Two Of FMI’s Future Connect Conference Reporting In: Connecting With The Future Walmart Invests In HBC Home Delivery Model The Downturn That Must Not Be Named Sansolo Speaks: “Modern Times” A Fresh Perspective On American Food Habits & Needs Stater Bros. Uses Price Cuts, People Skills To Navigate Downturn FastNewsBeat The MNB Wal-Mart Watch The Balance Sheet Executive Suite

Press Release: IRI Details Recommendations for Maximizing Shelf Space at NACS Show

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:17:12 -0500

WHO: Matt McCourt - Director, Convenience Store and Spirits, Information Resources, Inc. WHAT: At this week's NACS Show in Las Vegas, IRI's Matt McCourt will discuss how convenience store retailers can learn what their customers want most by utilizing sophisticated shopper tracking tools. During his panel presentation, "How Many Is Too Many? Making Your Product Selection Work for You," McCourt will highlight how key analytic tools can assist retailers in gleaning valuable insights into their customers' shopping patterns in order to effectively plan, advertise and promote convenience store products. WHY: The past 18 months have proven that the consumer is always changing and always looking for the best deal. But, how do convenience store retailers stay on top of their consumers' shifting desires and needs? IRI's AllScan service provides a one-stop source for convenience store retailers to archive critical shopper data that can be analyzed quickly. This data can immediately help guide promotional and in-store strategies to attract new customers while also building brand and store loyalty. This workshop will share analytics and tactics on how to strategically plan and utilize product selection while maximizing profits. WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, 3:45-5 p.m. (PDT) WHERE: NACS Show Las Vegas Convention Center 3150 Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 892-0711 http://www.nacsonline.com/NACSShow/Pages/default.aspx About IRI IRI is the world's leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market information, insights and decision solutions to 95 percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG), healthcare and retail companies. Only IRI offers the unique combination of integrated market and shopper information, automated analytics and predictive insights, innovative technology, and domain expertise. With IRI, leading manufacturers and retailers are able to drive their growth by quickly discovering breakthrough insights, making smarter decisions, taking faster actions across the enterprise, and achieving breakthrough results. Companies around the world depend on IRI for technology and solutions that enable brand building, successful new product launches, consumer-driven merchandising/retail execution and consumer and shopper relationship management. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com. # # # CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 726-1091 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 726-1091

Blog: IRI Speaks: National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS)

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:17:12 -0500

More than ever, convenience store retailers must stay on top of their consumers' changing needs by quickly adopting available services in the industry to obtain critical shopper data that can be analyzed and converted into promotional and in-store strategies. At this year's NACS Show in Las Vegas, I'm scheduled to discuss how convenience store retailers can learn what their customers want most by utilizing sophisticated shopper tracking tools. During this panel presentation, "How Many Is Too Many? Making Your Product Selection Work For You," I'll delve into details about IRI's AllScan service, which assists retailers in retrieving valuable insights on their customers' shopping patterns so they can effectively plan and promote their products. Here are the details for the presentation: What: "How Many Is Too Many? Making Your Product Selection Work For You" When: Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 3:45 - 5:00 p.m. (PDT) Where: NACS Show Las Vegas Convention Center 3150 Paradise Road Las Vegas, NV 89101 http://www.nacsonline.com/NACSShow/Pages/default.aspx Feel free to drop me a line in the comments field of this blog if you plan to attend the conference. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. Best, Matt McCourt Director of Convenience Store and Spirits Information Resources, Inc.

Times and Trends: Zero-Moment of Truth: Redefining the Consumer Decision-Making Process

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:29:45 -0500

The study of the consumer mindset has always been intriguing. In today’s economy, the opportunity to study the consumer is truly fascinating. Due to first tenuous, then recessionary, economic conditions, the consumer has been forced to evolve. For CPG, this evolution has been marked by obstacles and opportunities. Many changes observed over the past year have centered around cost-cutting. Away-from-home dining shifted to at-home dining. But convenience is still king. Self-care has emerged as a key money-saving strategy. And, nutrition has become a cornerstone of consumers’ wellness strategies. From a shopping perspective, much has changed. Channel migration has increased. Private label is an integral part of the consumers’ money-saving efforts. And, importantly, the nexus of the consumer decision-making process has shifted. No doubt, consumer packaged goods is a whole new ballgame today. It’s a game centered on the consumer. It begins and ends with the consumer mindset. CPG marketers with an intimate understanding of how the consumer is wired and a deft ability to market to the new consumer will win the game in the long run. This issue of Times & Trends provides insight into the mind of the new CPG shopper.

Press Release: IRI’s Thom Blischok Provides Outlook on Next Generation Shopper Engineering Strategies to European Retailers at Brand Loyalty Congress

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:09:56 -0500

WHO: Thom Blischok - President, Shopper Marketing and Innovation, Information Resources, Inc. WHAT: Today's retailers need to take advantage of the wealth of insights and data they have at their disposal in order to get up close and personal with their customers, develop successful in-store strategies and inspire long-term shopper loyalty. In his keynote presentation, "Getting the Most From Your Data: Analyzing Loyalty," Thom Blischok, an industry thought leader in the CPG retail and manufacturing industry, will share in-depth next generation shopper engineering strategies to help retailers maximize their customer data and build solid loyalty relationships with their most important shoppers. WHY: The global economic downturn has influenced the emergence of a whole new type of consumer-one that is constantly watching their dime, developing new shopping habits to save money and looking for retailers to assist them in getting the most bang for their buck. Retailers have an opportunity to build shopper loyalty by providing their customers with what they want and need. To do this, retailers must be armed with the knowledge, tools and methods to better understand their most loyal customers, as well as identify new ones. In this detailed presentation, Blischok will highlight specific ways in which retailers can grow their business, keep their customers coming back and learn to understand shopper's needs even deeper than before. Blischok's presentation will also address the following critical questions: * How do you effectively segment your best customers? * Is your brand on track to drive the customer relationship forward? * Do you really know what your customers need and want? WHEN: Oct. 16, 2009, 11:20 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. (local time) WHERE: Brand Loyalty Congress 09: Loyalty in Financially Challenging Times Hotel NHOW Milan Via Tortona, 35 20144 Milano (Lombardia), Italy http://congress.brandloyalty-int.com/programme.html About IRI IRI is the world's leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market information, insights and decision solutions to 95 percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG), healthcare and retail companies. Only IRI offers the unique combination of integrated market and shopper information, automated analytics and predictive insights, innovative technology, and domain expertise. With IRI, leading manufacturers and retailers are able to drive their growth by quickly discovering breakthrough insights, making smarter decisions, taking faster actions across the enterprise, and achieving breakthrough results. Companies around the world depend on IRI for technology and solutions that enable brand building, successful new product launches, consumer-driven merchandising/retail execution and consumer and shopper relationship management. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com. # # # CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 726-1091 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 726-1091

Webinar: Times & Trends: Zero-Moment of Truth on 10/28/09

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:59:28 -0500

In CPG, the evolution of the consumer in response to the economy has been marked by obstacles and opportunities. Behavioral changes observed over the past year have centered largely on cost-cutting. Channel migration has increased in response to high levels of deal-seeking behavior. Consumers are trading down and, sometimes, trading out in order to save money. Perhaps the most significant change, however, is that the nexus of the consumer decision-making process has shifted. Today, more than three-quarters of consumers’ CPG decisions are made before even reaching the retail environment. How can you prevent your brand or category from being de-selected before the consumer even reaches the store? Based on the latest Times & Trends report, this webinar provides insight into the mind of the new CPG consumer within the roles of shopper, buyer and end-user. Consumer decision making is indeed complex, and this session will dissect the process from the recognition of a need all the way through post-purchase evaluation. No doubt, consumer packaged goods is a whole new ballgame today, centered on the consumer. CPG marketers with an intimate understanding of how the consumer is wired and a deft ability to market to the new consumer will win the game in the long run. * SEE how consumers behave and make decisions as shoppers, buyers and end-users and how you can deliver against each of these roles. * ACT by executing product, customer, and in-store marketing programs designed to affect the consumer decision-making process at the three stages along the route from home to store. * WIN with strategies that maximize opportunity within the new, emerging retail environment. Host: Susan Viamari, Editor of Times & Trends, IRI Date: Wednesday, October 28th Time: 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. PT; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. CT; 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET

In the News: Online and Green Big for Holidays: IRI

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:07:02 -0500

Online selling and green-product merchandising are among major trends ahead for this holiday season, according to Thomas Blischok, Information Resources Inc.'s president for Global Retail.

IRI Speaks: Brand Loyalty Congress ’09: Loyalty in Financially Challenging Times

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:20:59 -0500

Today's retailers need to take advantage of the plethora of information and data available to better relate and improve their relationships with customers, ultimately increasing long-term shopper loyalty. This week, I'll be presenting a keynote at the Brand Loyalty Congress '09 Conference in Milan, Italy on the topic of "Getting the Most From Your Data: Analyzing Loyalty." The economic downturn has forced consumers to constantly watch their wallets and develop new shopping habits to save money. This poses a great opportunity for retailers to develop deeper relationships with their customers and reinforce shopper loyalty by giving them what they're looking for. Retailers must use a combination of knowledge, tools, and methods to better understand their loyal customers and attain new ones. I plan to discuss the changing shopper landscape and also outline ways to: * Effectively identify and segment the best customers * Keep your brand on track to push the customer relationship forward * Utilize data to read into what customers want and keep them coming back Here are the details for the keynote: What: "Getting the Most From Your Data: Analyzing Loyalty" When: Friday, Oct. 16 at 11:20 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. (local time) Where: Brand Loyalty Congress '09: Loyalty in Financially Challenging Times Hotel NHOW Milan Via Tortona, 35 20144 Milano (Lombardia), Italy http://congress.brandloyalty-int.com/programme.html

Retail Industry News Weekly: Week October 9, 2009

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:36:41 -0500

# Delhaize Moves To Buy Bankrupt Bi-Lo For $425 Million # Sansolo Speaks: "Young At Start" # Jewel Faces Aldi Threat In Crowded & Tightening Market # Back To The Future: Traditional Brands Getting Advertising Support # Target Tries To End Year On Up Note # FastNewsBeat # The MNB Wal-Mart Watch # The Balance Sheet # Executive Suite

In the News: Retail Price and the Impact of Commodity-Price Inflation

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 15:14:30 -0500

In the past year, the most fundamental of the 4 Ps of marketing-price-has rapidly risen to prominence.

Blog: Private Label Growth Continues to Remain Strong in US and EU

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 09:27:15 -0500

This week, IRI released a Times & Trends Special Report highlighting the continued success of private label programs in the United States and throughout Europe. We are tracking this spike in private label strategies to help retailers and manufacturers monitor the progress of their programs and to assist them in developing their private label programs and associated marketing campaigns. Shoppers have reacted to the economic crisis over the past 18 months by adjusting their purchasing behaviors, searching for deals and looking for new ways to save money. Private label has played a key role in shoppers’ money-saving strategies. In the United States and Europe, where private brands are widely perceived to be of equal, sometimes superior, quality as nationally- branded CPG offerings consumers are turning to these products to meet their families’ day-to-day needs and keep them on budget. This Times & Trends report examines how these sophisticated, tailored new versions of yesterday’s brown label private products continue to entice consumers. Across the U.S. and European countries, shoppers are making private label a preferred shopping choice, even with predictions of a recovering economy. In the United States, private label spending has risen 1% over the past year, with a total of 18% of CPG dollars spent on private label offerings. A 1% increase in sales is very significant, translating into billions of dollars for retailers across the country. In Europe, private label share varies, tending to be highest in Germany and Spain, and lower in Greece and Italy. If you’re interested in viewing the full Times & Trends Special Edition: U.S. & Europe Private Label 2009, visit http://us.infores.com/Insights/ArticleDetail/tabid/117/ItemID/932/View/Details/Default.aspx or contact me at Susan.Viamari@infores.com for more information. We look forward to working with you closely as you grow your private label programs and as always, we welcome your thoughts and comments on this blog post. Best wishes, Susan Viamari

In the News: More Ads for Basic Brands as Shoppers Spend Less

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 09:18:54 -0500

Familiar packaged foods that were once dismissed as dowdy or out of date are regaining their puissance as Americans spend less and eat at home more.

Retail Industry News Weekly: Week October 2, 2009

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 11:39:48 -0500

Walmart CEO Assesses Company’s Recession Performance Winn-Dixie Rolls Out New Reusable Bag Line Asda Looks To Engender Loyalty With Three New Programs Stater Bros. Opens New Front In Southern California Price War Report Points To National Fruit, Vegetable Consumption Deficit Giant Eagle Engages In Sixth Round Of Price Cuts This Year Brookshire Buys Minyard Store Sansolo Speaks: “Think Pink” FastNewsBeat The MNB Wal-Mart Watch The Balance Sheet Executive Suite

Times & Trends: Special Edition: U.S. & Europe Private Label 2009

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 10:51:06 -0500

A majority of Western European countries are grappling with unstable economic conditions. In fact, according to the European Commission, several large European countries, including the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy and France have seen their economies contract at rates well-above anything seen since the post- World War II era. Recessionary conditions are expected to persist well into 2011. Like shoppers in the United States, European consumers have tightened their belts. Consumers are shopping across channels, redeeming coupons, adhering to pre-made shopping lists, and delaying or eliminating "non-essential" purchases. While tactics vary, the goal is the same: consumers want to save money on FMCG purchases. At the crux of many savings strategies is private label packaged goods. Private label is generally well-entrenched in the European marketplace. But, for several reasons, development varies at the country, market, retailer and category level. With the recession expected to continue for more than a year, consumer deal-seeking behavior is at a high. Many retailers are exercising their private label muscle in attempt to capitalize on recession-driven opportunity to build market share and shopper loyalty. For national brands, it is time to step up competitive efforts. This report explores current and emerging private label trends in the United States and Europe, as well as influencing factors that are reshaping the CPG industry. Manufacturers and retailers with a clear understanding of these forces will be able to develop and execute competitive strategies for their brands which meet corporate goals while simultaneously delivering against consumer needs.

In the News: Endangered Species or Survival of the Fittest? Co-Existence of Brands Required

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:49:09 -0500

In the face of the 22nd month of the largest recession since World War II, consumers have fundamentally changed, with national brands losing market share to private brands as consumers seek "value."

Retail Industry News Weekly: Week September 25, 2009

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:48:54 -0500

# Coupon Redemption Grows As New Users Adopt New Habits # Fresh & Easy...& Now Green # Study: Private Brand Growth Continues # Meijer Extends Grocery Express Service To Chicago Stores # IRI To Hold Contest Recognizing Frugal Shoppers # Sansolo Speaks: The Real Story # Spartan Develops New Nutritional Labeling System # FastNewsBeat # The MNB Wal-Mart Watch # Executive Suite

Blog: Calling All Shoppers - Show IRI Your Savvy "Cents"

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:46:51 -0500

Finally, frugality is rewarded! Today, we launched a video contest on YouTube that recognizes and rewards thrifty consumers who know how to get creative and stretch their dollars. The contest, "Savvy Supermarket Cents," is hosted on http://www.youtube.com/savvycents and will identify consumers with the savviest shopping sense—those who know how to put their money to work in any market ranging from groceries to healthcare. A panel of judges from IRI and mainstream blogging mothers, along with YouTube users, will choose five finalists in each category, including Family, Individual/Single, College, and Couples with no children. Prizes include $250 gift cards for each of the four category winners, a $500 gift card for an Audience Favorite, and a $1,000 gift card for the Grand Prize winner. Kicking off Sept. 22 and ending on Oct. 16, the "Savvy Supermarket Cents" contest will showcase and reward hardworking American consumers and enable us here at IRI to learn a thing or two from people like them. Finalists will be announced on Nov. 2 and voting for the Audience Favorite will commence on Nov. 3through Nov. 10. Winners will be announced and notified the week of Nov. 16. For contest details and rules, please visit: http://us.infores.com/Home/SavvyCents/tabid/253/Default.aspx. Submit your videos at http://www.youtube.com/savvycents and show us your savvy shopping habits and rituals. Best of luck, IRI Marketing

Press Release: IRI Launches Contest to Find Nation’s Savviest Consumers in Downturn Economy

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:46:51 -0500

"Savvy Supermarket Cents™" Contest Entries Accepted at www.YouTube.com/SavvyCents CHICAGO, Sept. 22, 2009 - The current recession has created a whole new generation of thrifty consumers who know how to get creative and stretch their dollars. Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), the leading global provider of consumer, shopper, and market insights for the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare industries, today announced its new nationwide video contest, hosted on www.YouTube.com/SavvyCents, which recognizes and rewards these innovatively frugal shoppers. "The 'Savvy Supermarket Cents™' contest is a way to showcase and reward the hardworking American consumer who knows how to get creative and get the most out of their paycheck," says IRI Consulting & Innovation President Thom Blischok. "We invite people to submit their videos and show us their new habits and rituals when it comes to purchases at the supermarket, club store, mass merchandiser or drug store." IRI's "Savvy Supermarket Cents" contest aims to identify the consumer with the savviest shopping sense and who exemplifies the smart, downturn-era shopper. Entrants can submit videos through YouTube showing how they cut costs and put their money to work in areas, such as healthcare costs, the grocery store, and beer, wine, and spirits. A panel of judges from IRI and popular mom bloggers, Alma Klein of MarketingMommy.net, and Liz Gumbinner and Kristen Chase of CoolMomPicks.com, will choose five finalists in each category, including Family, Individual/Single, College, and Couples with no children, with contribution from YouTube user votes. Winners will receive a gift card to the grocery, mass merchandiser, drug store or club store of their choice, courtesy of IRI: * Four category winners will receive a $250 gift card * One Audience Favorite winner will win a $500 gift card * One overall Grand Prize winner will receive a $1,000 gift card "I've been getting tips from frugal-minded bloggers for years now, and their shopping savvy has paid dividends for my family at the checkout," says Alma Klein, the author of the blog MarketingMommy.net and competition judge. "As a working mother, I know how important it is to make every cent count. I'm excited to see even more creative strategies for stretching a dollar in these tough times." "We love that even high-end consumers are now embracing ways to shop more responsibly, and we're so excited to be a part of IRI's effort to encourage the savviest shoppers among us to share their tips and tricks," says Liz Gumbinner and Kristen Chase, publishers of the Cool Mom Picks blog and competition judges. The "Savvy Supermarket Cents" contest is open to legal U.S. residents who are at least 18 years of age. Candidates may submit their entries at http://www.youtube.com/savvycents until the final deadline on Oct. 16, 2009. Five finalists will be chosen in each category by contest judges, of which one will be selected as the Audience Favorite. Category winners and the Grand Prize winner will be chosen by the panel of judges, while the Audience Favorite will be determined by audience votes at: http://us.infores.com/Home/SavvyCents/tabid/253/Default.aspx. For more information and full terms and conditions of the contest, please visit: http://us.infores.com/Home/SavvyCents/tabid/253/Default.aspx About Information Resources, Inc. Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) is the world's leading global provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights, empowering consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare companies to grow their business profitably in a complex marketplace. Driving breakthrough growth in the industries it serves, the company's portfolio of services, solutions, and technology enable leading retailers and their suppliers around the globe to see what they are missing, act faster with greater confidence, and win at the shelf. Ninety-five percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 in CPG and retail leverage IRI to power their business. For more information, visit: www.infores.com. # # # IRI CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 726-1091 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 726-1091

Retail Industry News Weekly: Week September 18, 2009

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:07:49 -0500

The Old Gray Shopper Ain’t What She Used To Be A&P CEO Sees Turnaround On Horizon Sweetbay Opens First In-Store Medical Clinic Sansolo Speaks: One Year Later Whole Foods Catches The Wind Schnucks Opens First Cooking School The Domino Effect From Grocery Price Declines For Fresh & Easy, It (Finally) Pays To Advertise Publix Continues To Grow Convenience Concept FastNewsBeat The MNB Wal-Mart Watch Executive Suite

Press Release: Latest IRI Study Finds Deal-Seeking Consumers Still Turning to Private Label Even as Economy Shows Signs of Stabilizing

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:22:22 -0500

Private Label Growth in Every Channel, with Grocery, Drug and Dollar Stores Leading the Charge CHICAGO, Sept. 21, 2009 - Today, the economy is showing glimmers of stabilizing, energy prices have receded, and food prices are increasing at a much slower rate, but the growth of private brands continues, creating strong opportunities for retailers and serving as a cautionary tale for manufacturers. According to the latest "IRI Times & Trends Report: Game-Changing Economy Taking Private Label to New Heights," private label unit share has grown 1.2 points to 22.8 percent and dollar share has grown 0.7 points to 17.6 percent across all outlets in the past 12 months. Despite this success, two questions are emerging as the economy continues to improve: will shoppers continue to purchase private brands in ever larger quantities, and how will name-brand manufacturers respond? "The popularity of private brands will continue as a result of several factors," says IRI Consulting and Innovation President Thom Blischok. "These products offer a very strong value proposition based on quality as well as price. In addition, shoppers will continue their frugal shopping patterns long after the recession ends. And, retailers' increasingly sophisticated private brand strategies will attract a larger and more diverse shopper base." Many private label brands, such as Target's Archer Farms, Safeway's O Organics and Supervalu's Wild Harvest, are now viewed as similar, perhaps even superior, to brand named CPG products. In many categories, private brands are able to compete on quality as well as price, and retailers continue to increase the breadth and depth of their store brand offerings. Kroger, for example, is growing its brands across three tiers: private brands (premium tier), banner brands (mid-tier) and value brands (value tier). Despite remarkable strides made during the past several years, private label sales are concentrated in the hands of a relatively small number of consumers. The top 50 private label categories, representing 17 percent of CPG categories, account for 69 percent of store brand sales. As a point of comparison, the top 50 national brands represent less than half of total dollar sales. Even heavy private brand buyers allocate just 22 percent of their CPG budget to store brands. As consumers continue to look at affordability through a new lens, private label penetration in categories such as toilet tissue, ice cream/sherbet and butter are seeing substantial penetration increases. However, private label is losing share in 26 percent of the top 100 CPG categories, with national brands entrenched in categories, such as paper towels, weight control and cat food. And, national brands are gaining ground in key categories, including dog food, sugar and frozen plain vegetables. The IRI report recommends the following strategic action be considered regarding private label: * Manufacturers should increase frequency of feature ad and display-based merchandising across key categories/brands with a heavy focus on affordability and unique product attributes. * Retailers should develop best-in-class marketing, pricing and promotion strategies to ensure maximum relevance and impact among fiscally weary U.S. consumers. * Manufacturers should evaluate partnership opportunities with key retailer partners to offer consumers solutions-based healthcare and meal solutions. * Retailers should consider multi-tiered product development efforts to drive appeal across a broad segment of the stores' key consumer segments. About the Report The IRI Times & Trends Report, "Game-Changing Economy Taking Private Label to New Heights," is available from IRI, the leading global provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights for the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare industries. The findings of this report were compiled based on IRI Consumer Network™, IRI AttitudeLink™, IRI Total Store Advantage™ and IRI Advantage on Demand™. To download the report, visit http://us.infores.com/page/news/times_and_trends. About Information Resources, Inc. IRI is the world's leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights supporting 95 percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail and healthcare companies. Only IRI offers the unique combination of integrated market information, automated and predictive analytics, innovative enabling technologies, and domain expertise. With IRI, leading retailers and manufacturers are able to quickly discover breakthrough insights driving smarter decisions and actions across the enterprise for breakthrough results. Companies around the world depend on IRI for improved productivity, stronger brands, and dramatic revenue growth. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com. # # # IRI CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 726-1091 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 726-1091

Webinar Replay: The 2009 Holiday Consumer: Optimism on a Budget

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:43:34 -0500

THE 2009 HOLIDAY CONSUMER: OPTIMISM ON A BUDGET Applying New Spending Techniques to Celebrate and Find Comfort while Cutting Costs American consumers plan to enter this year’s holiday season more hopeful, resulting in consumer confidence to selectively open their wallets wider than the 2008 holiday season. However, consumers are taking a more strategic approach to shopping this year and are heading into stores with shopping lists in hand and a budget in mind. Does your holiday strategy tap both into the optimism and the cost-cutting mindset of this season’s shoppers? Based on new research from IRI, this webinar will closely examine new holiday shopping rituals and how the state of the economy leading into this season will affect spending. Leveraging new results from an IRI survey of approximately 1,000 households about their 2009 holiday shopping rituals, this session will reveal the extension of many consumer behaviors, such as the consumption of meals and beverages at home, purchasing of private label, and bargain hunting, during this holiday season. CPG manufacturers and retailers who plan holiday sales strategies that are in tune with consumers’ desire to save money, spend time with friends and family, and treat the ones they love will come out winners this season. * SEE how shoppers are using new conservative, effective spending techniques to execute their new holiday rituals on a budget. * ACT with strategies that help consumers find new forms of comfort and celebration while simultaneously cutting costs. * WIN by reaching the cheerier, savvier and more budget-minded holiday consumer by showing you are attuned to their shifting needs, values, and budgets. Host: Thom Blischok, President of IRI Consulting and Innovation

In the News: Wall Street Journal - Seeing Store Shelves Through Senior Eyes

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:22:43 -0500

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. -- Before walking into a Walgreens drugstore here, Todd Vang donned glasses that blurred his vision, slipped un-popped popcorn into his shoes and adjusted tape that bound his thumbs to his palms. The get-up was part of an exercise designed to help retailers better understand the physical challenges facing elderly shoppers. Mr. Vang, a 42-year-old Walgreen Co. vice president, struggled to pick up a can of soup. "I can't imagine how this would feel if the store were crowded," he said. In a training exercise, Kimberly-Clark executive Don Quigley tries to shop while wearing vision-impairment glasses and gloves that simulate arthritis. The program, run by Kimberly-Clark Corp. and delivered to retailers including Rite Aid Corp. and Family Dollar Stores Inc., is a sign of a next frontier in retail. The number of adults aged 65 and older will reach 71.5 million people by 2030, twice their number in 2000 and representing nearly 20% of the total U.S. population, according to estimates by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. As baby boomers turn 65 years old beginning in 2011, they are expected to spend an additional $50 billion over the next decade on consumer products in the U.S., estimates Sean Seitzinger, senior vice president of consulting and innovation for market-research firm Information Resources Inc. Given their growing physical limitations and focus on health-related products, "there will be dramatic shifts in what they buy and where they shop," Mr. Seitzinger said. Current store layouts present challenges for elderly shoppers, experts say. Worsening eyesight makes finding items more frustrating, arthritis complicates browsing and reduced balance intensifies the strain of stooping or reaching for products. Much as industries throughout Western Europe and Japan have been adjusting to accommodate aging populations, American businesses are stepping up their preparations. The consulting division of Van Kampen Investments, a mutual funds unit of Morgan Stanley, recommends that financial advisers ensure report colors and office lighting are friendly to elderly eyes. Drug-store chain Rite Aid is revising its private-label goods with bigger typefaces on packaging. Family Dollar is weighing new lighting and shelf labels. A Walgreens merchandise manager's hands are taped to simulate arthritis during a sensitivity-training session. Walgreen said some of the elderly-friendly changes will appear in the coming months as part of a broader revamping that costs about $30,000 to $50,000 a store. A spokeswoman declined to provide cost estimates for specific changes, such as redesigning its store fliers. Over the next year, Walgreen plans to install call buttons near heavy merchandise like bottled water and laundry detergent in some stores. It also will put magnifying glasses on store shelves and make its aisle signs clearer. Retailers that accommodate the elderly with amenities such as nearby parking spaces, smaller store sizes and manageable carts will generate loyal customers, Mr. Seitzinger said. When stores are too hard to shop, senior citizens buy less, said executives from Kimberly-Clark, maker of Depend undergarments, Kleenex tissues and Viva paper towels. Dallas-based Kimberly-Clark runs the program to let retail executives experience how difficult shopping can be for older adults. "Our goal is not to make your store a senior shopping center," said Amy Kuerschner, a Kimberly-Clark associate marketing-research manager, at a recent training session. "But if we make it easier for them, we make it easier for everyone." Kimberly-Clark uses kits developed by Lee Memorial Health System that include items that can simulate the world as elderly people might. Cardboard glasses in the kits simulate common vision impairments including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and yellowing of the eye lens. Large rubber gloves simulate the limited manual dexterity brought on by arthritis. Kimberly-Clark introduced its elderly-shopper training for developers and marketers working on its Depend brand, whose packaging was designed based on insights from its program. Eventually, executives spotted a way to persuade retailers to make their stores friendlier to older shoppers. About a half dozen have participated in the program over the past two years. At the Walgreen session, Ms. Kuerschner challenged the executives to read their own store flier wearing glasses simulating glaucoma, macular degeneration or cataracts. Pressing their noses against the flier, the group struggled. "It's really small copy, and I just can't see it," said Robert Tompkins, Walgreen's vice president for its health and wellness division. Next, the executives wore yellow-tinted glasses to replicate the yellowing-effect that comes with age. "How are your vitamins showing up?" says Ms. Kuerschner, pointing to the flier's front page where vitamin bottles' yellow labels disappeared against a bright yellow background. Such glasses led Kimberly-Clark product developers to realize that many older shoppers couldn't distinguish between green and blue Kleenex wrapping. Kimberly-Clark now uses text and images as well to distinguish between tissue versions. Write to Ellen Byron at ellen.byron@wsj.com Printed in The Wall Street Journal, page B1 Copyright 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved

In the News: Radio Business Report - Holidays: They’re making a list!

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:22:43 -0500

That’s the good news, according to a new study from researcher Information Resources Inc. IRI refers, of course, to consumers, who are beginning to emerge from their bad economy bunkers and are making plans to enjoy the upcoming holiday season.

Retail Industry News Weekly: Week Ending Sept. 11, 2009

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:52:58 -0500

# BK French Fries Coming To Supermarket Aisles # New Registry Designed To Enable Food Safety Issue Reporting # Burd Predicts Demise Of Some Brands As Private Labels Surge # Aldi Tests Limited Credit Card Acceptance # The Connection Between The Health Industry & The Food Industry # Elevating The Retail Brand “Beyond The Walls” # FastNewsBeat # The MNB Wal-Mart Watch # The Balance Sheet # Executive Suite

Blog: Beer, Wine, and Spirits: Opportunity is Knocking

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:51:27 -0500

The beer, wine, and spirits industry is another industry affected by the economic downturn. While we've explored CPG and retail in-depth, the beverage alcohol industry is a compelling study of how consumers are changing purchasing habits and where they seek out product information. Our new report, "Understanding the Beer, Wine and Spirits Shopper in Today's Economy," examines the upward trend of beer, wine and spirits in the past year as a result of the changing economy. One of the greatest shifts in the beer, wine, and spirits industry is the change in where Americans are consuming alcohol. Home entertainment is in the rise, and consumers are buying drinks and food to have on hand for impromptu, at-home gatherings, visiting on-premise venues less than they were one year ago. Pantries are stocked with snacks like chips and salsa, while home bars are filled with the necessary beer, wine, and spirits for entertaining. This mirrors the at-home meal preparation trend we've been documenting during the downturn and comes as no major surprise as consumers continue to scale back. Consumers are taking price comparison into the digital sphere, especially when it comes to beer wine and spirits. Sites like MyGroceryDeals.com and Wine.Woot.com help shoppers find deals on their alcoholic purchases, obtain coupons and build shopping lists all from the comfort of their own home. Our research shows that consumers, particularly the younger demographic, is comfortable and open to finding coupons online. We expect that Web sites such as these will grow in popularity as the trend of consumers turning to the internet for bargain hunting continues to rise. Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are three major drivers in how shoppers are finding deals on their beer, wine and spirits purchases. Word of mouth travels quickly through these mediums, and helps shoppers find deals before making it to the grocery or liquor store. Sites like CheapTweet.com searches Twitter for deals across retail and CPG categories, and brands like Guinness, Budweiser, and Smirnoff actively participate in the Twitter community. Facebook is another major player in how consumers get product information, and its real-time content sharing helps spread information to consumers quickly and efficiently. Lastly, YouTube is one of the most influential ways consumers get product information online. Beer, wine and spirits brands use the site to communicate to their shopper through Webisodes and hosted consumer-driven contests. These three social and digital media platforms are transforming the spread of product information, and are working to the advantage of the growing beer, wine and spririts industry. This positive change in beer, wine and spirits offers great potential for CPG and retail. By offering coupons and creating an online social presence, there is an opportunity to connect with the wired consumer in a new way. These actions not only speak to the consumer desire to save money and educate themselves, but also set up the chance to create an online marketing program that has longevity and relevance. Stay tuned for the full report, and we welcome your comments and questions. Take care, Anne Carlson

Press Release: IRI Debuts IRI Total Store Advantage to Provide Fastest, Deepest Insights of Store, Portfolios and Competitors

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 12:11:18 -0500

Additional Solution, TSA Wall Street Edition, Leverages Higher Quality Information for Investment Community CHICAGO, Sept. 9, 2009 - Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), the leading global provider of consumer, shopper, and market insights for the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare industries, today announced the addition of Total Store Advantage (TSA) and Total Store Advantage Wall Street Edition to its suite of solutions built on IRI's Liquid Data technology. As CPG companies enter the 2010 strategic planning cycle, securing more information faster at the macro- and micro-levels is essential. TSA allows executives to run a wide range of analyses to shape product, price, promotion, assortment and merchandising strategies. Given the uncertainties of today's economy, creating multiple operating scenarios that address different levels of economic recovery, shopper behavior as well as energy and commodity prices is vital to managing and competing effectively. TSA Wall Street Edition customizes the TSA solution for the distinct information needs of security analysts, portfolio managers and other members of the investment community as well as CPG executives that liaise with investors. "TSA creates new opportunities to leverage information, gain new detail on competitive activities and act on this information to create strategic insights and decisions, as well as proactively communicate with customers, employees, partners and other stakeholders," said IRI Technology Executive Vice President and General Manager Bernhard Nann. "TSA is the most recent example of applying the breakthrough capabilities of IRI's Liquid Data (ILD) platform. ILD empowers executives with much faster speed to insight, more flexible and powerful analyses, and superior integration of a variety of data sources for use across the entire enterprise." Total Store Advantage Arms Executives with 360 Views of the Store, Portfolio and Competition To make the best decisions, it is essential for executives to have knowledge of the entire marketplace. IRI Total Store Advantage provides a macro view of the entire store, its growth drivers, and trends across departments and aisles to offer the broad perspective and intelligence needed for informed business decisions and competitive advantage. TSA gives executives the ability to quickly create simple reports or to conduct complex analyses that address a wide variety of business issues ranging from high-level total store or macro category trends to deep dive category segment and item level understanding. This comprehensive understanding of corporate and competitor performance provides the ability to more easily identify opportunities and threats. Users can create standard reports and dashboards of the entire store or entire corporate portfolios. What used to take days or weeks now requires just a few minutes or hours. TSA delivers actionable insights that allow CPG companies to: * Identify trends and growth drivers across the entire store * Benchmark performance against a wide landscape * Gain insights into competitor activities and strategies * Uncover expansion opportunities * Create standard reporting and workflows for rapid, easy access to information * Virtually eliminate manual data errors * Ensure absolute accuracy for non-additive measures TSA Wall Street Edition Assesses Business and Competitive Success for Investors and Analysts The definition of competition is continuously evolving as companies merge, acquire and liquidate. Corporate reporting is often limited, time consuming and prone to error. Typical accounting database information is not designed to also report total corporate trends and does not include a comprehensive view of competitors' brands outside of categories within which a business directly competes. TSA Wall Street Edition enables analysts, portfolio managers and others in the investment community as well as senior CPG executives to quickly view company and key competitor performance across all categories, aisles and departments. These executives are now able to understand more comprehensively a business's and/or sector's current environment as well as its future prospects critical information for making tracking and investment decisions. TSA Wall Street Edition gives executives better information to: * Understand the true state of competition and share position in total store and by category, with special visibility into new products, promotion support and pricing * Follow mega-brand performance across categories to understand the strength and levels of investment being made * Gain new insight into how reliant parent companies are on a retailer by retailer basis, evaluate success of key partnerships/alignments and understand exposure to retailer changes * Create near real-time scenarios for actual or prospective mergers to determine new parent company size, trends, strengths, weaknesses and overlap and avoid the need to wait for financial restatements "TSA Wall Street Edition enables CPG executives and the investment community to better understand current and potential company and market dynamics that will help them make more rapid and better investment decisions," added Nann. "This is a critical capability in today's fast-changing business environment. Maintaining both a high level and forensic view of company, product and category, along with competitive performance, creates the opportunity to take advantage of investment opportunities faster." About IRI IRI is the world's leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights supporting 95 percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail and healthcare companies. Only IRI offers the unique combination of integrated market information, automated and predictive analytics, innovative enabling technologies, and domain expertise. With IRI, leading retailers and manufacturers are able to quickly discover breakthrough insights driving smarter decisions and actions across the enterprise for breakthrough results. Companies around the world depend on IRI for improved productivity, stronger brands, and dramatic revenue growth. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com. # # # IRI CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 726-1091 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 726-1091

In the News: New York Times - U.S. Shoppers Open to Mini Holiday Splurge: Study

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 10:36:34 -0500

After clamping down last year, U.S. holiday shoppers are more willing to crack open their wallets in 2009, but still intend to hunt for discounts, a survey released on Tuesday found.

In the News: CNBC - Maria's Market Message

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 10:36:34 -0500

CNBC's Maria Bartiromo discusses the day's top business and financial stories, and looks ahead to tomorrow's Closing Bell.

In the News: Holiday shopping stands to benefit from glint of hope among consumers

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 15:16:24 -0500

Consumers are ready to come out of hiding for the holiday shopping season, but they will be picky about how they spend their money, according to a study to be released Tuesday.

In the News: U.S. shoppers open to mini holiday splurge-study

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 15:16:24 -0500

After clamping down last year, U.S. holiday shoppers are more willing to crack open their wallets in 2009, but still intend to hunt for discounts, a survey released on Tuesday found.

Blog: Ray of Conservative Optimism Seen by Consumers This Holiday Season

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 11:55:20 -0500

We recently conducted a 1,000-household survey to capture consumers’ thoughts on how they will budget for, shop, and celebrate the holidays this year. The results show Americans are growing weary of bad economic news and are ready to start spreading the holiday cheer. Results of the survey indicate a slight rise in consumer confidence compared to last year. However, consumers plan to head into stores with their shopping lists in hand and their budget in mind. Some conclusions from the survey: * Concerns about the price of food has dropped more than 20 percent this year (98 percent in 2008 vs. 77 percent in 2009). * Concerns about the effect of gasoline prices on holiday shopping has dropped by 10 percent compared to 2008. * The overall effect of the recession on shopping decisions decreased nearly 5 percent since last year. * 77 percent of consumers will be treating themselves, and others, this holiday season even if times are tough. * Just over 52 percent of consumers said they would spend up to $499 on holiday gifts, about 9.2 percent more than last year. Although consumers will be opening their wallets wider than they did during the 2008 holiday season, they are conservatively optimistic and are taking a more strategic approach to shopping this year. I will host a webinar on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 1:00 to 2:00pm CT to discuss these survey results in more detail and also provide recommendations for the CPG industry. Register for the Webinar on our website by clicking here.

http://us.infores.com/NewsEvents/EventsWebinars/HolidayConsumerOptimismonaBudgetWebinar/tabid/221/Default.aspx Best, Thom Blischock

Press Release: American Consumers Plan for a Merry and Bright 2009 Holiday Season

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 10:16:24 -0500

New IRI Research Shows Increased Optimism and Savvier Shopping Rituals from 2008 CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2009 - American consumers plan to enter this year's holiday season more hopeful, resulting in consumer confidence to selectively open their wallets wider than the 2008 holiday season, according to new research from Information Resources, Inc. However, consumers are taking a more strategic approach to shopping this year and are heading into stores with shopping lists in hand and a budget in mind. IRI surveyed approximately 1,000 households about their 2009 holiday shopping rituals and discovered other shifts in consumer behavior, such as the consumption of meals and beverages at home, purchasing private label, and bargain hunting, will also continue this holiday season. "While consumers are beginning to awaken from the economic sea change just in time for the beginning of the holidays, they are taking very thoughtful and strategic approaches to their purchasing and are sifting hard through such questions as 'What do I really need?', 'What does my family need?', and 'What can we still live without?'" said IRI Consulting & Innovation President Thom Blischok. "Despite what appears to be a permanence of 'strategic selection,' last year's dismal holiday retail results are being left behind as consumers are slightly more optimistic about the economy and are much more savvy about how they attack their holiday gift and meal list." Brightening Attitudes Bring More Joy Around the Fireplace Consumer attitudes and concerns surrounding gas prices, cost of utilities, job stability, the rise in food prices, and the recession are all seeing a decline in how these factors will affect this year's holiday shopping rituals. Consumers' holiday shopping rituals will be less affected by economic factors than last year, especially regarding the price of food. Principal survey findings include: * Consumers concern about the price of food has dropped more than 20 percent this year (98 percent in 2008 versus 77 percent in 2009). * Expressed concern for the effect of gasoline prices on holiday shopping has dropped by 10 percent compared to 2008. * Utilities saw a similar decline, down more than 9 percent from 2008. * The overall effect of the recession on shopping decisions decreased nearly 5 percent. However, consumer concern regarding job stability still remains top of mind and saw only a 1 percent decline, showing that while consumers may be more in the holiday spirit they still hold concerns about the downturn. Consumers are not expected to give up their focus on conservative spending by creating tremendous credit card balances. Instead, they have learned about how to more effectively spend their dollars. Faith, Family, and Friends Remain Priorities One consistency from last year's holiday season is the values American consumers continue to hold dear during the recession. Religion, spending time with family, and communal holiday meals remain important to the shopper, notably: * More than 81 percent of consumers note religion as a major factor in their holiday celebrations. * More than 98 percent of shoppers make spending time with family a priority in the holiday season. * 93 percent of consumers' holiday plans include getting together with family and friends over the dinner table and at parties. * More than 90 percent of shoppers are making gift-giving a priority, up nearly 3 percentage points from last year. Setting the Holiday Table - Making a List, Checking it Twice The dining room lights will shine bright this holiday season as American consumers, in keeping with their focus on spending time with friends and family, will consume most of their meals and beverage consumption at home or at a friend's house. Nearly two-thirds of consumers plan to eat their holiday meals at home, half plan to dine at their friends' homes and holiday parties, and almost all plan to consume alcoholic beverages in their friends' homes or holiday parties. While this holiday ritual of communal eating and drinking will continue to be a form of comfort and celebration this holiday season, it is also a cost-cutting strategy and a major contributing factor to why consumers note that they plan to spend the same or less this year than in 2008 on holiday meals. More than 94 percent plan on spending no more than $500 on food and 90 percent plan on spending no more than $200 on holiday beer, wine, and spirits purchases. To help prepare for the holiday gatherings, dollar-stretching techniques, such as list-making and private label, continue to be top of mind for shoppers. Only 11 percent of consumers mention they will shop without a grocery list. Critical growing points resulting from the downturn, private label is expected to again take a seat at the head of the holiday table as 90 percent of consumers make private label food an important part of the holiday meal, up from 87 percent in 2008. Grocery stores are expected to remain busy with shoppers piling in their private label selections in their grocery carts. Survey findings include: * Budgeting (79 percent) and matched quality to name brands (60 percent) remain leading reasons for the switch to private label. * 92 percent of consumers will be doing their holiday food shopping at the grocery store based on sales and discounts, product selection, and variety of items in stock. Smarter Gift-Giving Shoppers are showing their gift-giving joy this year and are using the budgeting expertise they've learned in the past year. While consumers may be spending less, they are finding inexpensive splurges. Insights from the survey show that: * 77 percent of consumers will be treating themselves, and others, this holiday season even if times are tough. * 23 percent of shoppers have a gift-giving budget over $799, down 13 percent from 2008. * 11 percent more plan on budgeting up to $499 this year for gifts than in 2008. * 71 percent of consumers will not be giving food as gifts this year, removing fruitcakes from the gift list. These consumers will be buying their gifts at mass merchandisers like Target (more than 77 percent) and department stores (65 percent), seeking the best deals on electronics, such as iPods, $100 Blu-ray disc players and other assorted electronic gadgets expected to be a "gift of choice" in many families this holiday season. Notably, only 18 percent will be making their gift purchases without a shopping list. A Green, E-Holiday Shopping Season More Americans will be shopping online during this holiday season. Flexibility of time to shop, saving time, and avoiding crowds are all major draws that get consumers' dollars online, but only for gift-giving. Survey highlights show: * 18 percent increase in online shopping from 2008, when only 41 percent of consumers shopped online. * 90 percent of shoppers will not be making their food purchases online, choosing to buy in-store. "In addition to a renewed sense of consciousness about their budgets, we can expect shoppers to be eco-conscious this holiday season as they look to reduce waste in their households by using low-power lighting, recyclable packaging, smaller outdoor displays and pre-lit recyclable Christmas trees," added Blischock. Seasonal Shopper Strategies Retailers and CPG manufacturers can still position themselves to take advantage of this cheerier, savvier consumer during the holiday. Nearly half of consumers don't plan on starting their holiday shopping until after summer draws to a close, allowing CPG and retail to plan their holiday sales strategies that are in tune with consumers' desire to save money, spend time with friends and family, and treat the ones they love. Important considerations include that consumers are making their purchase decisions in-home, requiring a savvy marketing and redesigned shopper value strategy. CPG and retail must act now in order to ensure that they win over the holiday and budget-minded shopper, avoiding delay in order to stay competitive and attuned to the shifting consumer market. "The consumer has shifted dramatically in the past year with how they find and purchase their deals—CPG and retail need to take advantage of this newly savvy shopper by appealing to shopper values and budgets," said Blischok. "The holidays are a prime opportunity to draw the newly optimistic shopper into the store and to new products, but these actions and strategies must be swift and efficient, especially as shoppers continue making purchase decisions in their homes." IRI Holiday Webinar IRI is offering a free webinar, entitled "The 2009 Holiday Consumer: Optimism on a Budget," on Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. CDT. To register for the webinar, hosted by consumer trends and transforming economy experts, Thom Blischok, Tim Ressmeyer and Sean Seitzinger, please visit: http://us.infores.com/NewsEvents/EventsWebinars/HolidayConsumerOptimismonaBudgetWebinar/tabid/221/Default.aspx. The webinar will highlight findings from an upcoming special research report for the 2009 holiday season that will be available in mid-September. About Information Resources, Inc. Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) is the world's leading global provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights, empowering consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare companies to grow their business profitably in a complex marketplace. Driving breakthrough growth in the industries it serves, the company's portfolio of services, solutions, and technology enable leading retailers and their suppliers around the globe to see what they are missing, act faster with greater confidence, and win at the shelf. Ninety-five percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 in CPG and retail leverage IRI to power their business. For more information, visit: www.infores.com. # # # IRI CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 726-1091 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 726-1091

IRI Guest Blog: Channel Migration: Escalation of Deal-Seeking Drives Battle for Share to a New Level

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 09:09:28 -0500

Posted by Guest Blogger Susan Viamari, Editor of Times and Trends, Information Resources, Inc. Recent reports point to an improving U.S. economy, but battle-weary shoppers remain fully entrenched in savings mode. Consumers are looking to trim back expenditures wherever possible. Dining out is down sharply, self-care is pervasive, and trading down-even out-is an increasingly common part of consumers' money-saving strategies. Today, consumers are infinitely more aware of how and where their money is being spent. Last year, when Information Resources Inc. (IRI) explored channel migration trends within the monthly Times & Trends report, supercenters were securing sizable share gains across every major CPG department. These gains cut across income segments, reinforcing the notion that reaction to economic turmoil ran broad and deep. The recession continues to play out. Consumers are evolving rituals and CPG shopping strategies based on their current financial situation, confidence in the future, prices, promotion and a rapidly changing value perception. Many of the rituals that are developed in response to today's difficult economic environment will remain long after the recession has ended. IRI's August issue of Times & Trends, "Channel Migration 2009: The Blurring of Shopper Loyalty," clearly illustrates that shopper loyalty has become an exponentially more complex phenomenon over the past two years. Supercenters play a major role in providing U.S. consumers with affordable CPG solutions and continues to gain share of consumers' CPG dollars. But, retailers from competing channels have stepped-up efforts to attract and retain shoppers, and supercenter share gains have waned over the past year. Innovative marketing efforts, such as every-day low price strategies being developed and rolled out across several large grocery retailers, and CVS's Beauty 360 concept, are being well-received by deal-seeking shoppers, resulting in mitigated losses and/or slight gains across a majority of retail channels. (Note: Gains come largely at the expense of the mass merchandise channel, which is in a multi-year slide due to consumers' increasing preference for one-stop shopping and the on-going conversion of traditional mass merchandise stores to supercenter formats.) The battle for share of CPG spending continues. Retailers and manufacturers are notching up their efforts to connect with and influence consumers with the help of a powerful-and growing-marketing tool: the Internet. One of the early CPG players to the game was Walmart. The retailer's first foray into the social media scene was an internal social network where employees could share ideas and get answers to questions. The idea gained traction and has led to several new online initiatives, including free classifieds on Walmart.com and several theme-based blogging sites. Other CPG marketers are joining in, showing presence on Twitter, Facebook and other online blogging sites. Reach and impact is multiplied greatly by non-affiliated bloggers posting their thoughts and experiences online for all to see. And consumers are certainly logging on to the Web en masse. According to Internet World Stats, three-quarters of Americans are now online. Penetration has increased 60 points since 1995, and migration to online living remains strong. In IRI's recent "Consumer Dynamics" survey, shoppers predicted that 76% of their shopping decisions will be made before they get to the store. In a recessionary economy, and likely beyond, consumers are embracing the Internet as a money-saving tool. For example, IRI research reveals that 44% of shoppers are using the Internet to find coupons, and 52% rely on Internet-based research to obtain basic healthcare information. The Internet has brought immediacy to shopping discovery efforts. A rapidly growing number of shoppers indicate that information from the Internet or email has influenced their health and beauty care product purchases. The medium provides an excellent opportunity to connect with consumers in the privacy of their own home, and it serves as a central repository for comments from other shoppers. The power of the Internet is vast and quickly intensifying. CPG marketers that are able to effectively leverage this tool to understand and connect with key shopper and target groups will have a powerful competitive advantage in the battle for share of CPG spending. For more on the burgeoning battle for share of CPG spending, and the important role the Internet is playing in informing and influencing fiscally-weary shoppers, read IRI's August 2009 issue of Times & Trends, "Channel Migration 2009: The Blurring of Shopper Loyalty". For more great insights into critical trends impacting the CPG industry, be sure to check out IRI's CPG Blog.

Times & Trends: Private Label 2009: Game-Changing Economy Taking Private Label to New Heights

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 13:04:33 -0500

Consumer rituals have changed drastically over the past couple years, largely in response to adverse economic conditions. The economic unrest is beginning to show signs of easing, but consumers remain steadfastly in savings mode. At the crux of many savings strategies is private label packaged goods products. For years U.S. retailers have been honing their private label arsenal in the name of differentiation. The timing of these efforts has been meticulous. Private label has been elevated to a whole new level. Retailers continue to invest heavily in their brands. Innovation is increasing and promotional support is growing. Economic recovery will likely be a long and arduous process. And, indications are that recession-induced ritual changes will remain long after the recession has officially ended. For retail brands, it is time to shine. And for national brands, it is time to step-up competitive efforts. Both are happening already. Competition for share of CPG spending is intense. This report explores current and emerging private label trends as well as influencing factors that are reshaping the CPG industry. Manufacturers and retailers with a clear understanding of these forces will be able to develop and execute competitive strategies for their brands which meet corporate goals while simultaneously delivering against consumer needs.

Press Release: CPG Leaders Leverage IRI Foresight™ to Power Business and Strategic Planning Throughout the Enterprise

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 16:39:04 -0500

New Solution Integrates Macroeconomic Data with Consumer Segment Drivers to Predict Category and Brand Performance CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2009 - Consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers and retailers, actively engaged in their 2010 strategic planning process, face an even tougher challenge than usual, questioning whether the recent slight improvements in the economy will remain permanent or if they are merely spikes in a "W" style recession. To better navigate these challenges, Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) today announced a new solution that several CPG leaders have integrated into their planning processes. IRI Foresight™ is an objective and analytic-driven consulting capability for ongoing business and strategic planning that tracks approximately 400 economic indicators, identifies factors most relevant for brand or category growth, and offers forecasts of up to five years. "Consumer shopping behavior is increasingly being influenced by external factors like the economy," said Mark Anton, vice president, Consumer Marketing Insights, L'Oréal Consumer Products Division. "The first challenge has been to understand which of these factors is impacting us the most. The economy clearly has to be incorporated into our thought process and understanding how these dynamics impact category trends is a big step forward given our leadership position in the market." IRI Foresight leverages the effects of macroeconomic activity on consumer spending, including factors such as inflation, interest rates, unemployment rates, property values and credit availability to drive meaningful, fact-based category-specific forecasts. "We have started to prove that IRI Foresight can improve our confidence in predicting category performance," added Anton. "IRI has worked with us to customize this analysis and ensure that it is consistent with how we manage the business." Among manufacturers and retailers, there are often multiple planning processes occurring simultaneously among sales teams, marketing teams, supply chain teams and others. IRI Foresight enables these teams to collaborate more effectively by providing a "single version of the truth" around which these teams can focus. As a result, companies can significantly streamline the strategic planning process. "We have completed analyses on approximately 25 categories for both CPG leaders on national brands and large retailers on private brands," said Erik Almadrones, partner, IRI Consulting & Innovation. "As a result of these projects, several manufacturers and retailers have gained a new, broader perspective on the effects macroeconomic indicators have on their performance. Accurate forecasting results in significantly improved resource deployment and risk mitigation, especially in an economy that continues to undergo significant transformation and where the effects of government activity, such as the current stimulus program, remain largely unknown." IRI Foresight is the newest of a solution suite available to augment the 2010 strategic planning process among CPG, healthcare and beauty companies as well as retailers. IRI will soon announce the availability of IRI Total Store Advantage™ (TSA) and IRI Total Store Advantage: Wall Street Edition™, which will allow executives to run a wide range of analyses to shape product, price, promotion, assortment and merchandising strategies. TSA Wall Street Edition enables analysts, portfolio managers and others in the investment community to quickly view company and key competitor performance across all categories, aisles and departments. For more information about IRI Foresight, visit: http://us.infores.com/ProductsSolutions/AllProducts/AllProductsDetail/tabid/159/productid/117/Default.aspx About IRI IRI is the world's leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights supporting 95 percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail and healthcare companies. Only IRI offers the unique combination of integrated market information, automated and predictive analytics, innovative enabling technologies, and domain expertise. With IRI, leading retailers and manufacturers are able to quickly discover breakthrough insights driving smarter decisions and actions across the enterprise for breakthrough results. Companies around the world depend on IRI for improved productivity, stronger brands, and dramatic revenue growth. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com. # # # IRI CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 726-1091 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 726-1091

2009 Holiday Consumer: Optimism on a Budget Webinar - September 15th

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 13:46:43 -0500

Point of View: Beer, Wine & Spirits in a Downturn Economy: Affordable Indulgence or Sacrificed at Check-Out?

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:38:30 -0500

Retailers and manufacturers must now consider whether shoppers are trading up or down-are they trading down and buying less to save money or trading up and increasing consumption at home in lieu of cutbacks to onpremise consumption? They must anticipate if purchases will be reduced or eliminated and whether or not consumers consider alcohol an "affordable indulgence" on which they are willing to splurge. At the most basic level, retailers and manufacturers must be cognizant of the fact that shoppers are still continuing to experiment with their lifestyle and shopping strategies in order to fulfill needs and save more money.

Press Release: IRI to Acquire the Hendry Corporation from Symphony Marketing Solutions

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 11:04:54 -0500

Strategic Marketing Consulting and Software Extend IRI Marketing Insights and Solutions Capabilities CHICAGO and Southport, Conn., Sept. 1, 2009 - Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), the world's leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights, today announced that effective Oct. 1, 2009, it will acquire The Hendry Corporation, a strategic marketing consulting and software solutions business unit, to extend IRI's strategic marketing insights and solutions capabilities. IRI is acquiring Hendry from Symphony Marketing Solutions (SMS), a portfolio company of IRI's parent company, Symphony Technology Group. For more than 30 years, Hendry has been a pioneer in the development of strategic consumer marketing insights through its innovative market structure modeling and business simulation software solutions. The acquisition further strengthens IRI's industry-leading Consumer & Shopper insights practice, combining Hendry's world-class marketing return on investment (ROI) and market structure capabilities with IRI's deep consumer and shopper insights to deliver new intelligence on new products as well as brand and portfolio optimization to drive growth opportunities. "Our clients are continually looking for ways to accelerate their ability to anticipate emerging consumer need states and enhance their decision-making aptitude to increase marketing effectiveness and ultimately drive new levels growth," said IRI President and Chief Executive Officer John Freeland. "Hendry has a rich heritage of developing strategic insights into the rapidly evolving consumer landscape, and our clients will benefit significantly from the addition of such a well-respected, capability-enhancing organization." The combination of Hendry's strategic marketing insights and simulations is intended to strengthen IRI's portfolio of insights applications by enhancing the company's client-focused strategic growth planning process to become the de facto planning platform that customers leverage for their strategic and annual planning cycles. "Linking Hendry's market structure with our rich consumer and shopper insights assets as well as other predictive marketing analytics capabilities creates an entirely new class of competitively-advantaged insights our clients can take advantage of to optimize both new and established brand portfolios," added IRI Consumer & Shopper Insights President Robert (Bob) I. Tomei. "In addition, we will be able to leverage IRI's broad and deep client engagements in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry in both the United States and Europe to grow the Hendry business going forward." "Those who have been privileged to work with Hendry over its long history have abiding respect for the power of its model to drive marketing strategy in the quest for significant ROI," said Lorraine Scarpa, general manager, Symphony Marketing Solutions. "The list of validations of Hendry forecasts is both long and impressive. Indeed, all that has been lacking is wider knowledge of Hendry's power and application to both CPG and non-CPG businesses. This combination of Hendry's depth and IRI's breadth will enable widespread adoption of this robust capability at a time when businesses are most in need of both." Hendry strengthens the foundation of IRI's strategic marketing insights capabilities, providing a unique combination of services, technology and analytic platforms to rapidly increase clients' marketing effectiveness and ROI. Following the acquisition, Scarpa will serve as acting general manager for IRI-owned Hendry. About Information Resources, Inc. IRI is the world's leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights supporting 95 percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail and healthcare companies. Only IRI offers the unique combination of integrated market information, automated and predictive analytics, innovative enabling technologies, and domain expertise. With IRI, leading retailers and manufacturers are able to quickly discover breakthrough insights driving smarter decisions and actions across the enterprise for breakthrough results. Companies around the world depend on IRI for improved productivity, stronger brands, and dramatic revenue growth. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com. About Symphony Marketing Solutions Symphony Marketing Solutions is the leading provider of technology-enabled marketing and analytic services, with deep domain knowledge and a critical mass global delivery model, capable of delivering full-scale transformational outsourcing, focused on market analytics, business intelligence, data modeling, data integration and data management. For more information, please send a mail at info@symphonyms.com. About Hendry Hendry is the industry "gold" standard in providing strategic insights on how consumers make purchase choices across a vast array of categories and industries. The business has evolved over the past 30+ years into the premier Market Structure provider for several industries focusing on assisting clients with understanding and leveraging insights on the consumer decision process in brand selection. Portfolio optimization simulations tools provide marketers with valuable direction on how best to serve their customer base through optimal marketing strategies and spending principle development. About Symphony Technology Group Symphony Technology Group (STG) is a strategic holding company that helps companies maximize operational efficiencies in the enterprise software and services market. With years of deep operational experience to draw upon, STG companies can leverage strong personal networks, vast financial and operational resources and a history of excellence to empower their clients' success today and tomorrow. STG is actively engaged with each Group company, providing the strategic insight needed to achieve business performance and revenue growth through innovation. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., STG is a $1.2 billion strategic holding company that employs more than 7,000 employees worldwide across its companies. For more information, visit www.symphonytg.com. # # # CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 474-2512 Joe Bellini Symphony Marketing Solution E-mail: joe.bellini@symphonyms.com Phone: 203-256-8216S

Retail Industry News Weekly: Week Ending August 28, 2009

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:49:19 -0500

* "Sin Taxes" Get Momentum In Public Consciousness * Putting A Different Twist On The Art Of Rewarding Employees * Sansolo Speaks: "The Summer of Opportunity" * FastNewsBeat * The MNB Wal-Mart Watch * The Balance Sheet * Executive Suite

Press Release: IRI’s Thom Blischok Moderates Panel Focused on the Shifting Consumer at GMA Executive Conference 2009

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:41:03 -0500

WHO: Thom Blischok -- President, Consulting and Innovation, Information Resources, Inc. WHAT: The recession has created a new kind of shopper-frugality is now the new consumer habit, with every purchase decision considered carefully. Retailers and manufacturers, in turn, are faced with the challenge of adapting to this new shopper to maintain a competitive edge. To discuss this new shift in shopper behavior, industry thought leader Thom Blischok will serve as moderator of the "The New Value Consumer: Company Response to New Priorities and Changed Habits" panel at the Grocery Manufacturers' Association Executive Conference attended by senior retail and CPG executives. The panel includes: * William J. Coyne, President and Chief Executive Officer, Raley's Family of Fine Stores * Christopher J. (CJ) Fraleigh, Chief Executive Officer, North American Retail and Foodservice, Sara Lee Corporation * Cathy Green, Chief Operating Officer, Food Lion, LLC * Frank A. Tataseo, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Growth, The Clorox Company WHY: The change in consumer behavior is putting enhanced pressures on retailers and manufacturers to be even more strategically attuned to their shoppers. This newly conservative shopper demands solutions that help them feed, clothe and take care of their families based on a new definition of value. Blischok and the panelists will discuss how companies are shifting their strategies to address these needs. The panel will explore: * If this consumer shift is temporary or permanent * If this downturn and the new, frugal shopper is an opportunity for the food and CPG industry * How retailers and CPG companies are reacting to the recession's effect on shoppers. WHEN: Aug. 31, 2009, 12 p.m. (CDT) WHERE: GMA Executive Conference The Broadmoor 1 Lake Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80906 www.gmaexecutiveconference.com About IRI IRI is the world's leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market information, insights and decision solutions to 95 percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG), healthcare and retail companies. Only IRI offers the unique combination of integrated market and shopper information, automated analytics and predictive insights, innovative technology, and domain expertise. With IRI, leading manufacturers and retailers are able to drive their growth by quickly discovering breakthrough insights, making smarter decisions, taking faster actions across the enterprise, and achieving breakthrough results. Companies around the world depend on IRI for technology and solutions that enable brand building, successful new product launches, consumer-driven merchandising/retail execution and consumer and shopper relationship management. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com. # # # CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 726-1091 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 726-1091

Blog: IRI Speaks: GMA Executive Conference 2009

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:50:14 -0500

The changing shopper has been a challenge for CPG manufacturers and retailers alike. This week at the Grocery Manufacturers of America, I'll be moderating the panel, "The New Value Consumer: Company Response to New Priorities and Changed Habits." We will discuss how inherently the American consumer has changed, and what retail and CPG must do to stay attuned to their shopper and maintain their competitive edge. Executives from Raley's, Sara Lee, Food Lion, and Clorox will join me on the panel, discussing how their strategies have shifted since the beginning of the downturn to address the new money-saving priorities of consumers. In addition to the panelists' individual strategies, we'll discuss if this consumer shift is temporary or permanent, and what kind of opportunities this frugal shopper offers the food and CPG industry. Look for insightful and probing industry news coming out of the conference, and if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them here, as always. Take care, Thom Blischok WHEN: Monday, Aug. 31, 11:00 a.m. -- Noon MDT WHERE: GMA Executive Conference The Broadmoor 1 Lake Avenue Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906 866.837.9520

Webinar Replay: Discovering the Real Truth about Shopper Behavior

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:37:46 -0500

As Thom Blischok discussed at the NACDS Marketplace Conference in Boston, 2009 will be a paramount year for the transformation of the shopper. 2008 set a cornerstone position where the shoppers began to purchase everything from oranges to toothpaste to medicine to diapers with a new 'Lens of Affordability". In 2009, new shopper rituals have been established as shoppers continue to understand how best to stretch their dollars. This presentation will center on the 2009 shopper ritual changes we are seeing. It will explore where shopper decisions are made; how they shop, where they shop, how advertising influences their purchasing decisions and the role of various forms of marketing vehicles - with regard to changing their mind. In this webinar, Thom Blischok explores the most basic behavior changes helping the attendees understand what attitudes are shaping what we believe to be the most fundamental change in shopper segment; a new shopper called the "conservative shopper." The conservative shopper is one who is more concerned about ensuring on-going financial viability for the long term & who buys less, buys more carefully. In many cases, studies what is offered to them before purchasing and carefully manages usage and consumption - as well as carefully selects the items that are essential to them. The learnings from this presentation will help you understand where the shopper is going and how retailers and manufacturers can begin to develop strategies to ensure long term success with the shopper. Host: Mr. Thom Blischok, President of Consulting and Innovation, Information Resources, Inc. Duration: 60 Minutes

Blog: IRI Speaks: NACDS Webinar, Tuesday August 25, 2009

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:28:45 -0500

Earlier this week I continued exploring the real truth of shopper behavior, a theme we've been tracking since the beginning of the downturn which examines the shift in how consumers are making purchase decisions. I highlighted these changes in an NACDS webinar, which was a reprisal of my NACDS Marketplace 2009 keynote presentation, "Discovering the Real Truth about Shopper Behavior." The depth and breadth of the recession is driving a seismic shift in how consumers learn about, purchase and use CPG products as well as where they shop to buy them. Today, the shopper is viewing every purchase and expense through a "lens of affordability." To cater to shoppers' needs head on, retailers and manufacturers must understand and address this new transformation. During my webinar, I discussed a variety of these new shopper rituals, including where shopper decisions are made, how and where consumers shop, the effect of advertising on purchase decisions, and the various roles of marketing vehicles and their impact on shopper behavior. I hope many of you were able to join me for the webinar. If not, please send an e-mail to IRI.Marketing@infores.com to request an executive summary. Best, Thom Blischok

Press Release: IRI Beer, Wine and Spirits Expert Provides Mid-Year 2009 Sales Performance Results for Beer Category and Craft Beer Segment

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:55:00 -0500

Presentation Provides Overview of Beer Category Trends and Shifting Consumer Habits WHO: Dan Wandel-- Senior Vice President, Beverage Alcohol Client Solutions, Information Resources, Inc. WHAT: Following major consumer spending adjustments during the past year and a half, most shoppers have developed new spending habits and new in-home entertainment rituals, signaling the need for a quick response from retailers with new marketing strategies, pricing and promotions. So, how did the beer category and the craft segment, in particular, perform from a sales perspective during the first half of 2009? To help provide insights, IRI beverage alcohol expert, Dan Wandel, will be presenting, "IRI Mid-Year 2009 Beer Category and Craft Segment Review" during the Brewers Association Power Hour interactive teleconference. WHY: Due to the continuously transforming economy, the beer industry is facing many challenges in today's marketplace, while also being presented with numerous opportunities, especially for craft beers. In addition, there is fierce competition for the beer category to adapt and adjust sales and marketing strategies to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers. Wandel's presentation will address such critical questions as: * How is the economy impacting the beer industry? * How can we understand today's evolving beer consumer? * Where are consumers purchasing beer? * How and where are they making their purchasing decisions? * What were the hot new beer brands in the first half of 2009? * How can the beer industry meet the ever-changing needs of consumers in moving forward? WHEN: August 27, 2009, 12:00-1:00 p.m. (CDT) WHERE: Brewers Association Power Hour Online, Interactive Teleconference Series To pre-register, contact Pete Johnson at pete@brewersassociation.org www.beertown.org About IRI IRI is the world's leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market information, insights and decision solutions to 95 percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG), healthcare and retail companies. Only IRI offers the unique combination of integrated market and shopper information, automated analytics and predictive insights, innovative technology, and domain expertise. With IRI, leading manufacturers and retailers are able to drive their growth by quickly discovering breakthrough insights, making smarter decisions, taking faster actions across the enterprise, and achieving breakthrough results. Companies around the world depend on IRI for technology and solutions that enable brand building, successful new product launches, consumer-driven merchandising/retail execution and consumer and shopper relationship management. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com. # # # CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 726-1091 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 726-1091

Retail Industry News Weekly: Week Ending August 21, 2009

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:54:59 -0500

* Walmart Expands Rx Delivery Program * Sansolo Speaks: Food, Glorious Food * MNB’s Tales Of Tesco * Battle Between Walmart & Target To Evolve As Economy Recovers * Drawing The Line On The Supermarket Checkout Experience * FastNewsBeat * The MNB Wal-Mart Watch * The Balance Sheet * Executive Suite

Press Release: The Nielsen Company and Information Resources, Inc. Form Production Joint Venture

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:54:59 -0500

The joint venture, owned 50-50, will be established using the existing Nielsen household sample and data acquisition infrastructure and will begin operation during the first quarter of 2010. The joint venture will draw from a subset of existing IRI households to replace panelists as they naturally drop from the original sample. A complete history of data (five years of back data) will be available to both Nielsen and IRI, and each company will use its own unique intellectual property (data reference, projections, technology, etc.) to produce delivery of its respective consumer panel. Under the joint venture agreement, Nielsen receives 100 percent of the targeted 100,000-plus households and IRI has access to 86 percent, with the right to acquire up to 100 percent after two years. The joint venture will be governed by a Board, equally represented by IRI and Nielsen officers and an independent chief executive officer to be recruited from outside both companies. "Now more than ever, Nielsen will be able to quickly and aggressively build unique and actionable consumer and shopper insights for our clients," said Nielsen Consumer North America President and Chief Executive Officer John Lewis. "The joint venture panel will serve as a critical insights foundation, and Nielsen will integrate its assets and our clients' assets like never before as we seek even bigger client business breakthroughs. Clients tell us time and again that we must do more to capture the opportunities of today's highly volatile and fragmented consumer landscape, and the joint venture will be an enabling step." "We have an aggressive innovation agenda focused on delivering superior consumer and shopper insights to our clients," said IRI President and Chief Executive Officer John Freeland. "This joint venture is yet another step in furthering that focus and enables IRI to concentrate on the consumer panel innovations that really matter: increased speed to insight via new technologies, deeper and broader insights covering a full 360° view of the consumer, and new automated analytics to accurately predict changing shopper attitudes and behaviors." In addition, IRI's RxPulse™ Patient Panel will be replaced by a new Rx panel recruited by the joint venture and will be designed to maintain the continuity of IRI's current RxPulse panel. Nielsen will have access to the Rx household data and will continue to be the sole provider of its Hispanic specialty panel. Currently Nielsen and IRI operate separate panels in which households provide purchase data used to analyze volume and share level trends based on what is happening in the home: who is buying, where, how often, the level of brand and retailer loyalty, and the impact of shopper promotions. In this new joint venture, both Nielsen and IRI will continue to sell and service consumer panel data to their respective clients, under their respective brand names—Nielsen Homescan and IRI Consumer Network—from this common data source. About The Nielsen Company and IRI The Nielsen Company and IRI both provide a wide range of business solutions for consumer-focused companies. For more information about The Nielsen Company, please visit www.nielsen.com. For more information about IRI, please visit www.infores.com

Press Release: IRI Report Provides In-Depth Private Label Insights and Potential Growth Areas for Manufacturers and Retailers

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:54:59 -0500

New survey finds 78 percent of both lower- and higher-income consumers are positive on store brand products quality In fact, 78 percent of both lower- and higher-income consumers believe private label products are typically of excellent quality, according to a new study, "Private Label 2009: Understanding and Mitigating Private Label Threat," from Information Resources, Inc. (IRI). The latest research provides a thorough review of private label performance and best practices across channels, categories and retailers as well as current viewpoints from more than 1,500 consumers. "Although nearly 80 percent of shoppers have positive attitudes toward private label, dollar and unit share are still below 25 percent," says IRI Innovation & Consulting President Thom Blischok. "Retailers still have enormous opportunities, and our research uncovers exactly where they should play and increase the likelihood of their success. We also analyzed the private label competitive landscape for branded manufacturers and how they should respond at the category, market and retail banner level." Private Label Trends During the first half of 2009, private label unit share increased in five of six departments, led by fresh/perishables and followed by healthcare and frozen foods. Private label dollar share has increased in 13 of 15 sales categories, with natural cheese, butter and canned vegetables leading the way and refrigerated fresh eggs, milk and frozen seafood trailing in the categories. Private label's strongest growth performance tends to be within commodity-driven categories without a dominant national brand and with relatively low innovation. Retailers are in command in categories, such as butter, natural cheese, processed cheese and facial tissue and are developing in categories, such as peanut butter, pet supplies and cookies. Private label growth is slowing in coffee creamer, frozen seafood and refrigerated meat. And, national brands clearly have command in vitamins, frozen breakfast foods and shelf-stable dinners. Region and Banner Findings Looking across all U.S. regions, grocery channel private label shares are highest in the West (excluding California) and lowest in the Northeast. At the individual market level, shares range from highest in Wichita (35.4 percent) and lowest in New York City (14.5 percent); the average share for the total United States is 22.4 percent. On the banner level, Kroger's Dillon division has the highest private label share at 35.5 percent, and A&P Food Emporium has the lowest at 10.1 percent. This considerable spread illustrates the major differences in store brand emphasis and development across the United States. Most grocery store retailers have successfully grown their private label share since 2007, such as Wegmans, which has enjoyed an increase of 3.8 share points. "Four out of five shoppers are now 'sold' on private label quality indicating that product marketing during the current recession is successfully expanding the positive reputation and reach of these products," says IRI Consulting & Innovation Senior Vice President Sean Seitzinger. "However, branded manufacturers still have key advantages in the strong emotional connections between their brands and their loyal customers. For instance, personal care products have successfully differentiated themselves in the minds of shoppers." Consumer Perspectives Nearly two-thirds of shoppers often buy private label products instead of name brands. More importantly for retailers, all age groups and income levels show a relatively strong propensity to purchase private label. Shoppers across all income levels and age groups agree that variety is an important factor when buying private label, with 65 percent of shoppers preferring stores that offer a high level of private label variety, which is up five points since late 2007. This research indicates that retailers need to think about variety in terms of products and packaging within a category, and manufacturers should be thinking about how they expand the expectations that consumers have for choice within a category. Contrary to want many may believe, IRI research reveals that price is a less important purchase criteria to shoppers than variety, packaging and quality. While shoppers with lower-incomes (52.8 percent) are more likely to switch away from their typical brand for a better price, middle-income (52.2 percent) and higher-income (46.8 percent) are also more apt to switch versus a year ago. "For retailers to maximize their private label strategies, it's not as much about the products anymore," adds Seitzinger. "It's about developing marketing programs that will drive purchase behavior, including trial, repeat and long-term loyalty. A successful marketing approach will center on taking these positive consumer attitudes and converting them into new shopper behavior across categories." IRI Private Label Webinar IRI is offering a free webinar, entitled "Achieving Success in Private Label: Emerging Trends through Q2 2009," on Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. CT. To register for the webinar, hosted by consumer trends and private label expert Sean Seitzinger, please visit: http://us.infores.com/NewsEvents/EventsWebinars/AchievingSuccessinPrivateLabelWebinar/tabid/245/Default.aspx. About the Report "Private Label 2009: Understanding and Mitigating Private Label Threat" is a culmination of research that includes an exclusive IRI AttitudeLink survey of shoppers, proprietary IRI InfoScan® and Consumer Network® data. For detailed information about the research's availability and pricing, contact Sean Seitzinger at sean.seitzinger@infores.com About Information Resources, Inc. Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) is the world's leading global provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights, empowering consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare companies to grow their business profitably in a complex marketplace. Driving breakthrough growth in the industries it serves, the company's portfolio of services, solutions, and technology enable leading retailers and their suppliers around the globe to see what they are missing, act faster with greater confidence, and win at the shelf. Ninety-five percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 in CPG and retail leverage IRI to power their business. For more information, visit: www.infores.com. # # # IRI CONTACTS: John McIndoe E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3862 Fax: (312) 474-2512 Shelley Hughes E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com Phone: (312) 474-3675 Fax: (312) 474-2512