Today's Abstract March 2009

Facts, Figures, & the Future (F3) e-Newsletter provides the latest consumer data, facts, figures, and trend information. Today's issue features, Private label courtship heats up, Baseball foods, robins and crocuses herald spring, Under-35 females spend in expected and surprising ways, and more. Consumers always seem to flirt more with private label in tough times. They were once little more than short-term flings because retailers didn't hold up their end with quality products. Economies improved and people rushed back to their preferred brands. This time around the PL romance may be steamier. People lost plenty this past year, jobs are vanishing, fear is rising, and families are desperate to save. Moreover, retailers who've recruited brand talent have raised their store-brand game to earn competitive advantage. In another story, recently, ballparks have been changing. With new comfier designs, much higher ticket prices, and the likes of sushi and celebrity chef outpost eateries on site, baseball foods have moved beyond the classics (which are still there) into an entirely new league. Countless families today can no longer afford a day at the ballpark for four. It has become a luxury at a time when so many can barely hold on. If not at the stadium, at least people who crave these classic baseball foods can indulge while watching their favorite teams on TV, or while rooting on their children and their friends at local Little League fields.

Facts, Figures, & the Future  (F3) e-Newsletter provides the latest consumer data, facts, figures, and trend information. Today's issue features, Private label courtship heats up, Baseball foods, robins and crocuses herald spring, Under-35 females spend in expected and surprising ways, and more. 

Consumers always seem to flirt more with private label in tough times. They were once little more than short-term flings because retailers didn't hold up their end with quality products. Economies improved and people rushed back to their preferred brands. This time around the PL romance may be steamier. People lost plenty this past year, jobs are vanishing, fear is rising, and families are desperate to save. Moreover, retailers who've recruited brand talent have raised their store-brand game to earn competitive advantage.

In another story, recently, ballparks have been changing. With new comfier designs, much higher ticket prices, and the likes of sushi and celebrity chef outpost eateries on site, baseball foods have moved beyond the classics (which are still there) into an entirely new league. Countless families today can no longer afford a day at the ballpark for four. It has become a luxury at a time when so many can barely hold on. If not at the stadium, at least people who crave these classic baseball foods can indulge while watching their favorite teams on TV, or while rooting on their children and their friends at local Little League fields.

Rounding out this issue of F3, young mothers and female singles are the honey pot for retailers. They shop intently for family foods and beverages, and GM/HBC/Rx and personal care products that support their wellness, appearance and active lifestyles. Some are selfless nurturers who buy with others in mind, while others are self-absorbed climbers, or somewhere in-between. Retailers relish the many life dimensions these women bring to the store.

Facts, Figures & the Future is in its sixth year of publication of providing food retailers and manufacturers with timely information to help meet the needs of our ever changing shopping culture. F3 is delivered FREE to qualified subscribers, the second Monday of each month.
 
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