By IRI Blog on 9/22/2009 10:28 AM

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. Read More »

By IRI Blog on 9/14/2009 8:30 AM

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. Read More »

By IRI Blog on 9/8/2009 10:36 AM

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. Read More »

By IRI Blog on 9/8/2009 8:00 AM

IRI's Susan Viamari, Editor of Times and Trends, posted a guest blog on Google's CPG Blog titled, "Channel Migration: Escalation of Deal-Seeking Drives Battle for Share to a New Level." Read More »

By IRI Blog on 8/31/2009 7:29 AM

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. Read More »

By IRI Blog on 8/27/2009 2:03 PM

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.” Read More »

By IRI Blog on 8/27/2009 1:58 PM

This week, I’ll continue to explore the real truth of shopper behavior, a theme we’ve been tracking since the beginning of the economic downturn, which explores the shift in how consumers are making purchase decisions. I’ll be highlighting these changes in an NACDS webinar, which is a reprisal of my NACDS Marketplace 2009 keynote presentation, “Discovering the Real Truth about Shopper Behavior.” Read More »

By IRI Blog on 8/22/2009 1:07 PM

Here at IRI we’ve shared with you many facets of the changing rituals of the American shopper, from buying more private label to preparing meals at home.

How are tightened budgets, a U.S. population with changing needs, and a newly engaged government reshaping the face of the healthcare industry in America today? We explore these issues in our new Point of View: “New Trends Give Healthcare Manufacturers and Retailers New Headaches,” where we dive into changing consumer healthcare habits, the chronic illnesses threatening our healthcare infrastructure, and an activist FDA.

We surveyed 1,000 American consumers to learn how their healthcare habits have evolved since the beginning of the downturn, and the results are staggering. A whopping 25% have lost their insurance, and 32% ca ... Read More »

By IRI Blog on 8/12/2009 1:54 PM

Is it possible to market effectively in this economic crisis?  Where should you spend?  What should you spend? What can you cut? Media or trade? Digital or mass? Can you afford not to spend?
Read More »

By IRI Blog on 8/12/2009 1:51 PM

Today’s CPG industry is undergoing seismic shifts as the American shopper continues to cut costs in ways we haven’t seen in decades. Read More »