Private-Label Credit Cards in the U.S., 6th Edition

This 6th edition of Private Label Credit Cards in the U.S. continues the story told in Packaged Facts’ September 2006 analysis of this market. It examines the complex relationship between banks, which are severely restricting their consumer lending; retailers, which want to get their cards into as many hands as possible; and American consumers, who may have changed their shopping habits forever—or until the latter part of 2009, when Packaged Facts expects spending to rally.
Packaged Facts estimates growth in private-label credit cards at 3.3% in 2007, bringing the market to nearly $114 billion in receivables. The 2004-2005 period saw a rally during which the acquisition blitz was in full swing and the leading third-party issuers were making substantial investments in marketing, new product development, and customer relations management for their new retail portfolios. However, receivables for private-label credit cards are expected to decline by 3.5%, or $4 billion, for a total of $109.7 billion in 2008 receivables.
Market trends and features that continue to be, or have become, major forces in the private-label segment of the credit card market include:
*The acquisition blitz: Third-party issuers have been acquiring retailers’ card portfolios, and at the beginning of 2008, only four major retailer holdouts remained. By the end of 2008, there may be just two leading retailers still managing their card programs in-house.
*Co-branding: More retailers than ever have signed on to offer store cards that can also be used elsewhere. Co-branded cards do not generate the kind of loyalty to a specific retailer that traditional private-label cards do, and the retailer inevitably loses some sales to competitors. However, the bundled-in rewards programs require cardholders to return to the sponsoring retailer to claim their free merchandise.
*Household penetration rates are fairly low and usage rates even lower. The good news is that active private label credit cardholders are extremely enthusiastic shoppers.
*Apathy toward high-tech payment options. Card-specific technology is not expected to play a major role in the retail card market in the foreseeable future.
But there have also been notable shifts in the market since 2006. New to this edition:
The retail industry is reeling from the bumpy economic environment, with almost 6,000 store closings predicted for 2008. GE Money put its private label business up for sale, but there have been no takers, as financial institutions are in no position to take on more risk in the form of shoppers who are increasingly unable to pay their bills.
Meanwhile, with practically no major portfolios left to acquire, issuers are trying to grow their businesses by focusing on customer relations management. In fact, this strategy is highly recommended by analysts in a recessionary environment. However, many retailers are reportedly dissatisfied by issuers’ services in this arena and may even seek to reclaim their card assets.
Exploding debit card use has hurt the credit card industry in general, and in an uncertain economy consumers may be even more reluctant to incur unnecessary debt from discretionary purchases like clothing. However, retailers (Wal-Mart, supermarkets) selling everyday items like groceries may feel the squeeze a bit less.
Credit card companies have long been under fire from consumer advocates for usurious interest rates, but many are now turning their attention to the APRs imposed by store cards. In 2008, Consumer Reports, creditcards.com, and a New York legislator have launched investigations or otherwise advised consumers to stay away from proprietary credit cards.
The forecast for private label is more bleak than sunny, but online shopping, rewards programs, improved customer service, stimulating usage by under-targeted consumer groups can all contribute to growth. Issuers willing to take on more accounts can also expand their businesses by courting smaller retailers that don’t currently offer store cards.
Report Methodology
The information contained in this report is based on primary research including interviews with financial institutions that issue private-label credit cards, retailers fielding private-label card programs, and marketing firms that administer loyalty programs for retailers, as well as comprehensive secondary research. The latter includes articles appearing in financial, marketing, and trade publications, government resources, independent financial reports, product advertising, independent blogs, and company literature, corporate websites, and consumer websites. Statistics on market revenues and marketer share are based on an evaluation of all available information on market sales and trends, including data for the top private-label retail card issuers from SEC company filings, public statements from corporate executives, and trends and figures reported by the trade press.
Packaged Facts’ analysis of consumer behavior and demographics derives from the Simmons Market Research Bureau’s (New York, NY) Winter 2008 adult consumer survey, which is based on approximately 25,000 respondents age 18 or over, and BIGresearch’s (Worthington, OH) Consumer Intentions and Actions data, which are based on online monthly surveys of over 8,000 U.S. adults.
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Pet Food in the U.S.: Health, Humanization and High Quality Ingredients in an Increasingly Value-Driven Global Market, 8th Edition

The U.S. pet food market has not just survived the spring 2007 recalls but proven its resiliency, with 2007 sales up over previous years and healthy growth continuing through 2008. Yet heightened safety concerns on the part of pet food makers and consumers continue to shape product development and marketing, as well as the choices of pet owners looking for the safest and healthiest products possible. At the top of the list are kibble, canned and raw/frozen foods made with ingredients that are natural, organic, grain-free/non-allergenic and pure, as well as made in the U.S.A., locally grown, “whole” (fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.) and human-grade. Foods making functional appeals also continue to proliferate, especially those targeting age- and weight-related conditions via the inclusion of novel ingredients like glucosamine, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and probiotics. In other words, premium pet foods remain the primary value growth driver in the U.S. market, with ever higher quality ingredients fueling the premium wave.
At the same time, one thing marketers and retailers at all levels of the market cannot afford given the faltering U.S. and global economies is complacency. More than ever before the ability to convert pet owners to higher priced products—or keep them buying them—will depend on marketers’ success in communicating product benefits and tapping into the ever-potent human/animal bond. Helping to make the case are new celebrity spokespersons like Cesar Millan with his new Dog Whisperer line, and Ellen DeGeneres with her co-ownership in Halo Purely for Pets, with other positive trends including rapid growth in the natural supermarket channel and an increasingly globalized market in which ingredients suppliers like Cargill are looking to stake a deeper claim in pet food (in Cargill’s case by specifically targeting the U.S. agricultural retail channel as well as global markets). At the same time, new products continue to flood the market, which saw more entries in 2008 than in any previous year.
Pegging 2008 U.S. sales at $17 billion and global sales at $49 billion—and projecting steady growth through 2013—the report provides market size estimates for the overall retail universe, while quantifying mass-market sales to the marketer/brand share level using data from Information Resources, Inc., and also providing market size and marketer share figures for the natural supermarket channel. The report thoroughly documents competitive, new product and retail trends, as well as trends in pet food purchaser demographics and lifestyle pursuits (media and marketing psychographics, Internet usage, “green” involvement, etc.), based on data from Simmons Market Research Bureau, BIGresearch, the American Pet Products Association and other sources.
Bringing to bear more than 20 years of experience in analyzing this market and drawing on Packaged Facts’ broad cross-category expertise, Pet Food in the U.S. pinpoints strategic directions for current and prospective marketers, with a forward-looking focus on high-growth product segments and market-driving trends. Covering products for all type of companion animals, the report devotes separate chapters to Dog Food, Cat Food, and Other Pet Food (birds, small animal, fish, and reptiles), while also providing a comprehensive Market Overview covering cross-market trends. New features of our 2009 edition include focus sections on:
*The global pet food market (sales overall and by world region, marketer shares, new product trends, U.S. export trends, and more);
*Recall-related product safety initiatives; *Cross-channel private-label activity and prospects;
*Levels of in-store merchandising and price promotions;
*Pet food purchasers as coupon users.
Also included are dozens of images of pet products and consumer and trade ads

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Omega Fatty Acids: Trends in the Worldwide Food and Beverage Markets, 2nd Edition

Omega-enriched foods and beverages have entered an explosive growth phase in the global retail market. Since 2003, thousands of foods and beverages enriched with omega fatty acids have been introduced worldwide. Marketers really did not start touting the omega content of enhanced foods until late 2004, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) moved to allow a number of nutrient content claims for these powerhouse fatty acids. Nearly 1,300 new omega-3-enriched products were introduced in Europe and North America in 2007. In 2008, the omega-enriched food sector is operating under what is termed a “healthy halo,” defined by three primary parameters—public awareness of omega fatty acids, proven scientific benefit and a willingness by the consumer to purchase these products. The global market for foods and beverages enhanced with omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, as defined in this report, has been estimated by Packaged Facts at $4.6 billion the end of 2007. The compound annual growth rate for the period from 2003 to 2007 is estimated to be 60.7%.
A number of drivers are propelling this market in addition to an avid consumer base. These include innovative formulations and technology advancements that are expanding the products amenable to enhancement with omegas. Also, methods of stabilizing omega-containing products to inhibit oxidation (which causes the fishy smell associated with fish-oil-based omega-3) have resulted in improved taste as well as extended shelf life. In the U.S., the FDA in 2007 implemented guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for nutraceuticals companies, resulting in greater oversight of and confidence in the companies producing omega-enhanced products.
Omega Fatty Acids: Trends in the Worldwide Food and Beverage Markets, 2nd Edition contains comprehensive data on the global market for foods and beverages enhanced with omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. Historical retail sales data (2003-2007) and forecast data (2008-2012) are provided for the global and selected international markets (U.S., Europe, Asia/Australia). The report discusses key trends affecting the marketplace, trends driving growth and consumer demographics. The report profiles major marketers of omega-enhanced products and suppliers of omega fatty acids as well as innovative companies in both of these sectors.
Report Methodology
The information in this report was obtained from both primary and secondary research. Primary research entailed in-depth, on-site examinations of supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, health/natural foods stores, specialty stores, and club stores. Company, distributor, and retailer interviews were conducted to obtain information on new product and packaging trends, marketing programs, distribution methods, and technological breakthroughs. Secondary research entailed data gathering from relevant sources. Included were consumer and industry publications, newspapers, government reports, financial reports, company literature, and corporate annual reports.
Overall market data is for the retail industry. No foodservice sales are included.
What Is Provided in this Report
Omega Fatty Acids: Trends in the Worldwide Food and Beverage Markets, 2nd Edition offers market and trend analysis to allow succinct assessment of this booming sector. The report balances insight into qualitative aspects of this market with comprehensive quantitative analysis.
The report addresses all retail foods and beverages marketed as containing any or all of the three omega fatty acids; however, most of the discussion, particularly market size, focuses on foods and beverages especially formulated to contain omega-3 fatty acids. Foods that inherently contain omega fatty acids such as canola oil, cranberry seeds, flaxseed, mustard seeds, salmon, walnuts, etc., all of which contain omega-3, are not the focus of this report. This report also includes a lengthy qualitative discussion of the various omega ingredients available to food formulators, including profiles on the following suppliers of these ingredients:
*Arista Industries, Inc. *Croda Health Care *Denomega Nutritional Oils AS *DSM Nutritional Products *Epax AS *Frutarom USA Inc. *Hormel Specialty Products *Martek Biosciences *Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd. *Omega Protein Corp. *Pizzey’s Milling USA *Zymes LLC Benefits of this Report
This report provides a valuable, timely and comprehensive exploration of the omega-enhanced food and beverage market aimed at companies already participating in this sector, companies that are considering entering this market or companies and organizations interested in activities and trends in this sector. The current market is assessed in detail, and markets and trends are projected through 2012.
This report will assist:
*Marketing managers in identifying market opportunities and developing targeted promotion plans for omega-enhanced food and beverage products
*Research and development professionals in being up-to-date on competitor initiatives
*Advertising agencies working with clients in the banking and retail industries to understand the product buyer as an aid in developing successful advertising programs
*Business development executives to understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships
*Information and research center librarians in providing market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with vital information necessary to their projects and decision-making
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Men’s and Women’s Fashion Accessories in the U.S.: Bags, Belts, Gloves, Hats, Scarves, Ties and Handkerchiefs

The right handbag, belt, necktie, or scarf can provide the visual accent that completes a new outfit -- or that makes over an old one. Yes, the $16.3 billion fashion accessories market is benefiting from the national economic downturn, as consumers satisfy their craving to shop by picking up that cool new silk handkerchief or winter hat, instead of a costlier dress or business suit. But accessories inspire impulse and add-on purchases during better times, too. The virtually unstoppable market will thus climb to $20.2 billion by 2012.

In this totally new Packaged Facts report, seven categories are examined: bags, belts/small leather goods, gloves/mittens, handkerchiefs/pocket squares, hats, scarves/shawls, and ties/other neckwear. Sales patterns, and the business and societal trends that shape them, are analyzed in depth. Detailed demographic data from Simmons Market Research Bureau are presented, too.

Plus, our analysis of competition in this market includes case studies on: Coach, Hermes, HSN, Jones Apparel Group, and Randa Accessories. We also profile Three Marketers to Watch: New Era Cap, Vera Wang Bridal House, Ltd., and World of Good.

Report Methodology
Men’s and Women’s Fashion Accessories in the U.S.: Bags, Belts, Gloves, Hats, Scarves, Ties and Handkerchiefs is based on information gathered from primary, secondary, and syndicated sources. Primary research involves on-site study of how accessories are sold through retail stores; Packaged Facts also consults with industry executives. Secondary research involves the evaluation and comparison of data from mountains of articles found in financial, marketing, and retail publications, as well as corresponding websites. Company literature, government agencies, and other sources also provided valuable secondary data.

Stats on market revenues and growth trends were derived from all publicly available data on the fashion accessories marketplace, be they quantitative or qualitative, factoring in a broad range of societal and economic trends to shape the most accurate possible view of sales progress.

Analysis of consumers’ purchase and use of accessories is based on semi-annual surveys by Simmons Market Research Bureau, Inc., one of the leading compilers of demographic data in the United States. Topical data on consumers’ purchasing habits are provided by BIGresearch LLC, which conducts monthly online surveys.

The Bottom Line: What Your Company Really Gets...
With Men’s and Women’s Fashion Accessories in the U.S., you and your marketing team will gain a comprehensive overview of the ins and outs of the accessories business. Most importantly, the report anchors accessories in the broader fashion world and societal contexts, as well as in the rapidly transforming retail scene. Such valuable qualitative perspective is supported with extensive hard data presented in well-organized tables and charts.

How Your Company Will Benefit from This Report...
If your company is already an established player in fashion accessories, this report is bound to freshen and strengthen your marketing plan. If your company is newly targeting the accessories consumer, then this report is a great intro to the accessories marketplace, and thus a launching pad for a successful venture.

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Foodies in the U.S.: Five Cohorts: Foreign/Spicy, Restaurant, Cooks, Gourmet and Organic/Natural

For food aficionados, food offers much more than nourishment. It offers a framework through which they can build relationships, make new friends, explore the world and even examine which behaviors are ethical. They use food to define who they are in greater society. The term foodie, which first appeared in the early 1980s, has entered the English language to describe this new type of food lover and a surrounding new culture of food. Foodies are distinct from gourmets in that their interests tend to be more wide ranging. Foodies enjoy high-end gourmet food, to be sure, but they also seek out hole-in-the-wall BBQ shacks, taco trucks and Chinatown markets. Foodies enjoy the thrill of the hunt and being the first to catch on to new food trends, and food outlets considered “authentic” carry the most prestige in the foodie world. As authenticity frequently equates to a degree of separation from big food conglomerates and corporate marketing campaigns, foodies can be an elusive target for marketers. At the same time, foodies are a desirable demographic, as they are avid, tech-savvy consumers who embrace all sorts of trends, not just those that are food-related, and who introduce these trends to their communities and peers.

Through an analysis of selected lifestyle statements in Simmons Market Research Bureau’s national consumer survey, Packaged Facts has determined that 14% of U.S. adults—or 31 million—are foodies. Drawing on cross-tabulated Simmons data, this report examines foodies’ demographic characteristics in depth while also discussing foodies’ values and consumer habits. Following a thorough trend overview chapter, the report additionally profiles in separate chapters five distinct foodie cohorts—foreign/spicy foodies, restaurant foodies, foodie cooks, gourmet foodies and organic/natural foodies—pinpointing the unique characteristics of each across areas including demographics and attitudes, media responsiveness, shopping habits and restaurant behavior.

Report Methodology
The information in Foodies is based on primary and secondary research. Primary research entails in-depth interviews with consultants and industry insiders to obtain information on food trends and the people that drive them. Secondary research entailed data gathering from relevant sources, including consumer and industry publications, newspapers, government reports and company literature. Dozens of charts and tables from diverse sources are included. Consumer demographics are derived from Simmons Market Research Bureau data.

What You’ll Get in This Report
This report helps companies understand what motivates foodies and how to appeal to them, even in difficult economic times. It makes important predictions and recommendations regarding the future of this market. Plus, you’ll benefit from extensive data, presented in easy-to-read and practical charts, tables and graphs.

How You’ll Benefit from This Report
If your company is involved in the grocery or restaurant industry or launches new food products regularly, you will find this report invaluable. Because foodies also like to lead the way in other consumer areas—from shopping to fashion, nutrition matters to “green” pursuits—marketers of non-food products will also benefit from learning how to reach this trend-setting demographic.

This report will help:
*Marketing managers identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotion plans for food products

*Research and development professionals stay on top of competitor initiatives and explore demand for their businesses

*Advertising agencies working with clients in the foodservice industries to help their products find an eager audience

*Business development executives understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships.

*Information and research center librarians provide market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with the vital information they need to do their jobs more effectively.)

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Adult Videogamer Market in the U.S.: Tapping into the New Diversity of Video-Game Players, The

This groundbreaking Packaged Facts report provides a detailed analysis of the consumer attitudes and behavior of the 114 million American adults who play video games. Videogamers represent more than half of the adult population and have an aggregate income of $4 trillion.

Through the innovative use of data from the Simmons Market Research Bureau National Consumer Survey, this Packaged Facts report challenges numerous stereotypes of videogamers. For example, videogamers are far from being slackers who do nothing but sit for hours on end in front of a gaming console or computer screen. In fact, videogamers are exceptionally active consumers. They work out more, go out more and shop more than adult Americans who don’t play video games. Although video games are a primary form of entertainment for many gamers, traditional forms of media and entertainment such as watching television, going to the movies and dining out remain a central part of the leisure-time habits of most video-game players.

The report also shows how the population of videogamers is rapidly diversifying beyond the core young male gamer. The prototypical videogamer is now as likely to be a woman as a man. The videogamer population includes 25 million adults in the 55+ age bracket, 13 million retirees and 28 million grandparents.

The report begins with an overview of the videogamer market, which is divided into “Avid,” “Moderate” and “Occasional” segments based upon gamers’ degree of involvement with video games. It includes chapters on trends and opportunities in the videogamer market as well as an assessment of the size and growth of the market.

The next section of the report provides a detailed analysis of key segments in the videogamer market. Separate chapters present demographic profiles of video-game players and video-game buyers and include detailed data on the types and brands of games played and purchased. Another chapter provides an assessment of three gamer segments of increasing importance to the video-game industry: women, mature videogamers and family gamers.

Another section of the report analyzes the consumer behavior of video-game players. One chapter provides an overview of the in-store and online shopping behavior of videogamers. Another chapter provides in-depth profiles of the consumer behavior of videogamers in the areas of financial services, food, fashion and automotive. Other chapters analyze the connection of videogamers with consumer electronics, computers and the Internet.

The report continues with a chapter discussing how videogamers use the media and relate to advertising. It concludes with a chapter on the leisure and entertainment choices of videogamers.

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Asia Insurance Review (Singapore/Malaysia Customers)

It provides a Comprehensive Update On Market Developments
It is a comprehensive regional professional insurance magazine that serves the information needs of insurance practitioners in a dynamic and vibrant international industry. The regular features include technical articles on Underwriting, Broking, Loss Adjusting, Risk Management as well as Country Profiles, Information Technology in Insurance, Investment In Insurance, Personalities in Insurance, Interview with a Regulator and Asian News.

It Is The Voice Of The Insurance Industry Of Asia
It is supported by an editorial board consisting of leading personalities in each Asian Market. It is Asia's only comprehensive professional regional journal serving the information needs of insurance practitioners.

It Has Global Recognition
Recognising its unique role in Asia, it has been appointed the official journal for 2 major International Insurance Conferences held regularly in Asia - The East Asian Insurance Congress and The Singapore International Reinsurance Conference. It is also a Permanent Observer of the Asean Insurance Council.

It Is Unique In Asia
It is quoted as the authoritative source on developments on trends in Asia by many leading international bodies including the United Nations. It is respected as a journal of record that boosts the profile and business prospects of the Asian Insurance Industry globally.

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