Consumer & Market Trends

Amid concerns about asset stripping following a multi-million pound takeover last year

Online word of mouth has become a much more widely used source of information, but marketers should pay attention to what is being said about their brands offline as well as on the internet Marketers are keen to leverage word of mouth (WOM) in their campaigns but they need to bear in mind that there […]

Watching video clips, TV programmes and films on computers and mobile devices is no longer just for ‘techno-geeks’, cross-screen content is popular across all generations and sectors of society

Agencies are making less money than they used to and, as a result, their creative output is suffering. Clients will get what they pay for, so must view agency relationships as serious areas for investment

H㠧en Dazs was responsible for creating the super premium sector for ice cream, but rivals have now gone beyond the luxury brand’s yardstick. Rufus Jay asks whether there is a way back

While it has always been a big seller, the reinvigoration of the cider market by ‘over-ice’ drinks means Strongbow will need to keep innovating if it is to maintain recent growth, says Sonoo Singh

Such is the complexity of green issues that consumers are seeking leadership and guidance from brands, and they increasingly expect this to be achieved through action – such as M&S’s Plan A

Far from going downhill, the one-time Anita Roddick empire has been given a shot in the arm by Paris- based cosmetics giant L’Or蠬. But it needs to push its green credentials further, says Camille Alarcon

Just under a year ago, eight of the UK’s most powerful chief executives stood side by side with then Prime Minister Tony Blair and pledged to take action against climate change. Robert Lester learns the Together initiative has done much to reduce CO2 emissions, but there is a long way to go

Twenty years ago it was the first independent mobile phone shop but now Carphone Warehouse is facing tough competition. Rufus Jay reports on how it is diversifying its services to stay ahead

The property ladder is becoming increasingly hard for young people to get a footing on, and many more are being forced to rent or live with their parents as property prices soar beyond their reach

The loss of Wonderbra, a string of different owners in quick succession and a changed market has stripped Gossard of any personality, but plans are afoot for a major comeback. By Caroline Parry

If the level of public interest in reducing plastic bag usage is anything to go by, brands are going to have to get used to demonstrating their environmentally responsible credentials to consumers

The major social networking sites are suffering a slowdown in user numbers, with niche sites taking up the slack. But MySpace’s strong link to music may be enough to keep it on top, says Rufus Jay

A study reveals that marketers are beginning to realise the need for a variety of media channels, and that this requires better communication, teamwork and an awareness of the bigger picture