plus 3, January Economic and Consumer Insights Executive Briefing - Radio Business Report

January Economic and Consumer Insights Executive Briefing - Radio Business Report
Offshore Group Client to Expand Its Mexico Operations - Redorbit.com
Dallas photographer begins 10-year journey, capturing images for Fort ... - Dallas Morning News
What to do this weekend - Omaha World-Herald

January Economic and Consumer Insights Executive Briefing - Radio Business Report

Posted: 18 Jan 2010 03:00 PM PST

BIGresearch's Consumer Intentions & Actions Survey monitors over 8,000 consumers each month providing unique insights & identifying opportunities in a fragmented and transitory marketplace.

Here are some highlights:

In January (Respondents surveyed 1/5 - 1/13/10), those confident/very confident in chances for a strong economy have remained around 30% since May '09, and the New Year doesn't appear to have done much to boost hopes about our economic strength for 2010…this month, 30.0% remain confident, on par with last month (29.9%) and increasing five points from a year ago (24.7%).

Consumer sentiment continues to trend below readings from January '08 (33.5%) and '07 (50.5%).

Further about the future of our economy, when asked if it will ever rebound to what it was before the current economic crisis, two in five (40.8%) answered in the affirmative, while 30.3% don't think so (29.0% aren't sure). Posed the same question back in March '09, half (49.7%) were positive about a full recovery, while only one in five (21.9%) didn't hold out hope for a recovery (28.4% were undecided).

The attempted Christmas Day bombing on Flight 253 appears to have elevated consumers' concerns with political/national security issues…in January, 24.0% report they continue to worry about homefront affairs, up about two points from a month ago (22.2%), but remaining below January '09 (26.7%).

With the holiday bills beginning to roll in, consumers retain their penchant for practicality in the New Year…this month, 49.7% contend they are practical purchasers, stable with December '09 (49.5%), though well below the record-high set a year ago (57.3%), when consumers were reeling from the confirmed recession, bank busts, and downhill slide on Wall Street. Consumers remain focused on home economics, with 46.8% focused on balancing their budgets, up nearly three points from last month (44.0%).

One year ago, a record number of consumers were also focused on needs over wants (66.0%)…while this month's reading (60.2%) didn't quite reach that height, it did rise three points from December '09 (57.2%), an indicator that consumer spending – at least on impulses or non-necessities – is likely to remain tight during Q1 of 2010.

Have consumers shifted to penny-pinching ways for good or will they resume spending as the economy rebounds? With half (50.9%) indicating they will consider each purchase more carefully over the next five years, it appears that many have learned a long-term fiscal lesson as a result of the recession. Nearly as many say that they will become more price-conscious when buying clothing/food and that keeping a balanced budget will remain in the forefront:

While the current double-digit U.S. unemployment rate is likely keeping consumer sentiment and spending depressed, consumers remain relatively positive about the employment outlook for the first six months of the New Year…in January, 31.0% indicated "more" layoffs over the next six months, down just over a point from last month (32.5%) and nearly half the reading from a year ago (59.9%). Close to one in two (45.8%) contend that layoffs will remain the "same," stable from December (45.7%) and rising from January '09 (30.5%). Nearly one in four (23.2%) are predicting layoffs to decline, up from 21.8% a month ago and more than double the figure recorded a year ago (9.6%).

Consumers also retain their optimism with their own job security this month…4.4% are currently concerned about becoming laid off, flat from last month (4.6%), but lowering by 50%+ from January '09 (9.6%).

It looks like many consumers vowed to rein in spending and control debt in 2010…nearly two in five (37.9%) are prioritizing paying down debt over the next three months, rising from 34.4% in December. Almost as many (37.0%) contend they will decrease overall spending in Q1, up more than five points from last month (31.6%). Consumers are also increasingly focused on adding to their savings (30.0%) and paying with cash more often (25.7%).

With the DJIA continuing to trend upward in the New Year, it appears that more investors are willing to gamble on Wall Street…this month, 54.6% say they would definitely/probably invest in the stock market, up three points from December (51.6%).

While gas prices have been inching upward in the past month, consumers seem relatively unfazed as 69.8% report that gas prices continue to impact their spending (compared to 69.0% a month ago). In order to cope with the inflated prices at the pump, drivers remain vigilant about buying more store brand/generic products (33.5%), shopping closer to home (39.1%), taking fewer shopping trips (40.9%), and using coupons more often (36.9%).

As we cruise toward Valentine's Day, most (58.3%) anticipate that gas prices will continue to inch upward…two in five (37.9%) contend they will remain the same, while a minor few (3.8%) are looking for prices to lower. Drivers estimate that the average price per gallon will reach $2.93 by February 14, up $0.20 from the current $2.758 national average (source: AAA).

Interestingly, while consumer sentiment regarding the economy has improved from the dismal readings of a year ago, attitudes regarding shopping strategies for clothing are increasingly sale-driven...while the majority (62.9%) usually buys clothing on sale (relatively flat compared to 63.3% a year ago), one quarter (24.6%) reports they only buy clothing on sale, an uptick from 23.7% in January '09. One in ten (12.5%) say sales aren't important, down half a point from last year (13.0%).

It appears that Walmart may be facing a challenge for the Women's Clothing crown in 2010…while the big discounter reigns supreme with 11.6% shopping there most often in January, Kohl's continues to gain in the #2 position, currently with 9.7% customer share (the retailers stood at 11.5% and 8.7%, respectively, one year ago). Macy's (6.5%), JC Penney (6.4%), and Target (2.3%) round out the Top 5.

Walmart maintains its strength in Men's…this month, the big W leads with 15.8% shopping there most often, followed again by rival Kohl's (9.9%). JC Penney (9.0%), Macy's (5.4%), and Sears (2.6%) complete the Top 5.

With the first anniversary of the Circuit City liquidation upon us, which Electronics retailers may have acquired new customers in the wake of this former big box's demise? While Best Buy remains tops in this category with one-third (34.4%) shopping there most often, customer share has remained flat from a year ago (34.3%). Gaining year-over-year are the next ranked competitors, Walmart (20.3%) and Amazon.com (3.0%), which rise from 18.4% and 2.3%, respectively. Target (2.4%) and Sears (2.3%) complete the Top 5.

On the softer side, Walmart continues to lead Bed Bath & Beyond in Linens/Bedding/Draperies…the big W holds strong with 18.9% shopping there most often, ahead of the 12.6% who shop its big box competitor. JC Penney (7.2%), Target (5.8%), and Kohl's (4.1%) follow.

Despite the majority (55.4%) shopping traditional grocery stores most often for foodstuffs versus the 22.4% who prefer discounters, that one big discounter continues to trump the competition, specifically speaking...this month, nearly one in five (19.2%) contend they shop Walmart most often for groceries, more than double the share of nearest competitor Kroger (7.5%). Publix (3.8%) follows, while Meijer, Safeway, and Shoprite enter 2010 in a three-way tie (with 2.4% apiece).

A staggering percentage of shoppers continue to patronize Walmart for Health & Beauty Aids…one in three (34.5%) shops the big discounter's aisles for soaps and shampoos, growing from a year ago (33.3%). CVS (7.6%), Walgreens (7.4%), Target (7.1%), and Rite Aid (2.6%) follow not-so-closely behind.

With the cost of healthcare soaring, it may come as a surprise that the top reason to shop a particular store for Prescription Drugs is not price but instead location (60.5% indicate so)…price follows at #2 (40.4%). Armed with this information, it's logical that druggists still corner this market…16.3% and 15.2% fill their prescriptions most often at Walgreens and CVS, respectively, while one in ten (11.3%) buy their Rx remedies at Walmart…Rite Aid (6.0%) and Target (2.5%) follow.

High prices (17.7%) was the primary motivator for a customer to switch stores for Prescription Drugs, followed by inconvenient location (17.5%), poor customer service (10.2%), and lack of a $4 generic drug program (9.8%). Former Walgreens Rx shoppers were particularly likely to cite high prices (31.3%) as reasoning to switch.

While most categories improve from dismal January '09 readings, it appears that double-digit unemployment and a penchant for fiscal conservatism are adversely affecting the 90 Day Outlook, according to the BIGresearch Diffusion Index (those who say they'll spend less subtracted from those who'll spend more). While toys and groceries are bright spots, most categories fail to improve from January '08:

Retail Merchandise Categories - 90 Day Outlook
(Jan-10 compared to Dec-09, Jan-09, and Jan-08)

Further evidence that consumers remain focused on practically and needs over wants resides among high-dollar purchase intentions for the next six months…compared to one year ago, intent to buy big dollar durables has declined for most major categories: computer, furniture, home appliances, housing, jewelry/watches, major home improvements, stereo equipment, TV, DVD/VCR, vacation travel. RV/boat and digital camera are flat, while those planning auto purchases are on the rise (at 12.0% compared to 9.8% a year ago)…perhaps the Saturn/Pontiac fire sales have a little something to do with that.

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Offshore Group Client to Expand Its Mexico Operations - Redorbit.com

Posted: 18 Jan 2010 03:11 AM PST

Posted on: Monday, 18 January 2010, 06:18 EST

TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- DCM Manufacturing, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio has recently decided to expand its manufacturing footprint at The Offshore Group's Bella Vista Industrial Park in Empalme, Sonora, Mexico.

In addition to extending the term of its contract for real estate and outsourced manufacturing support, or "shelter" services with The Offshore Group until 2013, DCM has leased an additional 25,266 square feet of building space. The company now occupies at total of 64,037 square feet. DCM expects to employ approximately 90 workers in Empalme by the end of 2010.

According to Joe Golla, DCM's VP Strategic Planning & Global Sourcing, "Our decision to expand in Empalme with The Offshore Group was predicated upon our immediate access to a skilled workforce, the ease of expansion under the shelter business model and the fact that this option offers DCM the fastest and most reliable route to scale up the operation".

About DCM Manufacturing - DCM manufactures and sells air movement and air directional components and accessories serving the High Performance, Off-Road Equipment, Agricultural Machinery, Heavy Duty Truck, Automotive, Bus, RV, Marine and Military markets. DCM's primary products include fractional horsepower Wound Field & Permanent Magnet DC motors, Axial Fans, and Radial Blowers and Louvers.

About The Offshore Group - Since 1986, the Tucson, Arizona - based Offshore Group has enabled global companies to lower costs, mitigate risks and focus on core competencies through the application of its ISO registered Shelter Plan business model. The company currently has 50+ manufacturing clients operating in its three gated industrial parks, as well as 6 firms operating at its Vangtel business process outsourcing center in Hermosillo, Sonora.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE The Offshore Group

Source: PR Newswire

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Dallas photographer begins 10-year journey, capturing images for Fort ... - Dallas Morning News

Posted: 17 Jan 2010 08:06 AM PST

Roaming outside a Gloco station west of downtown Dallas, Robin Sachs stops to photograph its oval sign and fuel prices. Blue letters offer some perspective: "Since 1961."

"It's going to be interesting," she says of the current postings for unleaded gas ($2.58) and diesel ($2.79). Interesting, as in what these numbers might be five years and 10 years down the road.

Sachs hopes to return in 2015 and 2020 to record the changes along West Commerce Street. And she is on the prowl to establish a baseline for comparisons. "Today is just to document what I see," she says, aiming her Nikon at the station's hutlike home.

Sachs is among 20 photographers and videographers documenting change along a three-mile-plus stretch of Commerce and Fort Worth Avenue.

Apartments are being razed on Fort Worth Avenue for a 28-acre residential-retail development west of Hampton Road. Buildings will be demolished for a mix of new apartments and businesses near Sylvan and Fort Worth avenues. Vacant land along Commerce awaits its next look.

"Our ultimate goal is to have a very definite visual record of what this corridor looked like at the beginning of dramatic change," says Jeff Herrington, an organizer of what he's calling the Fort Worth Avenue Time Capsule Project.

That change will include a shift from the post-World War II auto-dominated development now in place to one that encourages "life between buildings, life on sidewalks, life on the streets," says Scott Griggs, president of the all-volunteer Fort Worth Avenue Development Group, which is helping lead the way.

"It's important to document change," he says. "We'll learn something from it, and others will learn something."

Herrington, an Oak Cliff resident and founder of the development group, talked about the time capsule project with Oak Cliff photographer David Lyles, who recruited others to join.

Those who answered the call drew their sites from a list of 146 properties between the Trinity River and Westmoreland Road. Many were out last Sunday, freezing time, gathering frames for future reference.

If all goes as planned, the photographers will return in five years and again in 10 years for updates. In time, their work will be exhibited and perhaps published in a book, Herrington says.

"God willing, I'll be back in five years," says Chuck Reed, between shots of the KLZ Diamond Tools office on Commerce. A photographer and videographer for the Department of Homeland Security, he has nine properties, some of them vacant land, in his time capsule territory.

"The challenge is to capture an empty lot and make it interesting," he says, chuckling.

Larry Travis, a fashion photographer, parks nearby for a chat with Reed. His sites include the shuttered Alamo Plaza motel, which is awaiting demolition.

To "get some altitude," he plans to attach a camera to a 15-foot-tall metal pole. "I wanted to get a perspective you don't normally see," he says.

Beyond the Gloco station, Sachs focuses on the Dallas West Mobile Home and RV Park. The commercial photographer shoots through a chain-link fence into a world of time-worn trailers, asphalt driveways, bare trees and signs.

"That's what you see from the street, and I want it sort of obstructing your view," she says of the fence.

A woman dressed more for bed than the day's cold walks between trailers carrying a chair on her head. Sachs is impressed.

"I love this place," she says.

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What to do this weekend - Omaha World-Herald

Posted: 16 Jan 2010 04:28 PM PST

It's Sunday, and though the sun has not peeked out even once this weekend, it's still the weekend.

Hope you're enjoying it.

Maybe take a break from the laundry today and check out:

The 2010 River City Hunting, Fishing, RV and Boat Expo at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. The event features more than 100 exhibitors of outdoor and sporting equipment.

The show will also feature seminars on fishing, dog training and more.

Plus, kids can fish for live trout and practice archery. Adults can also check out woodcarving exhibitions and archery bow making.

The show is today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for kids 15 and younger and free for kids under 2.

Or "Little House on the Prairie The Musical" at the Orpheum Theater.

Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura on the television series, plays Ma.

Performances are today at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

This sounds really fun. We may just go! The Family Carnival Extravaganza at the Downtown Family YMCA, 430 S. 20th St. It's free.

From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., families can make their own pizza with the Pizza Pie Guy, play carnival games and get balloon animals from Shrine Clowns, swim, play air hockey, foosball and other games and jump in an inflatable bouncer.

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