Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Mother’s Day 2012 – Retail Projections Looking Marvellous

May 1, 2012

Mother’s Day 2012

Are you an entrepreneur in retail and considering sales and marketing opportunities around Mother’s Day? The National Retail Federation (NRF) has posted statistics and projections for Mother’s Day 2012. Similar to the patterns of other calendar events in 2012 like St. Valentine’s Day, Patrick’s Day, and Easter, the upward, projected trend is welcoming.

Mother’s Day 2012 – NRF Survey

According to the NRF survey, retail spending is projected to increase 8.4% over 2011 Mother’s Day spending, with total spending for 2012 expected to reach a whopping $18.6 Billion. The survey data suggests that the average spending per person buying Mother’s Day gifts is now estimated to be over $152.

The following graph, courtesy of NRF, illustrates a favourable, turn-around trend over the past 5 years, with stabilization occurring in 2009-2010, following by significant spending increases in 2011 and 2012. Let’s hope this trend continues.

To make Mom feel the best on her day, here’s the top of the spending list:

$3.4 Billion on a brunch or dinner for Mom (54.3% of celebrators)
$2.2 Billion on flowers (66.4% of shoppers)
$1.8 Billion on gift cards
$1.6 Billion on clothing and accessories
$1.6 Billion on electronics, tablets, digital cameras (12.7%), and
$1.3 Billion in spa treatments and personal services (Ahhh for Moms!)

From the tech perspective, almost 40% of potential shoppers surveyed will scan their mobile devices and tablets for the deal of all deals for Mother’s Day. About 24% of tablet owners will use their devices for Mother’s Day purchases. App developers should pay close attention to the increasing trend of utilizing apps in devices to research and purchase products; 12% of device owners will be utilizing apps in this NRF survey, conducted by BigInsight.

Retail Industry – Indicators

As previously reported, the retail and food industry indicators in March showed marked improvements upward. The US Census Bureau stated a 6.5% increase in retail revenue over March 2011.

The projected trends overall in the retail sector and around calendar events for 2012 are very consistent in the 5-8% increase range. As an entrepreneur and business owner in the retail sector, tune in and analyze some of these trends in the retail industry.

Strategy Plan One

http://strategyplanone.com

Business information, resources and tips for the entrepreneur

Friday, 13 April 2012

Construction Spending – Construction Industry on the Rebound?

Strategy Plan One

April 13, 2012

Construction Spending

Construction spending has one of the biggest impacts on economic indicators, as the construction industry is huge. Construction spending gives us a picture of how well the construction industry is doing in the economy. Construction, as a major employer is tied to employment and to the housing industry statistics. The value of construction includes key cost categories such as labor, materials, professional services, and overhead costs.

The following graph from the US Census Bureau shows the trend in construction spending. The data report indicates that in February 2012, construction spending was at almost $809 Billion, +5.8% increase over February 2011 data. This represented a $45 Billion increase in construction spending year over year. Private construction spending accounted for almost a $49 Billion net increase, while public construction spending dropped by nearly $4 Billion.

Overall, the construction industry is on the road to recovery it seems, but still not near the highs of over $1.2 Trillion in construction spending back in 2006.

Strategy Plan One

http://strategyplanone.com

Business information, resources and tips for the entrepreneur