Consumer Attitudes & Behavior

Worthington, Ohio -- Three high-profile big-box retailers received high marks for their mobile experiences, according to a survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics. In fact, among mobile users, 28.9% have used their mobile devices to shop at Walmart, 27.7% at Target, and 22% at Best Buy.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart is easing the pain at the pump by offering customers who use a Walmart MoneyCard or Walmart Credit Card a 15 cents per gallon reduction on their fuel purchase. Customers using a Walmart gift card will receive a 10 cent per gallon discount. Gas will be discounted at more than 1,000 Murphy USA and Walmart gas stations located at Walmart stores in 21 participating states.

The North Central and Northeast states will be warmer than last year and normal for April 2013 overall with warmer trends arriving mid-month, a positive for spring products. However, an active jet stream will bring frequent showers and storms to much of the eastern half of the nation where precipitation will trend greater than last year which may soften spring category demand, especially for outdoor products. Temperatures in the Southeast and along much of the West Coast will be similar to last year and near normal.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Walmart and Target are targeting multi-cultural and health-conscious consumers with their private-label products directed at multicultural and health-conscious consumers.

New York -- Consumer spending increased in February by the most in five months as incomes rose and the job market improved.

The Commerce Department said on Friday consumer spending rose 0.7% last month, after an upwardly revised increase from 0.2% to 0.4% in January.  

NEW YORK — Harris Interactive has revealed the brands that Americans rank highest in brand equity. Surveying more than 38,000 American consumers, it measures the level of quality, familiarity, and purchase consideration for each brand, and then awards "Brand of the Year" status to the top-ranked brand from each category.

New York -- Kohl’s, Target, and Walgreens were named “Brand of the Year” in their respective categories in the 2013 Harris Poll EquiTrend survey.

The annual study, conducted by Harris Interactive, reveals the brands that Americans rank highest in brand equity. Surveying more than 38,000 American consumers, it measures the level of quality, familiarity, and purchase consideration for each brand, and then awards "Brand of the Year" status to the top-ranked brand from each category.

Batavia, Ill. -- Survey results released Wednesday by Facebook marketing firm LoudDoor found that discount grocer Aldi USA ranked fifth on a list of the top 20 companies with the most loyal fans. No other grocery retailer was included on the list, which tracks every major brand on Facebook and how likely those brands' fans are to recommend them to friends or colleagues.

Other companies ranked in the top five include Google, Facebook and Walt Disney World.

New York -- Consumer confidence fell sharply in March, according to The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index. The Index, which had improved in February, now stands at 59.7 down from 68.0 last month.

The Present Situation Index decreased to 57.9 from 61.4. The Expectations Index declined to 60.9 from 72.4 last month.

PARIS — Beauty brand Coty has announced the renewal of the partnership agreement for the Pristine Seas program between the National Geographic Society and Davidoff Cool Water.

 "This relationship with National Geographic is a cornerstone for Davidoff Cool Water. The link we have created with the ocean has grown stronger, and we feel it is essential to keep working on this partnership," stated Jean Mortier, president of Coty Prestige.