Consumer Attitudes & Behavior

New York -- Energy cost savings, government/utility incentives and rebates, and enhanced brand or public image ranked as the top drivers of energy-efficiency decision-making in the United States and Canada, according to a global survey of building owners and operators and facility managers by Johnson Controls.

North Plainfield, N.J. -- Business appears to be improving, according to a survey by Levin Management Corp. The firm conducted the study among its retail tenants in 90 properties.

The mid-year survey, which polled 250 retailers, indicated positive changes year-over-year. At mid-year 2012, 64.2% of respondents reported the same or higher sales volume compared with this time last year; 35.7% reported lower sales. At mid-year 2011, 50.1% of respondents reported the same or higher sales; 49.8% reported lower sales.

Walmart observed its 50th anniversary in fine fashion this week as its share price hit an all-time high, even as the company faced familiar charges from vocal critics.

Walmart shares closed Tuesday at an all time high of $70.75, nearly 18% above the $59.97 level where they began the year and more than 46% above the 52-week low price of $48.31 seen late last summer. The move is nothing short of remarkable considering an investment in Walmart was dead money for the past dozen years as shares traded for a little more than $69 back in December 1999.

Denver -- When consumers search for online coupons and savings, 62% search for store-centric deals, 24% for product-specific coupons, and only 14% search specifically for brand name product discounts online, according to the first Buy-havior Report, from coupon-search engine ShopAtHome.com. The report tracks consumer search habits on the site.

Of the 62% of consumers looking for store-centric savings, Wal-Mart was the most-searched for retailer followed by Kohl’s and Target, respectively.

Denver -- When consumers search for online coupons and savings, 62% search for store-centric deals, 24% for product-specific coupons, and only 14% search specifically for brand name product discounts online, according to the first Buy-havior Report, from coupon-search engine ShopAtHome.com. The report tracks consumer search habits on the site.

Of the 62% of consumers looking for store-centric savings, Wal-Mart was the most-searched for retailer followed by Kohl’s and Target, respectively.

The nation’s convenience stores continued to grow last year creating a peculiar blend of competitive challenges and sales opportunities for Sam’s Club.

Sam's Club was among the highest-rated companies for customer service, according to new research from the Temkin Group. Other retailers included Publix, Hy-Vee, H.E.B., ShopRite, Aldi, Giant Eagle and JCPenney.

Other companies earning top marks included Chick-fil-A, credit unions and Starbucks. Meanwhile, companies with the lowest ratings included Charter Communications, Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Citibank, Qwest, Cigna, and Bank of America.

Waban, Mass. -- Research results released Wednesday by Temkin Group put grocers Publix and Hy-Vee along with credit unions and Chick-fil-A at the top of its 2012 Temkin Customer Service Ratings, which examines how U.S. consumers rate the customer service of 174 large companies across 18 industries.

Other high marks were given by consumers to H.E.B., Sam's Club, Winn-Dixie, ShopRite, Aldi, Starbucks, Giant Eagle and J.C. Penney.