Research Topic

MAHWAH, N.J. — Sharp achieved the top U.S. market share in the 60"+ LED TV segment in 2012, according to The NPD Group's Retail Tracking Service. According to the company, the increase in market share between 2010 and 2012 was due to its selection of large screen choices, picture quality performance and brand strength, Sharp more than doubled its market share between 2010 and 2012 (based on revenue share).

New York -- Consumers expect to spend slightly more on Valentine's Day merchandise this year than last year, according to a report by market research firm IBISWorld.

The report forecasts spending of $134.08 per person, compared with last year's $133.99. Total revenue for the holiday is expected to grow by 3.2%, to $20.8 billion, despite incomes and consumer sentiments remaining below what they were before the recession.

While Walmart continues to fine tune its small format Express concept, ample opportunity awaits in the C-store space.

The latest data from Nielsen shows the number of U.S. convenience stores continues to expand and last year set a new record with 149,220 units. Roughly 63% of those units are independent operators who presumably charge higher prices than what would be available at Walmart’s convenience stores.

Strong international growth and price increases helped Kimberly-Clark produce a 3% fourth quarter sales increase and cap off a record year.

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. -- A Friday report by Mid-America Real Estate Corp. found that 2012 shopping center construction in the Chicagoland area grew 10% year-over-year, after a four-year decline.

According to the 2012-2013 Chicagoland Shopping Center Report, square footage increased from 1.02 million sq. ft. of space in 2011 to 1.14 million sq. ft. – a difference of about 113,000 sq. ft.

SALT LAKE CITY  — Overstock.com reported that fourth quarter revenue grew 9% to $342 million from $314 million for the same period last year. The company posted net income of $8.8 million, or 37 cents per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $3.4 million or 15 cents per diluted share.

CHICAGO — One-in-five consumers between the ages of 35 years and 54 years are choosing products due to a loyalty card discount, SymphonyIRI Group reported Wednesday as part of its Q4 2012 MarketPulse survey. And almost one-third are forsaking their preferred brands due to a sale price. The survey found that shopper sentiment dropped to its lowest point since Q3 2011.

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple posted a first quarter profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.81 per diluted share, and $54.5 billion in revenue, thanks to the continued popularity of its iPhone and iPad products.

These results compare with revenue of $46.3 billion and net profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.87 per diluted share, in the 14-week year-ago quarter.