The following describes research reports that I have written or co-authored in recent years. Most of these reports were commissioned by a global market research provider and provide analysis of consumer and industry trends. I have also written over 20 articles for a proprietary expert blog, websites and industry publications since 2002. Most of these articles address various issues related to sustainability and research methods.

Lifestyles and Attitudinal Research

• American Lifestyle trends (2009, 2010 and 2011)
• Hispanic Shopping and Spending Patterns (2008)
• Shopping and Spending Patterns of Black Americans (2008)
• LGBT Lifestyles (2008)
• Lifestyles of College Students (2011)
• Social Dynamics of 18-24 year olds (2011)
• Spending Power of Young Adults (2008)
• Cooking Enthusiasts (2010 and 2008)
• Attitudes Toward Back to School Shopping (2011)
• Attitudes Toward Food: Weight and Diet (2009)
• Consumer Attitudes Toward Luxury Goods (2011)

Health, Wellness and Sustainability

I have conducted quantitative and qualitative consumer and industry research on a variety of topics related to health and wellness as well as the sustainability trend. I wrote or co-authored the following reports since 2008 and also authored a variety of other reports prior to that time on other topics including attitudes toward trans fat and retailing strategy in the natural channel. I have also written several advisory articles on sustainability and related issues.

• Attitudes Toward Natural and Organic Food and Beverage (2010)
• The influence of Labels on Consumer Choice (2010)
• Attitudes Toward Sodium and High Fructose Corn Syrup Reduction (2010)
• Attitudes Toward Sodium (2012)
• Functional Beverages (2010)
• Nutrition and Energy Bars (2011)
• Portion Control (2009)
• Oral Care (2011)

Marketing and Promotion

Most of the research and analysis I have conducted is designed in large part to help managers develop effective communications and come to a better understanding of how companies are using various tactics to drive sales. The following syndicated reported are focused exclusively on topics related to marketing.

• Character Merchandising (2009 and 2011)
• Licensed Merchandise (2009)
• Marketing to Generation X (2011)
• Marketing to LGBTs (2010)
• Marketing to Hispanic Moms (2008)
• Family Purchases: Kids and Influencers (2010)
• Customer Relationship Management (2011)
• Word of Mouth and Viral Marketing (2009)
• Star Power (2009)

Packaged Food

I have also conducted extensive research in various CPG categories, including packaged food. In addition to the many custom qualitative and quantitative projects I have worked on for national and global companies, I have authored several syndicated reports covering national studies in the U.S.

• Bagged Salads and Salad Dressings (2008)
• Breakfast Entrees and Sandwiches (2010)
• Ready Meals (2009)
• Frozen Snacks (2010)
• Non-traditional Food Retailing (2007)
• The Private Label Food and Drink Consumer (2010)

Packaged Beverage

Packaged beverage is another category in which I have conducted extensive research and analysis. I authored or co-authored the following syndicated reports and have also conducted custom qualitative and quantitative research for international companies as well as smaller firms.

• Beverage Packaging Trends (2010)
• Carbonated Beverages (2010)
• Coffee (2009, 2010 and 2011)
• Non-alcoholic Beverages: The Consumer (2008)
• Non-alcoholic Beverages: The Shopper (2011)
• Private Label Beverages (2011)
• Imported Beer (2008 and 2009)
• Domestic Beer (2008)
• Spirits (2009)
• Alcohol Consumption at Home (2008)

Retailing and Retail Strategy

Most of the consumer insight studies I have conducted in recent years include analysis of shopping patterns and tactics that retailers are using to attract customers and garner loyalty. The following syndicated reports included data from a variety of sources and were focused on trends and strategy in select channels.

• Department Store Retailing (2010)
• Dollar Stores (2009)
• Mass Merchandisers (2008)

Foodservice

Food service is another area in which I have conducted several studies. This work includes menu and pricing trends and as well as analysis of how the wellness trend and regulatory developments are impacting the restaurant industry.

• Sandwiches, subs and Wraps (2010)
• Coffee Houses and Donut Shops (2011)
• Fine Dining (2010)
• Food Snacking Options and Opportunities (2010)

Travel and Leisure

One extension of my work on lifestyle trends in the U.S. is analysis of travel and leisure trends. My work on this area is focused in part on the impact of the recession and has had on American travelers and the companies that serve them.

• Leisure Travel in the U.S. (2009)
• Cruises (2010 and 2012)
• High-end Vacation Destinations (2009)
• Theme Parks (2011)
• Business and Conference Travel (2008)

Technology

I worked on several custom research projects for technology firms between 2004 and 2007 and have provided consulting to start ups designed to help them launch and manage their own research programs. I authored the following in-depth syndicated reports for a global market research provider in 2008 and 2011.

• Online and Mobile Marketing (2011)
• Televisions (2008)
• Mobile Phones (2008)

Personal Care

Personal care is another category in which I have conducted market and consumer insight research and have written in-depth category reports.

• Antiperspirants and Deodorants (2011)
• Children’s Personal Care (2010)
• Disposable Baby Products (2011)
• Facial Skincare (2011)
• Foot Care (2008 and 2012)

Other studies and reports

In addition to the many custom projects I have worked on over the course of the last 10 years, I authored the following syndicated reports on miscellaneous topics not described above.

• Used and Formally Owned Automobiles (2009)
• Charities and Charitable Giving (2009)
• Lotteries (2011)
• Casinos and Casino-style Gambling (2008)
• Baby Durables (2008)
• Candles (2010 and 2011)
• Cookware (2011)
• Handbags (2009)