With the economic climate the way it is, there is no doubt that consumer’s shopping habits have changed in every aspect of their lives and the grocery store is no exception.  Here are a few consequences of the grocery store market, based on polling data and expert opinion:

In Search of Cheapness – A Synovate report, based on July polling, states that:

• 65% of US consumers believe that grocery items are “overpriced and should be cheaper.”
• 78% “will switch food brands in I find a cheaper alternative.”

Cooking is no Alternative – A new research study by The NPD Group (“Eating Patterns in America”) has thrown out the notion that people have been spending more time cooking at home due to the economy.  Instead, people have been microwaving, not cooking their way through the recession.

Healthy Eating as Casualty – The NPD Group also found that healthier eating was “one of the big casualties” of the recession.  Since heathly eating comes at a higher price it is not a total shock that this is one of the areas that has been the most negatively affected.

Price is Not the Only Factor – Synovate has found that consumers are buying in bulk, using more of their pantry items and “trading down” to lower priced products, in lieu of their old luxury items, in order to save money.  Synovate also found that price is not the only factor and advertisers still need to forge an emotional connection with consumers, as well as helping the consumers to understand the perceived value of their brand.

For more from this article, go to: http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3iea9ebb170ad87d30072da9b485fc00f4

For more information on the Synovate report, go to: http://www.synovate.com/insights/infact/issues/200910/

For The NPD Group’s research findings, including learning about the Eating Patterns in America report that comes out later this year, go to: http://www.npd.com/corpServlet?nextpage=food-beverage-special-reports_s.html

Federated Media Publishing, or the FM network, is rolling out a new option for advertisers called Ad Stamp.  Ad Stamp combines two of the industry’s largest ad units with a companion banner that pulls social media content.

FM currently offers a large “pushdown” ad, which is a 970×418 pixel banner at the top of Web pages that collapses to 970×60.  With Ad Stamp, FM will also place a “tower” ad on the right side of pages that measures 300×600 and they will add a social touch to their package with a 300×250 “conversationalist” ad that is placed at the bottom of pages and pulls in brand-related feeds.  The “conversationalist” ad pulls feeds from blog post, Tweets and also includes options for friending the advertised products or services via Facebook, or as a follower on Twitter.  According to the FM CEO, the goal of Ad Stamp is to build a Web ad product that serves the similar purpose as a 2-page spread in magazines or a 30-second commerical spot.

There is of course risk involved with advertising like this, where most of a web page’s real estate is dedicated to advertising.  Consumers may not like this new format and could express distaste for Ad Stamp, as consumers have mentioned their dislike for pop-up, pop-under and interstitial ads.  Ad Stamp’s rebuttal is that the three units the program provides work in concert for a single brand and actually provide a better user experience than the scattered advertising units we see now.

For more about the Ad Stamp program, including statistics and ad caps, go to: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS112587+10-Sep-2009+BW20090910

Ford’s MyKey is a new technology that helps parents control some of their teen drivers’ behavior.  MyKey allows parents to configure one key for their teen, which encourage teen drivers to drive safer and more fuel efficiently, as well as increase seat belt usage.  MyKey will only allow the teen driver to go up to 80mph and the audio system will not go on until the front two passengers are buckled up.  The MyKey also maxes out the stereo’s volume at half of it’s capacity and provides low-fuel warnings earlier than standard cars.  MyKey will become standard on most Ford models, but is now available on Taurus, Focus, Escape SUV and 9 others.

With the staggering statistics about how many teens are involved in car accidents each year, the MyKey program is not just a marketing program, but also a shift in providing people with safer vehicles.  Since MyKey will eventually be on every car, parents who don’t need the technology now, will be able to have it when their child is of driving age.  It will also allow used-car buyers to take advantage of the technology, without having to shell out the big bucks for a new 16th birthday present.

Does the MyKey program make a difference to you as a buyer? Would you be more inclined to buy a Ford when your teen is of age?

For the full article, go to: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2009-08-31-ford-mykey-safety_N.htm

Switched.com has provided 12 gadgets that they feel every student needs.  Even though I’m now part of the working instead of academia, I might check out a couple of these gadgets, they look awesome!

1) JBL Onstage 400p iPod Dock/Alarm Clock – Why wake up to that annoying beeping when you could rise and shine to the music you love.  Definitely helps to start the day off on the right foot!

2) Doorganizer – This hanging organizer fits perfectly over your doorknob and allows you to find those too-early-in-the-morning-to-actually-think necessities.  It definitely beats out my current system of post-its.

3) InfoScan TS Elite – Although it looks like a highlighter, this portable scanner holds up to 500 pages worth of data.  You can scan the data directly from the page and the TS Elite will read, save and then transfer it to  your computer.

4) Smencils – These gourmet-scented pencils – bubble gum, cinnamon and root beer – not only smell delicious but they are fun and environmentally friendly.

5) Anti-theft lunch bags – Never have your lunch stolen again.  These bags are specially designed to make your sandwich look disgusting and mold-ridden.  Both your kid’s and your lunch will be safe from potential thieves.

6) Targus HeatDefense – Keeping your laptop cool is the key to prolonging your battery life.  The HeatDefense not only helps keep your computer at a safe temperature but it also keeps your lap cool.

7) Seagate FreeAgent Go – You always want to make sure that your data is backed up.  The FreeAgent Go backs up your data automatically and has encryption technology to keep your files safe.

8) Ecosol Powerstick – This back up power device allows you to charge your cell phone or PDA while on the go.

9) ASUS Eee PC – In the market for an affordable, but reliable PC? The ASUS Eee PC is great for getting you through a day’s worth of lectures and presentations, as it boasts a 10.5 hour battery life.

10) Livescribe Pulse – This pen is also a digital recorder.  It allows you to tap on what you wrote to listen to the corresponding part of the recording.

11) PowerSquid Surge3000 Calamari Edition – This surge protector is designed for today’s electronics and is particularly useful for rooms where outlets are rare.

12) Sony Reader Touch Edition – The eReader offers more flexibility and 1 million free public domain books from Google and other titles from Sony’s own eBook store.

Hopefully one or more of these items captured your attention.  Like I said, Switched.com picked these gadgets out for the modern day student, but I can see myself utilizing almost all of them at my workplace.  If you happen to purchase any of these gadgets we want to hear your reviews!