With concern and online buzz growing over the H1N1 virus, hand sanitizer sales have skyrocketed in the last six months.

Consumers around the world are expressing more confidence about their personal financial situations, according to the most recent Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Index.

Despite increased optimism about the economy, the social media landscape indicates that we are in a similar place to where we were this time last year.

The recession that has gripped much of the world over the last year has caused consumers to seek out entertainment that provides the best value for money.

While there are many motivating factors behind the green energy movement, for the average American “saving money” tops the list according The Nielsen Company’s latest Energy Trends report.

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, there will still be a good amount of holiday cheer in the coming months.

As American consumers get set to buy nearly 600 million pounds of candy this Halloween, they are choosing fewer store brand or private label sweets, opting instead for brand name treats.

Like shoppers around the world, consumers across Asia Pacific have become focused on saving and reducing debt this year, and as a result, have become less inclined to spend on bigger ticket items and out-of-home-entertainment.

With hopes for a full economic recovery accelerating in 26 out of the 28 major global markets, consumers around the world might be expected to return to their previous spending patterns.

Based on the books My Life in France by Julia Child and Julie and Julia by Julie Powell, the film version Julie & Julia has helped boost book sales of all three titles from year-over-year.