If 2008 is any indicator, 2009 should be a stellar year for 3-D — with Hollywood studios, movie theaters, and Video On Demand poised to reap the rewards.
Despite ticket prices of up to $25, audiences flocked to 3-D premium offerings in 2008. Several blockbusters, like “The Dark Knight,” also benefited from the premium pricing associated with Imax viewing. 3-D offerings also fared well in complimentary areas; preliminary numbers indicate the “Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds” 3-D video-on-demand concert on STARZ On Demand has already garnered hundreds of …

As the economy worsened in 2008, U.S. consumers cut discretionary spending — and shifted basic purchases to value-oriented brands and retailers.  Dollar stores and private label brands saw gains — but many other retailers and manufacturers suffered through dramatic declines.
Is the outlook any brighter for the new year?  Food marketing expert Phil Lempert, of SupermarketGuru.com, offers his take on what consumers and retailers can expect in 2009.
Nielsen Wire: How did consumer habits change in 2008 — and how should retailers adjust?
Phil Lempert:
In 2008 shoppers used more coupons, bought more store …

How might the media and marketing landscape change next year?  In his latest Ad Age column, Pete Blackshaw, Nielsen Online Executive Vice President, ventures a few predictions.
1. Consumers Go On Social Media “Diets”
“[In 2008] we impulsively adopted everything from hastily assembled Facebook friends and Twitter followers to groups, apps and widgets, yet rarely revisited them.  In 2009, less may well become the new more,” Blackshaw notes.

2. Marketers Return To Media Basics
“TV will remain a focus because viewership in aggregate is actually going up, so continuing to understand how social media extends and …

With less money to spend, consumers will undoubtedly be spending more time at home in 2009.
Already this year, Nielsen witnessed significant year-over-year (ending September 2008) growth in online activities with increases in time spent daily on videos (+46%), blogs (+20%), and e-commerce sites (+17%).
Expect this trend to continue, as well as increases in newer in-home entertainment options such as video vending.
But don’t expect more time spent at home to trigger increased book sales.
Technology-driven gadgets, gizmos, and games will dominate spare-time activities, while U.S. book sales will remain essentially flat, with …

For the past few years, we’ve seen the transition from random weight to pre-packaged, UPC-coded meat.  In 2009, as more retailers look for ways to cut costs, fresh meat will continue shift from the butcher to the shelf. 
Look for less meat to be cut in the store, and more UPC-coded meat to be packaged centrally and sold on the shelf. 
Retailers will need to decide whether they want to compete on price or rely on their butchers and deli counters to create differentiation and customization.
Read Nielsen’s complete 2009 Industry Outlook in …

As credit card companies continue to raise fees on retailers, there is more motivation than ever before to offer discounts for shoppers paying cash.
Look for convenience stores to take the lead on cash discounts, as many already offer lower gas prices for cash purchases.
As other retail channels offer cash discounts, the credit card companies may get enough pressure to reduce fees for retailers.
Read Nielsen’s complete 2009 Industry Outlook in “Consumer Insight.”
View the latest issue of “Consumer Insight.”

Nielsen Consumer Insight has issued its 2009 Industry Outlook, covering everything from book sales to mobile phones. Up first is a look at how 3D movies are likely to fare as families are likely to keep a tight reign on their budgets in 2009. Movie theaters may prove to be the exception.  Why? Consumers appear to love 3D films. In fact, gross sales increased over 60% for films exhibited in 3D as compared to traditional film, and this increase is due to higher prices and higher attendance. With over a …