Australian consumers are increasingly apprehensive about the impact of the world financial situation on their own economy and personal finances.

There is no doubt that U.S. store brands benefited greatly from the Great Recession of 2008-2009. The quality of today’s store brand offerings coupled with more value-conscious consumers looking to stretch their dollars ignited a sales boom. In the U.S., private label sales increased 1.8 share points from the end of 2007 to the end of 2008 to reach a 22.3 percent market share.

Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure. For many, their greatest joy is to lavish with love and spoil with splendor. And considering grandparents represent a sizable target, which will continue to grow another 11 percent between now and 2015, retailers and manufacturers would be wise to tap into the “multiplier effect” they represent.

The Nielsen Company released a list of the most popular media and consumer spending trends in the U.S. for 2010, covering everything from the most popular television shows, to the most liked commercials, book sales, purchasing trends, top mobile apps and more.

The Nielsen Company conducted an online survey in March 2010 of more than 27,000 consumers in 55 markets to get a better sense of the steps being taken to save money in view of uncertain economic conditions.

While improving economies may prompt consumers to return to restaurants or take a vacation, one trend that looks likely to remain—and perhaps even grow—is the shift to private label goods.

To commemorate Earth Day, The Nielsen Company studied the top 10 DMA markets most likely to participate in renewable energy programs derived from natural resources such as the sun, the wind, water, geothermal and biomass.

As “brand listening” has now become standard practice, it’s time to go deeper to unlock the value, passion and insight hidden inside the everyday chatter happening outside the context of your brand.

A consistent pattern of reduced shopping trips continues to be a major element of consumer’s economic coping strategies. In the latest battle for share of wallet, those retailers who satisfy consumers through differentiation will gain more of less.

Consumers in the U.S. might be trimming the fat from their budgets and diets, but contrary to predictions, they continue to demonstrate a healthy appetite for foods featuring health and wellness claims.