Within the whirlwind of negative news regarding the economy and the advertising outlook, I found a significant, welcome trend in the IAB’s recent revenue report covering the first half of this year. I’m scratching my head trying to understand why more hasn’t been made of this, because it portends hugely positive things for the online space.
The IAB recently announced a 15.2% year-over-year growth rate for Internet advertising for the first half of 2008. When you dissect the 15.2% number, some interesting details emerge. Out of nine industries tracked, only four …

Rising gas and food prices have more and more consumers shopping at online grocers, according to Business Week. “One retail channel that is really winning now is online,” says Todd Hale, a senior vice-president at Nielsen. 
FreshDirect, the largest online grocer in the New York area, is experiencing growth in a variety of areas, including ready-to-eat meals. “People are traveling less and eating out less,” says Steve Druckman, chief marketing officer at FreshDirect.  The company reports that length of time between orders has shrunk by 20% in the last four months, …

Nielsen announced Monday it will combine consumer personality profiles from Mindset Media with Nielsen Homescan consumer panel data.  The personality profiles will help consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers and retailers identify specific personality traits that drive consumer purchasing behavior and brand affinity.
For example, the new data might inform a marketer of tooth whitening products that people who are considered “Carefulness 5” in Mindset Media parlance — those who avoid haste and impulse — are 56% more likely to purchase tooth whitening strips than other consumers.  The company could then use that data …

The recent economic downturn has forced consumers to rethink their spending habits. It has also forced consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers and retailers to reevaluate their marketing strategies. Recent analysis by The Nielsen Company revealed those CPG product categories most immune and most vulnerable to a recession. The study shows that products such as seafood, dry pasta and candy are most immune to economic downturn. Beer and pasta sauces also show some level of immunity during tough economic times. The most vulnerable or recession-prone products include carbonated beverages, eggs, cups/plates, …