While big Indian metros will remain a staple for marketers and increasing a rural footprint will be critical for volumes in the long run, there is a growth opportunity that is vastly under-rated by many marketers today, which could emerge as a key growth engine for the next 10 years.

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of consumers around the world expect to spend the same amount or less on holiday gifts compared to last year, according to a recent Nielsen global survey of online respondents in 56 countries.

How will consumers react to higher gas prices, especially in an economy fraught with uncertainty?

Lower prices for food and other household items are great for consumers, but for retailers, they don’t always achieve the desired rise in sales as the competition is quick to follow.

By 2015, Nielsen predicts mass supercenters and e-commerce to be the big winners. Industry change will grow faster and more intense in the next five years, requiring advanced, future-focused change management skills among CPG professionals.

Sam’s Club President and CEO Brian Cornell said that retailing today can be a “daunting task” and understanding what is important to consumers and what value means to them is key to retailing success.

Amid the hype, the truth about assortment trends in retail is somewhat less dramatic. Fact: retailers cut assortment a modest 1% in 2009. A smart move by grocers, because consumers often choose to take a walk, at great expense to retailers, if desired products aren’t on the shelf.

Spending less on trade promotions can yield more incremental sales if you understand that both consumer price sensitivity and deal propensity change with the channel and product. Six tips help create the right mix.

New retail formats, unique service offerings and differentiated products will drive growth at retail in 2010. And as consumers continue to bunker in-home, a greater focus on eating right will lead to healthy results.

With projected weak holiday sales this season and deal-seeking activities rampant, online retailers have an opportunity to gain share through their own web sites and social media outlets.