Richard J. George, Ph.D.

Absolutely. In recent research which I conducted on Millennials versus Baby Boomers, Millennial responses to the following life style statements were significantly different (higher levels of agreement) than those held by Baby Boomers:

"It is important to try different types of food.
"I often talk about restaurants with friends/colleagues."

For additional perspective, I offer a recent research project that I did for IFDA (International Foodservice Distribution Association) which compared Mature Millennials with Mature Baby Boomers. Although the focus was on foodservice, the findings may be of interest to anyone attempting to understand this generation.

The title of the...

Good news for Walmart & Target. Raises electronics profile & drives traffic.

Greater risk to Apple in terms of brand perception & dilution. As the saying goes, "You can make it with class or make it for the masses, but you can't do both."

I think it is a terrific idea. In recent research I found that over 75% of respondents indicated that a positive comment from a friend on a social media site would make them more likely to buy a product or visit a particular food retailer or restaurant.

This is...

Absolutely. These social sites represent the modern day equivalent of the "back yard fence" where neighbors used to share information, opinions and recommendations.

My recent research indicated that approximately three- quarters of consumers will buy or not buy a product or service depending on the positive or negative comments...

I couldn't agree more with George's perspective. In recent research focusing on Mature Millennials (older Gen Y) I found the following significant life style differences espoused by this generation compared to Baby Boomers:

"It is important to try different types of food.
"I often talk about restaurants with...

Trend #3 will continue to negatively impact those food retailers who do not give consumers shopping options. Recent research that I conducted on Mature Millennials (older Gen Y) indicated the continued migration to online shopping. In addition, 5% of respondents in my national sample did not visit a supermarket...

As noted in the article, traffic is the rationale for the expanded food, beverage, tobacco, and other CPG offerings. Dollar stores will continue to represent small but painful "paper cuts" for traditional supermarkets.

However, I believe the greatest threat to competitors with these new offerings, especially tobacco and beverages,...

I believe Publix will have a winner here. My position, stated previously in this venue, is that these cards should not be called loyalty cards. They are simply continuity of purchase programs.

Publix appears to be simplifying its customers' lives by making it easier to take advantage of coupons. ...

Weis Markets recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, a testimony to success in today's challenging competitive environment. While retailers should know their markets, manufacturers need to be the category experts. In this role manufacturers have the opportunity, even the obligation of merging their product knowledge with the retailer's customer insights. ...