Street talk
Rod Street, executive vice president of consulting at industry analysts SymphonyIRI, on the key trends affecting buying behaviour.
Street talk: Shopper recession impacts food prices
5 March 2012
The latest just-food international basket, compiled exclusively by SymphonyIRI, highlights the circular influence of rising food prices and purchasing power.
Street talk: Suppliers, retailers need to think multi-channel
8 February 2012
The impact of multi-channel retailing has been evident in many non-food sectors for years and, while it is in early days in the grocery industry, online sales of food are forecast for rapid growth. In his latest Street talk column, SymphonyIRI vice president Rod Street outlines why consumers are turning to online - and why suppliers and retailers must be ready.
Street talk: Four resolutions for an uncertain 2012
9 January 2012
The consensus is that those hoping for an easier year in 2012 could be disappointed. Consumer confidence will remain in the doldrums, competition will remain fierce and economic uncertainty will continue. In his first column of the year, SymphonyIRI's Rod Street suggests some ways in which manufacturers and retailers could look to improve in 2012.
Street talk: Own label gives European shoppers more for less
20 December 2011
The economic downturn has seen private label, already more prevalent in Europe than in the US, make greater strides across almost every market in the region. SymphonyIRI's Rod Street, pointing to the just-food international basket, launched today, says the price difference between own label and brand is 50% in some markets. Brand owners must act quickly, Street says, to work out where and how to defend their share.
Street talk: Brands must prepare for era of conscientious consumption
17 November 2011
The recession and then sluggish economic recovery has led to a more regimented consumer. Armed with lists and looking for bargains, shoppers no longer consume as readily as before. Reflecting on the new reality, SymphonyIRI's Rod Street wonders if we are seeing an end to the conspicuous consumption of food brands.
Street talk: FMCG firms must adapt amid power shift
19 October 2011
The prospect of a slow recovery in the West and the rise of the emerging markets in the East means FMCG companies in the US and Europe must change how they operate at home to survive, writes SymphonyIRI's Rod Street.
Street talk: Price alone does not create real value for shoppers
16 September 2011
UK retailers have intensified their battle to try to prove to consumers that they offer the best value for money. However, SymphonyIRI's Rod Street says a strategy that focused only on price would be flawed.
Street talk: Beware of over-reliance on promotions
23 August 2011
With UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s this week becoming the latest retailer to embark upon a ‘price matching’ campaign, the importance of getting a good deal for cash strapped consumers cannot be underestimated.
