consumers

Many economic experts claim that we have navigated through the worst of an economic recession - the likes of which we haven’t seen since 1929.  They could be right or they could be wrong.  Either way, it seemed safe to assume that, at some point, the economy in this country would rebound. 

Several market research firms have released studies claiming that consumers are ready to start spending again.  According to them, while the economy may still be struggling, things are headed in the right direction…which means expected increases in consumer spending.

These studies oversimplify the consumer mindset.

Several months ago, Wakefield staff made the point in this post that digital devices are no longer seen as add-ons. In spite of the economic downturn, we argued, consumer demand for smartphones and other cutting-edge, personal-use digital devices was likely to remain fairly solid.

That's what General Electric is hoping. According to the Wall Street Journal, GE's NBC Universal has agreed to use a Microsoft technology to sell advertising slots on its broadcast and cable TV networks.

According to the Journal:

Say a prayer and kick some dirt on the coffin, the term “gamer” is dead. Videogame marketers should bury this term forever, because the recession has rendered it meaningless. And understanding this truth will inform game development and marketing well beyond the recession years.