Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Feel Good Spending Will Boost Drive-Ins

In a post that I wrote two weeks ago called A Snickers for Your Troubles, I talked about how the success of candy manufacturers during economic downturns can be attributed to people's willingness to purchase things that make them feel good.

The entertainment sector is also poised to benefit from this "feel good spending", which I've heard being called the Tootsie Pop Bump. Consumers are planning to spend either the same amount or more compared to last year on music, video games, and trips to the movie theater.

Seventy-three percent of consumers surveyed said that they are planning to spend the same as last year or more on movie tickets. This number is up from 66% in the previous year.

This is great news for the Drive-In movie theaters of the Hudson Valley. The growth of this market coupled with the beautiful weather makes for a blockbuster opportunity for drive-ins, who can also benefit from the boost in candy sales from the Tootsie Pop Bump.

We are so lucky to still have drive-ins here in the Hudson Valley. Many of our neighboring communities witnessed their local drive-ins close years ago. So, I hope they have a GREAT year, and many more to come. And if you're looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer, take them to a drive-in ... they are good, old-fashioned fun!

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
845-695-1880
smartstrategies@bbggadv.com

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Monday, April 13, 2009

A Snickers For Your Troubles

There's nothing like comfort food when times are bad. And candy, especially chocolate, is one item that people have always turned to for a "lift-me-up".

The candy industry has always been a sweet spot for a sour economy. During the Great Depression, the sourest of all sour economic times, Tootsie Pops and Snickers made a name for themselves. With just a small investment, candy can provide a large emotional benefit and give people a much-needed immediate gratification.

Retailers who sell candy should be sure to display their sweet treats prominently, in an optimum "impulse buy" location, like near the registers. And if you're not currently selling candy, but you do own a retail store where candy sales could help your profits, then this is a good time to seriously consider cashing in on this growing market.

Non-sugarcoated businesses should use the success story of the candy industry to discover ways they can provide their customers with low-cost solutions that fulfill a need. That is the real reason this industry has flourished in tough times.

June Bisel
Partner, BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com

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