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One Liver Breakfast Biscuit, Please!

Nan Martin — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 09:00:12 +0000

As pet pampering continues to explode with monogrammed bedding, massages & spa treatments, creative grooming, organic food & treats, Relevation explored the number and nature of QSR outings for the dog in a recent nationally-representative online poll. Close to one third of dog owners take their lucky pup to one or more popular QSRs to enjoy a snack or meal with the average number of chains visited 2.9. The number of claimed visits total over 1 Billion trips annually.

Over two fifths order food and drinks directly off the regular menu for the dog (if you call “Puppuccino” at Starbucks off the regular menu).

But one in four are ordering specialty designer type dog goodies at restaurants that cater to the pooch. Current offerings such as the Pup Cup, Bag O’Bones, Pup Cakes, Pooch-ini are growing in popularity. Some are offered gratis; others go for as much as or more than regular menu items.

According to the 2013/14 APPA National Dog Owners Survey, there has been a gradual decrease in purebreds. Rescue has become the new fad with empty nester owners eager to make it up to the dog for his rough start in life.

The way to the dog owner’s heart (and wallet) is through the dog’s stomach. QSRs can capitalize on this and make themselves the go-to destination for doggie visits.

Just For Laughs

Nan Martin — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:58:10 +0000

A physicist, a chemist, and a market researcher enter the lab. Shortly after entering, they are alarmed to see smoke and fire coming from a wastebasket.

The physicist says, “I know what to do! We must cool down the materials until their temperature is lower than the ignition temperature and then the fire will go out.”

The chemist says, “No! No! I know what to do! We must cut off the supply of oxygen so the fire will go out due to lack of one of the reactants.”

While the physicist and chemist debate what course to take, they are shocked to see the market researcher running around the room starting other fires. They both scream, “What are you doing?”

To which the market researcher replies, “Trying to get an adequate sample size.”

Vitamin & Supplement Manufacturers Target Millennials

Nan Martin — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 15:34:40 +0000

Despite the lack of evidence based on clinical trials and studies conducted via medical and government agencies about the positive effects of vitamins & supplements in promoting health, the multi-billion dollar industry continues to grow. And Millennials are the next key target with introductions designed to appeal to them in terms of naming, packaging and form:

Solis Nutritional superfood blends
Fire Cider elixir
Boku Super ‘shrooms

Relevation took a look at the current state of affairs:

Although the major reasons for use are to promote basic overall health and habit, additional reasons for use pop based on the type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Millennials are most strongly attached to Superfoods with 74% claiming they have been Top 2 Box effective for them, and 80% Top 2 Box believing they are across the board.

There appears to be a gap in delivery regardless of age. Consumers believe the “hype” potential in terms of efficacy of each CAM more than each has actually delivered for them personally.

If the Shoe Fits…

Nan Martin — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:07:33 +0000

After learning that some textbooks in Asia suggested all Americans wear their shoes indoors, Relevation hypothesized that wasn’t true. We undertook a research survey among a representative sample of 1,500 Americans to understand street/outdoor footwear inside. Although we disproved the “all”, it was still the majority. Overall, Americans claim to be wearing shoes 60% of the time spent indoors. Men wear their shoes indoors more than women.

Just over one quarter of Americans do claim they never wear shoes indoors. When not wearing shoes, socks (88%), going barefoot (68%) and then slippers (62%) are the most popular alternatives. Females are more likely than males to utilize slippers, flip flops or go barefoot.

Happy New Year’s from Relevation

Nan Martin — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 05:08:49 +0000

We wish all our clients and vendors peace and contentment as we approach the coming new year. We wish you a worry-free 2014.

We all spend so much time worrying about what might happen, what could happen, what didn’t happen that it dilutes our happiness in the moment and keeps us from making sound decisions. Worry is like an unproductive loop; thoughts just continue in an endless circle of exaggerated fear and anxiety. In the words of one of our clients — “Worry is like paying interest on a debt you may never owe.” So, let’s collectively make 2014 worry free!

Social Networking Site Sentiment Trends

Nan Martin — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 16:30:20 +0000

Exhaustion and burnout with current social media network/media sites continue among 18-34 year olds.

Compared to last year’s Relevation findings on social networking/media sites, only usage of Pinterest was up among 18-34 year olds, but positive associations among users have slipped significantly two years after launch (i.e., it’s less interesting, exciting and unique) and associations with being dated increased.

Facebook, on the other hand, dropped in interactive, fun, convenient, interesting, innovative, exciting, unique and for someone like me perceptions among this important young target. At the same time associations with painful grew.

Even Youtube netted decreased perceptions of engaging, fun and for someone like me while associations with boring were up.

Top Reasons Younger Users Disenchanted with Facebook

Nan Martin — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:45:00 +0000

Perceptions of Social Media/Networking Sites

Nan Martin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:37:59 +0000

We asked consumers which of 29 descriptors best fit the social media/networking sites they use. Then using correspondence analysis, we mapped the results among a representative sample of 18-34 year old males/females to gauge relevance. Pinterest and YouTube delight and are more likely to be for “someone like me” whereas Facebook nets a lot of negative associations (including dated). LinkedIn is also perceived as dated along with being relatively boring and complex, despite being professional.