In a recent article in Convenience Store Decisions, new research has indicated that basics such as store cleanliness and eye-catching signage most impact customer impressions.  The article concluded by stating, “Many of the consumers surveyed invoked cleanliness as a differentiating characteristic of their favorite grocery stores.”

“While it might seem obvious that appearances matter, a deeper look shows how small innovative elements, together, can affect consumer impressions and purchase decisions at the grocery store.” 

The article continues by saying, “Environmental factors, such as lighting, color, equipment, and product placement can demonstrate a store’s personality and help to form a consumer’s first impression. For example, energy-saving appliances and LEED building certification shows shoppers that the store is environmentally responsible. Innovation is important, but don’t forget the basics. A dirty or unkempt store is a major turnoff.”

For the full article, click on over to Convenience Store Decisions or copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://www.csdecisions.com/2011/10/28/grocery-store-appearances-matter-to-shoppers/

July 27, 2011 — By 2020, large U.S. companies that use cloud computing can achieve annual energy savings of $12.3 billion and annual carbon reductions equivalent to 200 million barrels of oil—enough to power 5.7 million cars for one year—a study by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), found. The study reinforces past findings that companies that adopt cloud computing can reduce their energy consumption, lower their carbon emissions, and decrease their capital expenditure on information technology (IT) resources while improving operational efficiency.

The study, “Cloud Computing: The IT Solution for the 21st Century”, was conducted by independent analyst research firm Verdantix and sponsored by AT&T. For the study, Verdantix conducted in-depth interviews with multinational firms—including Aviva, Boeing, Citigroup and Juniper Networks—in diverse sectors. All study participants had adopted cloud services for at least two years. Many of the firms interviewed reported cost savings as a primary motivator, with anticipated cost reductions as high as 40 to 50 percent.

In addition to a predicted aggregate, annual carbon reduction of 85.7 million metric tons by large U.S. companies, the study further found that cloud computing can:

• Help users avoid costly up-front capital investments in infrastructure;
• Improve time-to-market, as a new server can be created or brought online in minutes;
• Provide greater flexibility, as clouds allow firms to pay for excess capacity only when they need it;
• Avoid the continual maintenance of excess capacity needed to handle spikes; and
• Improve automation that helps drive process efficiencies.

According to findings from the study, companies plan to accelerate their adoption of cloud computing from 10 percent to 69 percent of their IT spend by 2020.

It is said that Phil Lempert can predict the future. Well, not really, but the reality of what Phil is doing is no less impressive. Through a tremendous amount of analysis, coupled with a deep understanding surrounding customer behavior, Phil Lempert has been able to aid businesses and customers alike in keeping awash in marketing trends, new products and the changing retail landscape. His tireless efforts have earned him the moniker of The Supermarket Guru ® and has made him one of America’s leading consumer trend-watchers and analysts.

Phil Lempert was one of the pioneers of the new information media, founding SupermarketGuru.com in 1994. The website is now one of the leading food and health resources on the Internet, visited by more than 9 million people each year. SupermarketGuru.com offers thorough food ratings, analyzes trends in food marketing and retail, and features health advice, unique recipes, nutrition analysis, allergy alerts and many other resources to help consumers understand their food, health, lifestyle and shopping options.

Lempert is contributing editor of Supermarket News, which exclusively runs his columns both in its magazine and on its website; as well as a content partner with SN which includes custom consumer surveys and other projects. He has been profiled and interviewed by USA Today, The New York Times , The Christian Science Monitor, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Newsweek and Ad Age , and is interviewed by hundreds of publications each year.

If you haven’t already, head on over to his website located at http://www.supermarketguru.com/