Tag Archives: Consumers

The “internet of things” and supply chain impact

Posted on December 23, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (Dec 18, 2011) describes the role of smart sensors and cameras using real time information to impact health care, energy and water conservation and transportation. A GE project uses cameras in hospital rooms … Continue reading →

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US Canada border delay easing and impact

Posted on December 9, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (Dec 8, 2011) describes the US-Canada border delays as costing the Canadian economy $ 15.8 billion.  A new plan is expected to simplify clearance, with goods entering by ship to a US or … Continue reading →

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Managing retail customer queues to decrease dissatisfaction

Posted on December 8, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (Dec 8, 2011) describes retail queues and consumer perceptions of waiting time.  While a single queue is mathematically ideal as an approach to decrease average wait times, consumers perceive any waiting time greater … Continue reading →

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Eliminating USDA oversight of “fresh” meat labels – a good idea ?

Posted on December 8, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article  in the Wall Street Journal (Dec 7, 2011) describes a proposal by the USDA to eliminate their oversight of claims like “fresh”, “low-fat” or “Italian style” for meats.  The claims will thus rest on the credibility of the … Continue reading →

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Toygaroo – the “Netflix of Toys” ?

Posted on December 6, 2011 by aviyer2010

Toygaroo (http://www.toygaroo.com) is a Netflix like service for children’s toys. parents sign up for three different levels of service (4, 6 or 8 toys outstanding) and pay a monthly fee. All shipping is through federal Express and is free to … Continue reading →

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Higher taxes for ebooks than books in Europe

Posted on December 6, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (Dec 2, 2011) describes the classification of ebooks as a service in Europe, thus facing sales taxes close to 20% vs a tax close to 5% for paper books.  In addition, books a … Continue reading →

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Orphan drug laws and attractiveness for pharmaceutical companies

Posted on December 6, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (Nov 5, 2011) describes the Orphan Drug Act, a competition free seven year period for manufacturers of drugs to treat diseases affecting less than 200,000 patients.  This exclusive period enables drug prices for dosages to reach … Continue reading →

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Slow down Postal delivery to save USPS ?

Posted on December 5, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in CNNMoney (http://money.cnn.com/2011/12/05/news/economy/postal_service/index.htm?iid=HP_LN&hpt=hp_t2) describes a proposal by the US Postal service to change the delivery guarantee for first class mail from the current one to three days to a slower two to five days.  The slower delivery will … Continue reading →

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Turkey tails, Samoan obesity concerns and WTO entry

Posted on November 30, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (Nov 28, 2011) describes the quandry faced by Samoa, which was forced to drop its ban on turkey Tails, the 78% fat content part of the turkey.  Obesity is rampant in Samoa, with the fatty imports … Continue reading →

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Private Label growth in US grocery retail and branded goods impact

Posted on November 26, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (Nov 28,2011) describes grocery retailers like Safeway and Kroger rejuvenating private label products for antibiotic free meat, frozen pizza, pasta etc.  Consultants such as Mckinsey estimate that 75% of customers who try private label brands are … Continue reading →

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