The New Japanese Consumer

DISCUSSION TOPIC

 

November 18, 2011

 

All:

 

“After decades of behaving differently, Japanese consumers suddenly look a lot like their counterparts in Europe and the United States. Celebrated for their willingness to pay for quality and convenience and usually uninterested in cheaper products, Japanese consumers are now flocking to discount and online retailers. Sales of relatively affordable private-label foods have increased dramatically, and many consumers, despite small living spaces, are buying in bulk. Instead of eating out, people are entertaining at home. Workers are even packing their own lunches, sparking the nickname bento-danshi, or “boxlunch man.””

 

The preceding quote is from the latest “DFS Learning e-Blast” article, “The New Japanese Consumer”, by Brian Salsberg.

 

In this 2^nd quarter 2010 article from the McKinsey Quarterly, the author provides an interesting overview of the Japanese consumer’s changing domestic purchasing behaviors.

 

In previous e-Blast articles we’ve explored the changing dynamics of consumers in Korea and China.  Today, learn what factors are changing the way the Japanese consumer thinks about shopping and brands, and how this impacts their shopping behaviors.  By better understanding what drives today’s Japanese shopper, we can better serve our #2 customer nationality as they visit our locations throughout the world.

 

More from the article:

 

“This fundamental shift in the attitudes and behavior of Japanese consumers seems likely to persist, irrespective of any economic recovery.  That’s because the change stems not just from the recent downturn but also from deep-seated factors ranging from the digital revolution to the emergence of a less materialistic younger generation.”

 

Read the short article to learn more!

 

Mike Osorio, your Dare to be Contagious™ strategist

 

www.OsorioGroup.com

 

What do you think?  Please add your comments to join the discussion!

 

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Xanadu: the latest mega-development

DISCUSSION TOPIC:  Critics: Xanadu Stinking Up Jersey Swamp

TOPIC SUMMARY:

It’s impossible to imagine that Kubla Khan’s vision of Xanadu bore any resemblance to the monumental (some would say monstrous) mall project of the same name that is growing on the edge of the Meadowlands swamp in northern New Jersey.

The project, which has been beset with financial challenges, environmental challenges and critics who know ugly when they see it, continues to move forward largely as the result of one man’s unwavering commitment to the 2.4-million-square-foot entertainment and shopping complex.

That man, Laurence Siegel, is the driving force behind Xanadu, a $2.3 billion project that when complete will include features such as the first indoor ski slope in the U.S., a wind tunnel for sky diving lessons, a wave machine for indoor surfing, and a 287-foot-high Ferris wheel (Pepsi logo positioned prominently in the middle) that will offer riders close-up looks at the Manhattan skyline. Xanadu will also include a movie multiplex with an Egyptian theme (locals scratching their heads over that), dining options galore and acre-upon-acre of upscale shopping destinations.

As a New York Times article pointed out, many who have seen the plans and renderings of the project have reacted adversely. Richard J. Codey, president of the New Jersey State Senate, described it as “yucky-looking.” Others, RetailWire has been told by local sources, refer to the project now as “Xanadudu.”
No matter the naysayers, Mr. Siegel is convinced that Xanadu’s success will dwarf its massive size. “Look at the majestic nature of this space. You’re going to come here just for the ‘omigod’ factor,” he told The Times.

Discussion questions:  What do you think of the Meadowlands Xanadu strategy to create a huge retail and entertainment complex? Are these types of developments in line with where the consuming public is headed?

My post:

Despite the design concerns, the combination of cool & unique entertainment with great stores should create a success for Xanadu.  This project reminds me of, and is dwarfed by, the mega hotel/shopping/entertainment projects in Dubai.  With the economy likely to be tough for quite some time and making vacations less affordable, residents in the NY area will be glad for a unique “almost vacation” getaway, similar to Mall of America.  I believe we will see more of these projects over the years and they will certainly put pressure on existing malls to reinvigorate their offerings to compete for share of ever-shrinking time and wallet.

Mike Osorio, your Dare to be Contagious! ^TM strategist

www.OsorioGroup.com

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Go to the full discussion at RetailWire.com:
http://www.retailwire.com/Discussions/Sngl_Discussion.cfm/12914    

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