VALS™ Scan August 2009
In this Issue
The Meaning of Money
A dictionary definition of money—a generally accepted means of exchange—is a gross oversimplification when the subject is a consumer's personal relationship to money. Recent research on the psychology of money indicates that rethinking traditional assumptions about money may be a very profitable strategy.
The Careful Consumer
We are seeing a significant shift in the consumer mind-set in markets throughout the world. Because of the recession, most people are reevaluating the way they shop, and many are less inclined to shop spontaneously. Is the shift temporary or permanent?
Consumer Decision Dynamics
Understanding consumer decision-making processes becomes very important in addressing new consumer needs and the more selective consumers that the global recession is creating. With adequate understanding, companies will be able to present their products more favorably than can their competitors.
About VALS™ Scan
VALS™ participates with SRI Consulting Business Intelligence's Scan™ in an environment-scanning process. The scanning process brings together experts in a variety of fields to gather early signals of change within culture, commerce, and technology. The scanning process assesses possible patterns of change and provides companies with the lead time to take advantage of marketplace changes. The items in VALS™ Scan come from a larger set of signals of change because they may have special relevance to marketers.
We are always interested in client feedback. Clients may contact offices in Menlo Park, California: +1 650 859 4600; fax: +1 650 859 4544; Croydon, England: +44 (0) 20 8686 5555, fax +44 (0) 20 8760 0635; and Tokyo, Japan: +81 3 3222 6501, fax: +81 3 3222 6508.
