Backstage at PLMALive!

Takes you behind the news with information about the commentators and guests presented this month.

Robyn Waters, Former Vice President Trend, Design & Prod. Devel., Target
Doug Stephens, President, Retail Prophet Consulting
Dr. Steven Miller, Global Director, Nielsen NeuroFocus, Inc.
Karl Schoemer, President, VisionQuest
James Russo, Vice President Global Insights, The Nielsen Company
Carol Angrisani, Special Report Editor, Supermarket News
Gary Giblen, Financial Analyst
Tim Simmons, Vice President of Communications, PLMA
Kurt Goldschmidt, PLMA Commentator
Brad Edmondson, Commentator
Dr. Kantha Shelke, Commentator
Len Lewis, Commentator
David Merrefield, Commentator
Alice Tepper Marlin, President, Social Accountability International (SAI)
Eileen Kohl Kaufman, Executive Director, Social Accountability International (SAI)

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PLMALive! Archives:

the Best of the Year Past

Social Accountability Drawing Attention

With store brands growth comes more attention to how products are made and where. Tim Simmons interviews officials of SAI to see how companies can participate.

What's Ahead for Store Brand Marketing?

Tim Simmons interviews Carla Cooper, CEO of Daymon Worldwide, about retailers and their new brand management and marketing programs.

Online Advertising: Boon for Store Brands?

Online advertising is expected to exceed magazine and newspaper ads for the first time. David Merrefield looks at the implications for store brands.

2012’s Top Store Brands Category Gainers

New Nielsen data reveals which private label categories were the biggest gainers last year. Kurt Goldschmidt tracks the winners.

Older Americans Could Be Market of the Future

The 75+ aged consumers are
not only living longer but spending on food, health, and wellness. Brad Edmondson reports.

Technology is Transforming Packaging

Innovation is shifting packaging from making things look good to helping shoppers get the most out of their purchases. Dr. Kantha Shelke explains.

What Retailers Can Learn from the History of Supermarkets

Tim Simmons interviews author Marc Levinson about the battle for mom and pop grocery stores.

Wine Emerging as Store Brands Growth Category in the U.S.

Store brands wine may be a big winner in the year ahead. Len Lewis offers a taste of the vines.

The Saga of Self Check-Out

Heralded as a revolution in customer service, self check-out is still waiting for its day in the sun. David Merrefield reports on the lessons to be learned.

Women in Private Label

The role of women in retailing and private label has been greater than many men realize. And companies may be missing out on natural competitive advantages. Kurt Goldschmidt looks at some of the industry's heroines.

President's Notebook

How has the private label business changed since the 1950’s? PLMA president Brian Sharoff spoke with Don Spellman, who remembers a time when a handshake between buyer and seller meant something.

New Flavors Making Store Brands Competitive

Coke and Pepsi may dominate the cola business, but new flavors are making store brands competitive. Len Lewis examines where the beverage category is going.

Green Guide Is Changing Rules for Environmentally-Friendly

The FTC is changing the rules governing phrases like recyclable and eco-friendly. David Merrefield examines the new do’s and don’ts.

Young Americans May Be Hardest Hit By Recession

Recession woes have affected many consumers, but Brad Edmondson says that younger Americans may actually be the hardest hit with serious implications for their purchasing behavior.

What Are National Brands Up To?

The list of new store brands products keeps growing, but national brands have made launches of their own, too. Kurt Goldschmidt reports.

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