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.

PLMA Calendar of Events

2012 is here and PLMA has important programs to add to your calendar. Details about conferences and seminars coming up. Click here for video.

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.

PLMALive! Archives:

the Best of the Year Past

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.

If We Could Talk To The Animals

Animals may have more to teach us humans than we realize. Dr. Kantha Shelke finds lessons for store brands from the way zebras and elephants behave.

Can Store Brands Connect With Latino Shoppers?

Hispanics are the fastest-growing demographic group in the U.S. Series host Tim Simmons interviews Latino marketing expert Stephen Palacios about the best ways to reach them.

Don’t Wave Goodbye to Baby Boomers Yet

The Baby Boomer market may not be gone after all. Brad Edmondson looks at new demographic data that shows their best spending years may be ahead of them.

QR Codes Could Change Your Life

QR stands for quick response and these little rectangles could fundamentally change the way people learn about products and stores. Dr. Kantha Shelke explains what it is all about.

Marketing Store Brands To Kids

Everyone knows kids represent one of the biggest markets for food and snacks. They are also tomorrow’s adult consumers. Len Lewis looks at the market potential and how retailers are trying to target the younger generation.

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