Who said marketing can’t be fun?

If you haven’t seen this advert on TV, and you need a smile try this.

Nothing has made access to brands easier, faster and bang-on relevant to consumers than advancing technology.

* Send them home with something. Send folks out of your restaurant with a unique doggy bag, a T-shirt, some dessert to share — anything that will help them tell the next people they see about you.

Following this year’s global economic recession, consumers are ready to reset and start fresh for 2010. Mintel predicts seven key consumer behaviour trends for the year ahead, looking at how this year’s adversity created a new set of values. In 2010, resilience will define consumer behaviour, as people’s strengthened resolve and changed behaviours shape new lifestyles.

The way consumers shop for everyday products continues its transformation towards the Web. In 2008, online retail accounted for approximately 7% of total retail sales in the U.S, with 1.5% of consumer packaged goods (CPG) spending done on the Web.

SUMMARY: Purchasing decisions in 2010 will be affected by factors such as brand innovation, retailer assortment, proliferation of store brands, and healthy eating preferences. Walmart’s “Project Impact” strategy and other similar retailer initiatives will test consumer preferences for clean aisles and lower prices vs. broader product selection. In the first few months of 2010, sales of healthier eating alternatives should be a good indicator of consumer confidence. As 2009 brought an increase in coupon activity, CPG manufacturers will look for more efficient and effective ways to reach consumers vs. traditional trade spending. Time will tell if new product innovation will be enough to drive shoppers back to traditional brands.