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EconNews Online is South-Western College Publishing's service to provide summaries of the latest economics news stories. Review the brief summaries and, for stories of interest, select the full summary. |
| PRODUCT MARKETS | |
| Title | Brief Summary |
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Aging Becomes Even Less Appealing
Full Summary |
Becoming older used
to mean senior discounts. But now, because seniors are often wealthier than
younger people, and as the number of seniors swells, price breaks are disappearing. (Updated October 1, 2001) |
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Water Ads and the Rising Tide in the Bottled Water
Market
Full Summary |
In the fast-growing bottled
water market, PepsiCo's Aquafina's ads are very simple, to match its mineral-free
water. Coke's ads for Dasani emphasize its wellness benefits. Both companies
hope to create powerful brand images that will help consumers recognize
differences between the bottled waters. (Updated September 1, 2001) |
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Do Discounts and Gifts Portend a Free-For-All in
German Product Markets?
Full Summary |
German law helps businesses
by restricting competition through rebates, discounts and free gifts. However,
Internet competition is bringing imminent changes in the law that should
help consumers. (Updated May 1, 2001) |
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Full Summary |
Prices of similar
products vary between the UK and European countries nearby. Consumers appear
to put up with these differentials because they are confused about prices.
This leads to higher prices and lower quality. More information is needed. (Updated March 1, 2001) |
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E-Commerce Software Portends Hard Times for Producers
Full Summary |
The Internet makes it
easy for shoppers to compare prices. Now software produced by companies
such as ClickTheButton and Dash shows comparisons while on the web page
of an individual company. Non-participants may lose out. (Updated January 1, 2000) |
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Coffee is Now Served - In Inner City Shops
Full Summary |
Starbucks is bucking the trend of retail outlets avoiding inner-city locations. It is partnering with Magic Johnson to open several new coffee shops in black neighborhoods. Early sales are good. Other companies may be encouraged to follow suit. (Updated August 12, 1998) |
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Full Summary |
In an uneasy alliance, Venezuela, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reduce their oil production. Oil prices had fallen to historically-low levels. They have now begun to rebound. (Updated August 12, 1998) |
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Full Summary |
Labor shortages in seasonal markets which use summer help have led to various strategies, ranging from reducing business hours, to recruiting nontraditional workers and extending overtime, to raising wages and benefits. (Updated August 12, 1998) |
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Full Summary |
Following the Valujet crash, the airline is improving its image through equipment enhancements, employee training and appearance, reserved seating, and a change of name. Profits may well re-emerge but AirTran still faces suspicion from consumers and competition from other airlines. (Updated June 5, 1998) |
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Full Summary |
In the face of overcapacity in the auto industry, producers including Chrysler are giving substantial incentives to consumers. However, Chrysler anticipates that new models will reduce the need for incentives, and that the oversupply will not worsen. In other news, Chrysler is hoping that regulators will approve its merger with Daimler-Benz. (Updated June 5, 1998) |
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Full Summary |
The airlines are making flying much more pleasant for business-class passengers and those paying full coach fare. Economy fliers are suffering a worsening of conditions in some cases. Airlines explain that they are merely giving high-paying customers what they have paid for. (Updated June 5, 1998) |
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Full Summary |
The major theme parks have increased their admission fees in the wake of cost increases. New and better rides are being constructed, and there has been an increase in the minimum wage. Although people complain, they continue to visit the parks in record numbers. (Updated June 5, 1998) |
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Full Summary |
The airlines are attempting to increase fares, prompted in part by the fact that flights are nearly full. In contrast, hotel rates continue their climb... (Updated June 5, 1998) |
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