Top consumer beverage trends for the restaurant industry | Menu content from

Top consumer beverage trends for the restaurant industry | Menu content from
Josh Kern, Smashburger: We have digital menu boards in 98 percent of our restaurants, which helps. In the evening, you can certainly put those messages up. I think the more words you put to it — you know, the classic Smash goes well with this beer, it …
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New-look Wendy's coming to Braselton – Gainesville Times
Among the amenities are Coke Freestyle machines, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, lounge seating with a fireplace and digital menu boards. Wendy's announced in August 2014 its plans to “revitalize the quick service brand and urged the franchise community to …
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Consumer Health Insurance Site Founder: Health Reform or No Health Reform, Americans Can Help Reduce Rolls of the Uninsured

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) March 4, 2010

The highly publicized health care legislation being debated in Congress is intended to reduce the ranks of America’s uninsured. It remains to be seen whether Congress will pass significant reform, but what’s not in question is that many of America’s uninsured don’t have to wait for new legislation to pass to get coverage, according to the founder of the one of the Web’s most visited consumer-focused health insurance sites.

For many uninsured Americans, finding health coverage may be a simple matter of getting information about coverage that’s already available to them. And, while state governments and health care advocacy groups are making concerted efforts to direct the uninsured to coverage, efforts by ordinary citizens can also help reduce the rolls of the uninsured, says Charles Smith-Dewey, founder of the Health Insurance Resource Center.

The growing problem

According to “State of the States,” a 2009 publication by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the number of Americans without health insurance rose to 46.3 million in 2008 – or 15.4 percent of the population. Even working adults – 26.9 million of them – are increasingly uninsured.

The growing number of uninsured Americans is driven in part by a continued rise in premiums which, according to the report, have increased by 131 percent over the past decade. In recent weeks, both the media and the Obama Administration expressed outrage over WellPoint’s decision to increase health insurance rates by double digits in 11 states – and as much as 39 percent for some policy holders in California.

As a result, the percentage of Americans with private health insurance is dropping while the number of individuals with employer-sponsored insurance rates also continues a long-term decline.

The consequences

The consequences of not having insurance are numerous for the uninsured – and for the insured. A report from the Institute of Medicine on the consequences of not having insurance noted that

    uninsured Americans “experience worse health and die sooner” than their insured counterparts;
    families suffer emotionally and financially when a family member is uninsured;
    the uninsured cause instability at the community level for health care providers and institutions and for the services and programs accessible to residents; and
    the nation suffers economically due to the “poorer health and premature death” of uninsured Americans.

Where the uninsured turn

As Americans lose their private health insurance and their employer-sponsored coverage, more and more people are turning to public programs to find whatever affordable coverage they can secure. Many states, in response to increasing demand, are making their own efforts to expand access to programs.

Eighteen states have passed or enacted legislation to expand Medicaid and CHIP programs. And last year, Congress provided funding to states so they could expand eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP.

Some individuals – including many who can actually afford insurance – have been denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Those individuals are increasingly looking to high-risk insurance pools, state-sponsored pools of individuals who have been denied coverage by private insurance companies.

Unfortunately, not all states offer risk pools – and when they do, the pools are often markedly more expensive, which still puts coverage out of reach for many individuals.

Communities offer help

But even with increased funding and promotion of these programs by the states, millions of families continue to go without insurance because they’re not aware that they’re eligible for publicly administered health insurance programs. And sadly, many Americans aren’t aware of how easy it is to help the uninsured.

“In response to the current debate about reform, Americans are sending loud, clear messages to Washington about their desire for legislation that will cover more of the uninsured,” says Smith-Dewey, who founded the Health Insurance Resource Center in 1994. “But their voices can accomplish as much, if not more, in their own communities.”

Smith-Dewey says that more and more, communities are witnessing grassroots efforts to raise awareness of affordable coverage options for the uninsured. “It may be as simple as using your school or community group newsletter, bulletin board or Web site to post directions to insurance resources,” he says.

For CHIP and Medicaid assistance, the most convenient resource is often a state’s department of insurance. For Web sites and phone numbers of each state’s department, visit http://www.healthinsurance.org/states/. Individuals seeking coverage through state high-risk pools can find contact information for participating states at http://www.healthinsurance.org/risk_pools.

Beyond posting the information, an increasing number of community groups are hosting insurance enrollment drives, Smith-Dewey says. Well-organized initiatives such as “Cover the Uninsured,” a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, give individuals the information and tools they need to learn about insurance options in their states and to start their own community drives.

Cover the Uninsured Week” – a nonpartisan campaigned organized by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – has endeavored for seven years to help millions of uninsured Americans find coverage. The drive this year will take place March 14-20.

“Through the ongoing debate, we’ve all learned that a lack of health coverage can have catastrophic consequences,” Smith-Dewey says. “Fortunately, we’ve also learned that Americans genuinely want to help solve the health care crisis – and that they’re willing to take steps in their own communities.”

For more information about health coverage resources – both public and private – available in your state, visit http://www.healthinsurance.org/states/.

Healthinsurance.org is a free online source of consumer health resources, including information about individual health insurance, major medical insurance and affordable medical insurance. Access to free health insurance quotes – private and online – is available by visiting http://www.healthinsurance.org.

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Apple dominates consumer sentiment for Tablet PCs – with 48% share of positive customer comments online

London (UK PRWEB) July 5, 2011

the customers’ point of view on the tablets are positively overwhelming. DigitalMR measured on a ¼ million positive comments for slate devices through January to June 2011, compared to just over 100 000 negatives. Apple has a dominant 48% share of these positive comments and 52% of the smaller group of negative comments. Next placed is Motorola with 16% of positive mentions and 18% negative.


The results are based on comments posted by consumers on major brands of tablets made by Apple, Motorola, Samsung, Blackberry, HTC, LG, Barnes and Nobles, ASUS, Archos and Viewsonic, through January-June 2011.

The analysis of DigitalMR (powered by SocialNuggets) is based on comments below via a range of relevant websites and open access social media platforms. It measures not only the number of comments posted by consumers on the Internet, but also their sense -. If jobs are positive or negative in nature

DigitalMR CEO, Michalis Michael commented: “The tablets appear to have launched a wave of optimism of consumers and the iPad currently dominates online conversation is essential for brands to leverage their goodwill. line, to create a greater impact than the battle for second place is increasing. ”


The popularity of tablets shows no signs of slowing. For example, the Consumer Electronics Association, 17 million were sold in the US alone in 2010 and its last forecast of 42 million units to be sold in 2011. Source: http://www.twice.com

With growing sales, and many more consumers intend to buy, what do consumers actually think about slate devices?


1) Net Sentiment

All brands measured, achieve a net positive score Feeling (NSS) Jan-June NSS provides an overall score of percentage of net positive messages. A positive result of a tablet attracts a higher proportion of positive and negative messages.


The average NSS necessary for all brands measured is 41% – very high compared to other industry sectors. This is very encouraging for the Tablet PC industry because it shows customers are generally very satisfied with their devices and are eager to share the good news online.


Apple has a NSS of 38%, slightly below average, but given its dominant position in the customer market expectations are likely to be higher. However, it still generates more buzz online twice as positive as negative. New entrants to the market (with a much lower base online chat) to achieve higher NSS as Viewersonic 78%, 65% Blackberry, LG and HTC both with 57%.


2) the positive and negative messages

Apple accounts for 48% of all positive messages to consumers on the internet through Jan.-June 2011. The next are more powerful Motorola 16%, followed by Samsung and Blackberry, both with 9%.


Of all the measured negative messages, Apple accounts for 52%. Motorola follows with 18%, followed by Barnes and Noble with 11%.


3) Features

DigitalMR measured thousands of workstations throughout January-June about the features that tablets offer. The negative aspect is crucial “Size” of the device. As seen in the customer quote below, this may include the weight, the overall size and the size of the screen. Devices that may be too large for some users are often not large enough for the other, because of the way the size is related to the preferred type of use. This is likely to become a key differentiator for tablets as the market develops.

Size attracts 20% of all the negative comments, but only 9% of all positive. Conversely, the characteristic of “Video” on slate devices is well received, attracting 15% of all positive comments, but only 9% of those who are negative.


Customers’ comments on the tablet size:

“Blackberry Playbook is surprisingly heavy for its size of 7 inches. It has applications evil. He must basic applications, including email, calendar and contacts at the very least, because webmail seems not function properly. It must be less than strollers in general. ”

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/blackberry_playbook_a_work_in_progress.php

“I hesitated to acquire Slate 500 due to take more time than anything else, but I was not happy with his screen size. – Too small for a real productive use I have read drawings and documents on the screen and can not be zooming in and out with the power of graphics processing compromises on these devices. ”

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/02/21/when-does-size-matter-on-your-tablet/

“Just because something is more expensive and does not do better! I have been digitally inking / drawing and do my digital art and for the last 2-3 years and I really prefer small tablets. I uses a genius 8×6 tablet and it works wonders for me. I heard people give horrible reviews 12×8- tablets as his way of saying great to use and I believe them. ”

http: //www.smackjeeves.com/forum/viewtopic.php f = 21 & amp; amp; t = 7345

4) In their words – comments positive

“Very pleased with my iPad. Lightweight, portable and easy to use. Holds its charge for about 10 hours of general use. Active instantly (unlike my old laptop). The App Store is much more fun as a laptop. ”

http: // www .reviewcentre.com / Tablet Computer / Apple iPad-review_1359289

“The Blackberry Playbook is one of my favorite tablets in terms of the user interface, I like to slide across the screen and bezel to interact with the operating system and applications, it is very intuitive and effortlessly. The ability to make the navigation bar and keyboard appear by touching the glasses is great, and go to the home screen from any application is easy. ”

http: // www.ubergizmo.com/2011/05/blackberry-playbook-review/

“I bought the 32GB model from pc world a month ago and I can tell you right now the battery life is awesome and I can not put the thing down. The only thing I need say I’m not bothered, is that it has a locked bootloader Acer Iconia Tablet resistant to unlock (I can see the reasons) but apart from that, I’m definitely keeping the tablet and this is my new best friend right now. ”

http://forums.reghardware.com/forum/1/2011/06/01/review_acer_iconia_tab_a500_android_tablet/

“The quality of the Motorola Xoom screen is big, applications run smoothly and all in all it must be said that if you are a Gmail user or Google Apps is the device you need for everyday use. Gmail, maps, docs et al interfaces are far superior to that of iOS devices. The life of the battery is fantastic and beautifully Apps Sync if you are already an Android user. ”

http: // www .reviewcentre.com / Tablet Computer / Motorola Xoom-reviews_1358811-

“Well Ipad 2 was a bit expensive, it was worth it I take with me wherever I go and it’s very easy to use The battery lasts more than a laptop;.. Applications are easy to install and to use. The new iPad is obviously faster than its predecessor. ”

http://www.reviewcentre.com/review846375 .html

5) How shelves brands use social media to their advantage?

tablets can use the analysis of data from Web sites and other social media in the following ways:

Engage in a dialogue one-on-one with their clients and respond to negative comments.
Invite some customers to participate in online forums and discussion groups to express their views more
Positive feeling can be exploited in advertising
Operations can learn and solve specific performance issues and retail products
The products can be adjusted and new designed to meet the needs of customers

About the report of the syndicated tablet

DigitalMR tablet produces a monthly report that monitors thousands of online conversations customers through comments posted on open access social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, forums, blogs, microblogs and commercial sites, comments on the tablet’s services.

The report is available on annual subscription with updates provided quarterly, monthly or weekly. The results will be updated to the press on a monthly basis.


Contact

For regular reporting and further information:

Michalis A. Michael

mmichael (at) Digital mr (dot) com

Tel: +44 751 571 0370

http: // www. digital-mr.com

About DigitalMR

DigitalMR is a specialized agency that provides a holistic approach to market research based on the Web. It specializes in research using social media, particularly web-listening and sophisticated technology platforms to improve its approach to business consulting.


DigitalMR solutions also include community panels, access panels, web usability and special emphasis on qualitative research online. The agency has developed new methods in online focus groups alongside tools such as video diaries, bulletin boards and online ethnography.


The agency works in collaboration with the International Society for market research MASMI http: // www .masmi.com . DigitalMR is headed by founder and MD, Michalis Michael and has its headquarters in London, UK and Nicosia, Cyprus.


About SocialNuggets

SocialNuggets technology delivers real-time information on the market for fast moving industries by analyzing data from various social media sources with a mission to liberate social media data and sentiment analysis to use in real-time research brands, products and features. SocialNuggets offers ready to use market intelligence for various industry sectors, including consumer electronics and banking. SocialNuggets data comes in the size of the bite, ready-to-consume, infographics and is also available as full access to our data warehouse for analysis and integration with customer data. SocialNuggets a Serendio company, was founded in 2011 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California For more information, please visit http://www.SocialNuggets.net

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clear = “all”

Apple Continues to Dominate Consumer Sentiment for Tablet PCs with a 38% Share of Positive Customer Comments Online

London, UK (PRWEB) November 02, 2011

Online market research specialist DigitalMR releases latest findings on what customers are saying about tablet PCs on the internet.

The overwhelming majority of customers are highly positive in their views on tablet PCs as expressed on the internet. DigitalMR measured thousands of comments for slate devices across July-August 2011. Three quarters of all views measured were positive with only 25% negative. Apple recorded a 38% share of all positive comments and 33% of the smaller pool of negative ones. Next placed is HTC with 17% of positive mentions and 22% of negative.

Results are based on comments posted by consumers on the major tablet brands made by: Apple, Motorola, Samsung, Blackberry, HTC, LG, HP, ASUS, Archos and Fusion Garage, across July-August 2011.

DigitalMR’s analysis (powered by SocialNuggets) is based on comments posted via a range of relevant websites and open access social media platforms. It measures, not only the number of comments posted by consumers on the internet, but also their sentiment – whether posts are positive or negative in nature.

Managing Director of DigitalMR, Michalis Michael commented: “Apple is still the main player in the tablet PC online space. It will be interesting to see if some of the new entrants can emulate the smatphone market and implement successful strategies to increase their online share of voice.”

All the brands measured, achieve a positive Net Sentiment Score (NSS) for Jul-Aug. NSS provides an overall percentage score of net positive posts. A positive score means a tablet attracts a higher proportion of positive than negative posts. The average NSS taken across all brands measured is 50% which is very high compared with other industry sectors.

This is good news for the tablet industry as it shows that generally customers and very satisfied with their products and are happy to spread the word online. Apple has an NSS of 55%, slightly above average, but given its dominant position in the market customer expectations are likely to be higher. Newer entrants to the market that achieve the highest NSS are Archos 75% and Asus with 71%. Brands that are performing significantly below the average NSS of 50% are HTC with 39% and Motorola with 37%.

DigitalMR measures thousands of customer posts across Jul-Aug regarding the features that tablets offer. The most talked about features (both positively and negatively) are “operating system” (18% share of positive comments vs 21% negative) and “application” (18% positive vs 20% negative).

Click here for more data

In their words –customer comments sample

Archos

“I bought this thinking to replace my book readers and for an easy way to not lug a lap top around, while I travel. It works great for both purposes, unbelievably light, very responsive and less expensive than the Ipad, etc. The 7 inch size is perfect for me. I had some trouble getting used to the operating system and file transfers etc but Archosfan.com had answers for everything I questioned. This unit also replaces an Archos 705 that I’ve had for the last couple of years and while I was impressed with it, this just blows me away.” Source: amazon.com

Asus

“You don’t need to prove anything to me. The Asus Transformer and the future Transformer 2 are the best Android (and IOS) tablets out there. I am patiently awaiting the number 2 but winning the first generation will quench my thirst to possibly hold out for 3!”

Source: http://androidcommunity.com/tabletpalooza-2011-giveaway-week-2-asus-eee-pad-transformer-20110713/

Click here for further customers comments and more about the web listening report

About DigitalMR

DigitalMR is a specialist agency which provides a holistic approach to web based market research. It specialises in utilising social media research, especially web-listening, and sophisticated technology platforms to enhance its business consulting approach.

DigitalMR’s solutions also include community panels, access panels, web usability and a distinct focus on qualitative research online. The agency has pioneered new methods in online focus groups alongside tools such as video diaries, bulletin boards and online ethnography.

The agency operates in affiliation with international market research company MASMI http://www.masmi.com. DigitalMR is headed by founder and MD, Michalis Michael and has offices in London, UK; Nicosia, Cyprus, and Columbus, Ohio, in the US.

Click here for more about SocialNuggets

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Retail Customer Experience Releases Consumer Survey Results on Mobile Retail Apps

Louisville, KY (PRWEB) April 08, 2014

Pity the poor retailer: Just when they adapt to one disruptive technology, another comes forward to make them rethink their tactics yet again.

The most recent paradigm-shifter is the mobile application, and many retail executives still struggle to understand how to incorporate them into their user experience—or whether they should even bother.

The questions are worth asking. According to information technology research firm Gartner, mobile apps will have been downloaded 268 billion times by 2017. They will have generated $ 77 billion in revenue for their deployers. And users will be providing streams of personalized data to more than 100 apps and services a day — whether they know they are doing so or not.

Hoping to help retailers survive and thrive in the mobile app world, Retail Customer Experience and sister site Mobile Payments Today have published “Mobile Retail Apps and the Engaged Consumer.”

The 59-page report includes sections on best practices, commentaries by some of the leading minds in mobile retail applications, a directory of providers from multiple countries and of special interest, a survey of 1,000 consumers about their habits, preferences and recommendations when it comes to mobile apps in the retail space.

“Some of the results were really surprising to me,” said report author Joseph Grove, a veteran B2B journalist and former senior vice president and executive editor for the publisher of Retail Customer Experience. “For example, I didn’t expect to be the case that men were more likely than women to be heavy users of mobile retail apps, or that pharmacies would show up so strongly as a popular app category.”

The report includes data on mobile wallet and Passbook adoption, consumer concerns regarding mobile app data security, used and desired functionalities, and frustrations. The download of the report includes jpegs of many of the almost 70 charts and graphs, which readers have permission to share with co-workers or apply in presentations.

Commentaries include:


Mike Wittenstein, founder, Storyminers. ”The Push for Sophistication Must Drive Value, Function”
Chris McClain, executive vice president, Americas Strategic Industries, SAP. “Unlocking the Power of Mobile in Retail”
Jason Goldberg, vice president, Razorfish. “Mobile Apps Can Pay Off Big”
Jack Philbin, founder/CEO, Vibes. ”How to Ensure a Symbiotic Mobile Marketing Strategy.”

“Some of most common questions and popular stories are about retail mobile applications and how our readers can be successful with them. This report goes a long way to providing answers,” said James Bickers, senior editor of Retail Customer Experience.

More information is available here.

ABOUT RETAIL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

RetailCustomerExperience.com is a website devoted to helping retailers differentiate on experience, rather than on price. It is founded on the understanding that retail today is fundamentally different than any other time in its history, and staying competitive requires a new, holistic understanding of customers and how they want to shop.

ABOUT NETWORLD MEDIA GROUP

Founded in 2000, Networld Media Group is a leading business-to-business (B2B) media communications company specializing in digital media, associations and events in the mobile, self-service, digital signage, retail, food service and financial services industries. Online properties include ATMmarketplace.com, DigitalSignageToday.com, FastCasual.com, KioskMarketplace.com, MobilePaymentsToday.com, PizzaMarketplace.com, QSRweb.com, RetailCustomerExperience.com, SelfServiceWorld.com and ChurchCentral.com. The company produces executive summits in the fast casual, retail, ATM and mobile payments industries. Its custom media division develops premium content and marketing services for associations such as the ATM Industry Association.

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Tellystream digital signage replaces commercials with internal ads on consumer

Tellystream digital signage replaces commercials with internal ads on consumer
Norway-based Greenflow AS announced its Tellystream digital signage software enables end-users to remotely control multiple TV screens in order to display their own content during game breaks or when no relevant sports events are on. Restaurants or …
Read more on Digital Signage Today

Transparent LED Modules Create See-Thru Digital Signage
Transparent LED Modules Create See-Thru Digital Signage. April 8, 2014. Shenzhen Elike's Glass Video Wall allows store owners to turn their windows into digital signage without blocking the view inside. Industry News sponsored by: Capital Networks.
Read more on Digital Signage Connection

Nielsen Data Service for Digital Signage/DOOH Networks
The second service is the “DPAA-Nielsen Digital Diploma Series Training Program.” The Nielsen training team will provide a series of training webinars and insights, educating DPAA member networks on how to use qualitative and quantitative data sets …
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Uncharted Territory: Balancing Personalization and Consumer Privacy in a Mobile World

Louisville, KY (PRWEB) April 07, 2014

Networld Media Group announced today that Nikki Baird, managing partner with Retail Systems Research (RSR), has joined the speaker roster for its 2014 CONNECT Mobile Innovation Summit, which will convene on August 18–20 this year in Chicago.

“In the area of consumer privacy,” says Baird, “technology has moved faster than policy and ethics. The ability to track customers, from online to in-store, has opened up a world of possibilities. But with great power comes great responsibility. Consumers decide daily how much information to share in return for benefits from retailers. But there are plenty of instances where the consumer is not even aware they are being tracked.

“These are uncharted waters that must be navigated carefully to benefit both retail organizations and customers while avoiding backlash and irreparable harm to brands.”

Baird’s session, “Privacy: Shifting Attitudes, Unintended Consequences,” will explore how retailers and restaurants can best navigate the challenging space between consumers’ demands for relevance and personalization and their fears around privacy.

Baird is one of the most recognized analysts covering the retail industry and has written research and articles on topics ranging from in-store marketing and technology, store performance management, supply chain and multi-channel fulfillment, retailer-manufacturer collaboration, merchandising and loyalty & promotions management. She has been quoted as a subject matter expert in The Economist, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and National Public Radio. Prior to becoming an analyst, Baird has been a retailer, software provider and consultant in the retail space.

“The focus of Nikki Baird’s session could not be more top of mind among retail and restaurant executives at this time,” says Networld Media Group’s Senior VP of Events David Drain. “We are excited to be convening so many brand thought leaders in one place at one time, so that huge issues such as consumer privacy versus behavioral tracking and analysis can be explored and debated thoroughly for the benefit of all.”

Both seats and sponsorships for the Summit are limited, Drain says. Early bird registration is now open.

ABOUT NETWORLD MEDIA GROUP

Founded in 2000, Networld Media Group is a leading business-to-business (B2B) media communications company specializing in digital media, associations and events in the mobile, self-service, digital signage, retail, food service and financial services industries. Online properties include ATMmarketplace.com, DigitalSignageToday.com, FastCasual.com, KioskMarketplace.com, MobilePaymentsToday.com, PizzaMarketplace.com, QSRweb.com, RetailCustomerExperience.com, SelfServiceWorld.com and ChurchCentral.com. The company produces executive summits in the fast casual, retail, ATM and mobile payments industries. Its custom media division develops premium content and marketing services for associations such as the ATM Industry Association.

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