HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. recently announced an important market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s E-Commerce & Internet Business Almanac, 2015 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

Worldwide, the total number of people using the Internet has reached nearly 3 billion—many are on smartphones.  China holds the world’s highest number of Internet users, far more than the U.S. Meanwhile, the number of American homes and businesses with broadband Internet access via landline or satellite totals 96 million, while 220 million cellphone subscriptions include fast Internet access. A vast array of new services, entertainment options and timesaving solutions has now become available online.

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence
• Market forecasts and industry statistics
• Industry associations list
• Profiles of leading companies

Pages: 610
Statistical Tables Provided: 15
Companies Profiled: 438
Geographic Focus: Global
Price: $349.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving? 
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies? 
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?

This carefully-researched data is a complete e-commerce and Internet market research and competitive intelligence tool—everything you need to know about the business of online access, broadband, online retailing, payment processing, technologies, web-based businesses and networks and more, including:

1. Wi-Fi, WiMax and other wireless access methods, including Bluetooth
2. Broadband Internet access analysis and trends
3. Retailing on the Internet, bricks and clicks strategies, including major online retailers such as Amazon.com, Blue Nile and Bluefly
4. Internet and e-commerce consulting, software and services

Companies Mentioned Include:

• 1-800-Flowers.Com Inc
• Alibaba Group Holding Ltd
• Cisco Systems Inc
• MakeMyTrip Limited
• RealPage Inc
• Telenor ASA

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.

Plunkett Research is a leading provider of industry trends analysis and market research. Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research or marketing data.

Contact:
Plunkett Research, Ltd.
plunkettresearch.com
713.932.0000 (US)
info@plunkettresearch.com

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. recently announced an important market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s InfoTech Industry Almanac, 2015 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technological analysis and developments at innovative firms.

The global computer industry continues to surge ahead, with innovative new hardware, software and services. Meanwhile, important new trends are developing, including software-as-a-service, and the “cloud” of data and services housed online. Designing devices so that they consume less electric power continues to be a prime focus, while mobile devices offer a soaring market.

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence
• Market forecasts and industry statistics
• Industry associations list
• Profiles of leading companies

Pages: 644
Statistical tables provided: 14
Companies profiled: 468
Geographic focus: Global
Price: $349.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving? 
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies? 
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This information-packed book covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the business of InfoTech, including:

1.  Mobile devices, laptops and tablets
2.  Contract electronics manufacturing
3.  IT markets in developing nations, such as China and India
4.  IT consulting and outsourcing
5.  Broadband access trends
6.  Nanotechnology breakthroughs in chips and ultra-dense memory
7.  Server virtualization
8.  Software-as-a-Service
9.  The Cloud
10.  Supercomputing
11.  Open source systems

Companies Mentioned Include:

• Altera Corp
• CoreSite Realty Corp
• Elitegroup Computer Systems Co Ltd
• Intuit Inc
• Nanya Technology Corporation
• Sharp Corporation

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.

Plunkett Research is a leading provider of industry trends analysis and market research. Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research or marketing data.

Contact:
Plunkett Research, Ltd.
plunkettresearch.com
713.932.0000 (US)
info@plunkettresearch.com

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. recently announced an important market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Entertainment & Media Industry Almanac, 2015 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

The global entertainment and media industry is in the midst of vast changes—giant mergers and acquisitions, new technologies and online services are changing the landscape. Globalization and digitization are affecting everything from music to movies, radio, TV and book publishing.

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence
• Market forecasts and industry statistics
• Industry associations list
• Profiles of leading companies

Pages: 587
Statistical Tables Provided: 17
Companies Profiled: 406
Geographic Focus: Global
Price: $349.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving? 
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies? 
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This information-packed book covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the entertainment business, media business and television and radio industry, plus gambling, games and much more including:

1. Profiles of major entertainment chain stores and online retailers
2. Profiles of cable television and satellite television companies
3. Emerging technologies, including video on demand PVRs
4. Profiles and trends of top publishing companies
5. Profiles and trends of leading music publishers and recording firms
6. A discussion of trends in e-commerce, convergence and online entertainment
7. Profiles of leading broadcasters
8. Mergers and acquisitions
9. Internet radio, including Pandora and Spotify

Companies Profiled Include:

• Aristocrat Leisure Ltd
• Cengage Learning
• Electronic Arts Inc (EA)
• I-Cable Communications
• Lamar Advertising Co
• NCsoft Corp

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.

Plunkett Research is a leading provider of industry trends analysis and market research. Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research or marketing data.

Contact:
Plunkett Research, Ltd.
plunkettresearch.com
713.932.0000 (US)
info@plunkettresearch.com

The plus-size market usually refers to women’s sizes 14 and up. The plus-sized women’s clothing market in the U.S. reached $18 billion in 2014, up about 5%. Over the years, as more and more Americans have approached the overweight category, manufacturers have adjusted the way they describe their sizes in order to make them sound smaller. The trend is called “vanity sizing.” 

For retailers, part of the challenge lies in finding the best way to effectively target these consumers. Factors that retailers must consider include product placement in stores and store layout. Having clearly marked sections devoted exclusively to plus-sized garments, rather than combining these garments on racks with non-plus-sizes, may be a good strategy, along with larger fitting rooms with flattering lighting and fixtures.

For manufacturers, challenges exist both in terms of labor and material costs. There are also design issues. Many plus-size consumers, especially women, do not want to sacrifice style for proper fit, and they enjoy wearing youthful, chic clothing instead of the tent-like tops and pants that have been their traditional choices. 

Charming Shoppes, Inc., which owns plus-size women’s clothing stores Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Sonsi and Catherines, is betting on an online system called Fashion Genius. Shoppers fill out an online survey as to their body shape, clothing and style preferences. Fashion Genius assigns a profile (such as “Fearlessly Confident”) and suggests clothing matches. Women are able to build personalized outfits based on their Fashion Genius fit and style profile, share their outfit creations across their preferred social media, and vote for their favorite customer-created looks.

For more industry data, statistics and pricing plans online access to our Apparel & Textiles industry information, see https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/apparel-textiles-clothing-market-research/

If you prefer printed book or eBook versions of our data, our latest publication is:

Plunkett's Apparel & Textiles Industry Almanac, 2015 Edition

483 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-62831-360-4
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-693-3
Publication Date: June 2015

Both the online audience and the level of sophistication in online advertising continue to increase dramatically. Advertisers large and small have made the Internet a significant part of their advertising strategies. $50.7 billion was spent on U.S. online ad spending in 2014 (including online and mobile platforms), up from $42.3 billion in 2013.  Growth to $58.6 billion is expected in 2015. Online ad spending in 2014 accounted for 26.8% of all U.S. advertising. For 2014, global digital ad spending was an estimated $171 billion.

While Google remains the digital advertising leader, Facebook is building targeted advertising revenues based on likes and dislikes established in users’ profiles, to the extent that it is now one of the largest generators of online advertising revenue.  The firm’s total revenue for 2014 was $12.47 billion, up from 2013’s $7.87 billion.  Unique versions of each can be carefully edited and targeted for specific types of Facebook users.  One Lexus ad was recently created in 1,000 different versions.  Advertisers on Facebook have learned to use videos as an extremely effective part of their ads.  That trend is also seen now on LinkedIn and will become strong on Twitter and Pinterest.

For more data, statistics and pricing plans on the Advertising & Branding Industry, see our online Advertising data at:  https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/advertising-branding-industry-market-research/

If you’re interested in printed book or eBook data instead of online, here’s our latest publication:

Plunkett's Advertising & Branding Industry Almanac, 2015 Edition
523 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-62831-359-8
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-692-6
Publication Date: April 2015

Car-sharing (ZipCar, etc.) will generate about $2.5 billion in revenues in North America during 2015, according to Plunkett Research estimate, and is forecasted to grow to $10 billion worldwide by 2017. The automobile industry refers to this sector as “mobility services.”

Zipcar operates in a large number of American cities. It offers drivers inexpensive alternatives to owning their own cars. For subscription rates of $7 per month or $70 per year, plus hourly rates starting at about $8 and daily rates starting at $69, Zipcar members are issued smart cards that allow them to unlock Zipcar vehicles with a wave of the card over the windshield. The cars are equipped with pre-paid cards for use at gas stations and insurance coverage; and drivers are allowed 180 miles of driving per day.

Zipcar is utilizing innovative, densely populated locations as pick up spots, such as garages in major hotels and university campuses. The firm spawned a number of similar offerings from competitors including rental car firm Hertz Corp.’s Hertz on Demand (formerly Connect by Hertz) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s WeCar.

In the U.S. a number of ride sharing programs have sprung up as well. These include Lyft, Sidecar and Uber. The UberX service was available in 25 U.S. cities as of early 2014. On average, nonprofessional services cost between 10% and 20% more than taxis, although Sidecar often costs less. Some services charge higher rates, sometimes more than double the normal fare, during rush hour.

The ride sharing trend has become so popular that it is attracting attention from car manufacturers and rental companies who want to get in on the action. For example, BMW has its own car-sharing program in Europe. To many consumers, particularly millennials, car-sharing services are preferable to costs of owning a personal car.

For more data, statistics and pricing plans on the Automobile industry, see https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/automobiles-trucks-market-research/

Plunkett's Automobile Industry Almanac, 2015 Edition
568 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-62831-342-0
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-676-6
Online Edition Available
Publication Date: October 2014

The parcel delivery business is one of the most competitive in the world, with a small handful of companies battling for market share. 

FedEx’s and UPS’s dominance has been facing growing competition from regional carriers. By working together to build delivery networks, small ground carriers such as Eastern Connection Operating, Inc.; LaserShip, Inc.; and OnTrac began undercutting prices and offering a viable alternative for some instances of express delivery. By late 2013, Amazon, Avon and Walgreens were utilizing these services to some extent. Regional services often can ship packages within a region faster than FedEx or UPS, with prices generally lower by 20% or more.

Both FedEx and UPS posted significant growth in fiscal 2014 as the U.S. economy began to strengthen. Both domestic and international shipments rose, with the greatest growth in e-commerce. At UPS, e-commerce accounted for about 45% of U.S. package deliveries, with business-to-business shipments rising (and showing greater profitability).

For 2014, FedEx reported revenue of $45.6 billion, up from $44.3 billion in 2013 and $42.7 billion in 2012. 2014 profits were $2.1 billion, up from $1.6 billion in 2013, which were down from $2.0 billion in 2012. In mid-2014, FedEx raised its shipping fees, taking into account each package’s size in addition to its weight.

For more data, statistics and pricing plans on the Transportation, Supply Chain & Logistics industry, see https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/transportation-supply-chain-logistics-industry-market-research/

Plunkett's Transportation, Supply Chain & Logistics Industry Almanac, 2015 Edition
691 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-62831-357-4
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-691-9
Online Edition Available
Publication Date: April 2015

China is posting phenomenal growth in e-commerce, up by 45.8% in 2014 to a total of $446.6 billion. This growth is due to widely available Internet access, a growing middle class, an improvement in home delivery and shipping options, and the development of Chinese-owned systems such as the Alipay electronic payment platform that makes shopping more secure and convenient. China is the world’s largest Internet market by number of users. 

In addition, China has become the world’s largest cellphone market by far, and a large and growing number of Chinese cellphone subscribers are using advanced smartphones to access the Internet.  China’s total Internet user base will likely top 800 million by the end of 2015. 

China’s Singles’ Day, an e-commerce holiday and the world’s largest Internet shopping event, brought in more than $9 billion in sales in November 2014. A notable difference between Chinese and U.S. online buyers is that in China, shoppers often buy from digital marketplaces rather than traditional brick and mortar retailers’ web sites.  These marketplaces are megasites similar to eBay or Amazon Marketplace.

For more data, statistics and pricing plans on the E-Commerce & Internet Business industry, see https://www.plunkettresearch.com/industries/ecommerce-internet-technology-market-research/

Plunkett's E-Commerce & Internet Business Almanac, 2015 Edition
611 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-62831-353-6
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-687-2
Online Edition Available
Publication Date: March 2015 

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. recently announced an important market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Investment & Securities Industry Almanac, 2015 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

The global investment industry is reeling from massive changes and challenges. Sovereign wealth funds have amassed trillions of dollars for investment purposes. Markets, from commodities to stocks to debt instruments and ordinary bonds, are subject to wild swings and 24/7 electronic trading. Markets and investments are increasingly globalized. Private equity funds are investing immense amounts of money; venture capital activity is strong; and hedge funds have become dominant investors in many types of assets. Corporate merger and acquisition (M&A) activity has been running at a very high rate in the U.S. and abroad.

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence
• Market forecasts and industry statistics
• Industry associations list
• Profiles of leading companies

Pages: 511
Statistical Tables Provided: 16
Companies Profiled: 357
Geographic Focus: Global
Price: $349.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving? 
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies? 
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich book covers competitive intelligence, market research, business analysis—everything you need you know about the business of investments, including:


     1.Investment banking

     2.Stock brokers
     3.Discount brokers
     4.Online brokers
     5.Significant trends in financial information technologies
     6.Asset management
     7.Stock ownership by individuals and households
     8.401(k)s and pension plans
     9.Mutual funds
    10.ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds)
    11.ECNs (Electronic Communication Networks)
    12.Stock exchanges

Companies Mentioned Include:

• Aviva plc
• Citigroup Inc
• Fifth Third Bancorp
• HDFC Bank Ltd
• iStar Financial Inc
• Mizuho Financial Group Inc
• Northstar Realty Finance Corporation
• Piper Jaffray Companies

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.

Plunkett Research is a leading provider of industry trends analysis and market research. Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research or marketing data.
Contact:
Plunkett Research, Ltd.
plunkettresearch.com
713.932.0000 (US)
info@plunkettresearch.com

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. recently announced an important market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Renewable, Alternative & Hydrogen Energy Industry Almanac, 2015 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

Renewable energy is improving in technology and efficiency. Nevertheless,costs remain high. Renewable energy sources and cleaner-burning fuels are of great appeal to the large number of consumers who have developed an interest in protecting the environment. For example, surveys have shown that some consumers would be willing to pay somewhat more for electricity if they knew it was coming from non-polluting, renewable sources.

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence
• Market forecasts and industry statistics
• Industry associations list
• Profiles of leading companies

Pages: 473
Statistical Tables Provided: 35
Companies Profiled: 289
Geographic Focus: Global
Price: $349.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving? 
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies? 
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This information-packed book covers competitive intelligence, market research and business intelligence tools—everything you need to know about the business of clean energy, including:

1. Corporate investment, research and development
2. Superconductivity
3. Advanced electricity storage devices
4. Government agencies
5. Nanotechnology and polymer photovoltaics
6. Biomass, waste-to-energy and methane gas
7. Geothermal power and hydroelectric power

Companies Mentioned Include:

• Amyris Biotechnologies Inc
• Enel SpA
• Hanwha SolarOne Co Ltd
• Praxair Inc
• SunPower Corporation
• ZBB Energy Corporation

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.

Plunkett Research is a leading provider of industry trends analysis and market research. Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research or marketing data.

Contact:
Plunkett Research, Ltd.
plunkettresearch.com
713.932.0000 (US)
info@plunkettresearch.com