“Consumers remain committed to eating out and coffee shops additionally benefit from being seen as an ‘affordable treat’. However, with stagnant salaries and the increasing cost of living, consumers’ spending capabilities have been curtailed, meaning that 2012 is likely to be as tough on operators as 2011. ”

“The mobile phone sector must change. Technology is moving on and the distinction between a mobile phone and other digital products is becoming more and more blurred. A mobile phone now has so many functions that it can no longer be viewed in isolation and it is just one of many products that people use to communicate with each other. That means that there is less and less need for a specialist phone shop the future lies with retailers who understand that they are selling communication products.”

– Richard Perks, Director of Retail Research

“Publishers are developing ways in which to potentially increase acceptance of the play pass model (for example through the inclusion of a multiplayer aspect), but consumers will inevitably expect the initial cost of second-hand games to fall to allow for the subsequent expected outlay. So while publishers’ revenues may receive a boost, the success of the play pass would represent another blow to any high street retailers offering pre-owned games, many of whom are already facing a tough time in the music and video market.”

– Samuel Gee, Technology Analyst

“The likelihood that flight prices will increase and the forthcoming greater provision/integration of international rail suggest that the trend towards the latter away from the former will continue in future. However rail travel in the UK will see greater price rises in 2012 than it has for some time.”

– Tom Rees, Senior Travel and Tourism Analyst

This report considers the world of social media, giving an overview of the various online services that facilitate social experiences. In particular, this report investigates how members, as well as companies and advertisers, are using and responding to social networks.