Current News
May, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses that even though 51 percent of affluent women buy designer apparel online, only 3 percent do so using mobile devices - view article
May, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses Bentley’s six limited-edition models, each dedicated to one of the wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France - view article
May, 2013 – This article from Travel Market Report discusses how even though the expected travel plans for the affluent over the next year has increased, their interest in cruises has decreased - view article
May, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses how the majority of U.S. affluent consumers book hotel stays online, but mobile reservations are becoming more common among younger consumers, requiring luxury hotel marketers to be sure that their reservation sites are optimized across desktop, tablets and smartphones - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Seatrade Insider discusses how among the affluent, online booking by computer was the most frequently used method for buying a cruise last year - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses Rolls-Royce showcasing their new Wraith model in Harrod’s display window - view article
April, 2013 – This article from CNBC’s Inside Wealth discusses how even though the consumer economy may look weak, the affluent and wealthy consumers are ramping up their spending, which could help drive the broader economy this year - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses how luxury marketers should increase their online and mobile presence due to affluent consumers’ increased use of mobile devices - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Cruise Industry News discusses that intentions to cruise during the next 12 months has fallen to a record low among the affluent - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Rapaport / Diamonds.net discusses the fine jewelry and watch spending plans for the affluent in 2013 compared to other luxury items - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Evins discusses the affluent using more e-commerce and not curtailing spending because of tax increases - view article
April, 2013 – This article from The Centurion discusses the results of the Spring 2013 American Affluence Research Center biannual survey of affluent consumers and what they mean for the Luxury Jewelry and Watches industry - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Seatrade Insider discusses that intentions to cruise during the next 12 months has fallen to a record low among the affluent - view article
April, 2013 – This article from the Wall Street Journal discusses survey findings which indicate that the affluent have no intention of cutting back spending this year despite income tax hike – view article
April, 2013 – This article from Marketing Daily discusses how the relatively small number of households (10%) that account for nearly half of all consumer spending said they have no intention of cutting back this year - view article
April, 2013 – This article from AdvisorOne discusses how most affluent consumers will maintain spending levels in 2013 despite expecting lower income due to higher taxes - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Marketing Daily of Media Post News discusses survey results which show that the 10% of American households that account for nearly half of all consumer spending said they have no intention of cutting back this year - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Evins discusses using a 24 karat gold dress as a promotion for the Magnum Gold Ice Cream launch in the U.S. - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses the newly opened Rolls-Royce showroom in Beirut, Lebanon and how it is a good location for displaying and exposing its cars to many potential prospects - view article
April, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses how Rolls-Royce company-wide philanthropic efforts boosts employee morale and enhances its stature as a responsible company - view article
March, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses the unveiling of the Rolls-Royce Wraith model and how this product line expansion will attract a lot of attention to the brand and attract buyers from segments of the affluent market that may not have previously thought Rolls-Royce was for them - view article
February, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses the hype campaign Rolls-Royce is using for their new Wraith model - view article
February, 2013 – This article from JustLuxe discusses discusses the differences in affluence research based on the methodology used and the definition of affluence used - view article
January, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses BMW sponsoring the Canadian Olympic team which will lead to great media publicity and various merchandising and promotion opportunities - view article
January, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses how the acquisition of The Harry Winston brand will add prestige to the Swatch Group and its products - view article
January, 2013 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses how the strong marketing efforts by luxury auto companies, with a focus on the product, attractive values and good service, boosted 2012 sales - view article
January, 2013 – This article from National Jeweler discusses 2013 trend prediction caveats for the luxury and affluent market - view article
December, 2012 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses luxury marketers advertising in Town & Country magazine to entice affluent post-holiday shopping – view article
November, 2012 – This article from NASDAQ discusses the shift toward frugality among affluent households for 2012 holiday spending and their increased shopping in non-luxury retail chains – view article
November, 2012 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses Deleón’s December 21 release of it’s new Leóna Tequila as the “end of the world” drink – view article
November, 2012 – This article from Barron’s Penta Daily discusses the 2012 holiday spending plans of the affluent – view article
November, 2012 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses how Aston Martin and Jaeger-Le Coultre are promoting their brand partnership in a video shared on Facebook and Twitter - view article
November, 2012 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses the possible sale of the Four Seasons hotel in New York and its potential affect on the brand - view article
October, 2012 – This article from Evins discusses how the presidential election and the fiscal cliff will affect the spending of the affluent in 2013 – view article
October, 2012 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses that some publications, due to the renewed interest in luxury real estate, are adding real estate supplements aimed at affluent readers – view article
October, 2012 – This article from the National Jeweler discusses the 2012 holiday spending plans of the affluent and how events in the fall may impact sales – view article
October, 2012 – This article from Barrons discusses the high percentage of undecided voters among the affluent in the upcoming presidential election – view article
September, 2012 – This article from CNBC.com discusses what issues are important to the affluent (especially women) in the upcoming presidential election and how most of them are leaning towards Romney – view article
September, 2012 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses how the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Singapore is enticing bookings from affluent travelers entering the city through the Marina Bay Cruise Center with a package that includes transfer and meals – view article
August, 2012 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses how continued 2012 profits for luxury marketers may be effected by a large downturn in the stock markets around the world – view article
May, 2012 – This article from JustLuxe discusses the results of the Spring 2012 American Affluence Research Center survey of the wealthiest 10% of all U.S. households – view article
March, 2012 – This article from the South Florida Sun Sentinel discusses the make up of the top 1% income households in South Florida – view article
February, 2012 – This article I wrote for Luxury Daily discusses the validity and reliability of research among “luxury” and “affluent” consumers – view article
February, 2012 – This article from JustLuxe.com discusses the complicated nature of affluence research and what to be careful of when using the results – view article
February, 2012 – This article from Inman News discusses an upscale, gated and guarded subdivision developed by Disney – view article
February, 2012 – This article discusses the dirty little secrets of online panel research – view article
January, 2012 – This article from Luxury Daily discusses seven facts that should serve as signs of caution before basing marketing plans on trend forecasts – view article
November, 2011 – This article from The Wealth Report of The Wall Street Journal discusses expectations that the richest 1% of Americans will spend about 2.3% more than they did last year on their holiday shopping – view article
November, 2011 – This Consumer Nation article on CNBC.com discusses the holiday spending projections for the affluent and their current mood concerning the economic situation – view article
November, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses the rise in luxury men’s apparel – view article
November, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses the affluent community’s attraction to the Breitling American Tribute Watch promotion to honor U.S. troops – view article
November, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses the growth in the men’s segment of luxury apparel – view article
November, 2011 – This Travel Weekly article features AARC research about how the affluent plan to increase their cruising plans for 2012 – view article
November, 2011 – This Sea Trade Insider article features AARC research about how the affluent have increased their cruising plans for 2012 – view article
October, 2011 – This Wall Street Journal article features AARC research about how affluent people spend on holiday gifts – view article
October, 2011 – This Diamond News Broadcast article features AARC research about the affluents’ view on current business conditions and their plans for holiday gift spending this year – view article
October, 2011 – This Justluxe.com article features information about the economic mood/confidence of the affluent – view article
October, 2011 – This article from The Fiscal Times features data about the growth for the wider luxury industry – view article
October, 2011 – This 4Hoteliers article features information about the use of direct mail marketing campaigns with the affluent – view article
October, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses the importance of product catalogs in the luxury world – view article
October, 2011 – This Justluxe.com article features AARC research about affluent people’s assessment of current business conditions declined 36 points from the Spring 2011 survey to the Fall 2011 survey - view article
October, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article features AARC research on the increase in 2011 holiday spending plans of the affluent – view article
September, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article features AARC research on the effectiveness of email sales campaigns with an affluent audience – view article
September, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article features AARC research on how the tactile quality of a catalogue can contribute to an image of luxury – view article
September, 2011 – This article from The Centurion (E-Newsletter & Info Hub for Prestige Jewelers) features AARC research about the differences between the affluent market and the luxury market—and who jewelers actually are serving – view article
August, 2011 – This Wall Street Journal article features AARC research about aspirational consumers- view article
August, 2011 – This Daily Finance article features data about spending levels in luxury stores- view article
August, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article features information about the outlook for luxury consumption – view article
July, 2011 – This article features AARC research about changing housing demographics for Baby Boomer retirees – view article
July, 2011 – This article features research about the use of new technology for marketing to the affluent – view article
July, 2011 – This video contains highlights of Ron Kurtz’s February 2010 presentation to the Palm Beach Luxury Marketing Council – view video
July, 2011 – This article features highlights of our AARC Spring 2011 research printed in Bowden’s Market Barometer – view article
June, 2011 – This video features Dr. Richard Ragatz’s review of AARC research that was presented at the Global Networking Expo 2011 for international developers of time share andshared ownership vacation plans- view video
June, 2011 – This article from Fox Business includes AARC research on the latest trends in affluent travel- view article
June, 2011 – This video features Ron Kurtz at the Global Networking Expo 2011 for international developers of time share andshared ownership vacation plans- view video
June, 2011 – This article features AARC research that was featured at the Global Networking Expo 2011 for the shared ownership industry- view article
June, 2011 – This article highlights AARC research about familiarity and interest in shared vacation property- view article
June, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article features AARC research on how the decline in consumer confidence of the general public is not particularly relevant to the luxury industry – view article
May, 2011 – Ron Kurtz quoted in Mobile Commerce Daily about smartphone and tablet use among affluent Americans- view article
May, 2011 – Ron Kurtz quoted in the New York Post about the increase in the number of millionaires in the U.S.- view article
May, 2011 – AARC Spring 2011 survey results referenced in JustLuxe Affluent Lifestyle Guide- view article
May, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses the affluent clicking through to retailers’ websites from Twitter and Facebook – view article
May, 2011 – AARC Spring 2011 survey results referenced in WSJ article about post-recession spending amongst wealthiest Americans- view article
May, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses some retailers eliminating shipping fees to be responsive to their customers – view article
May, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses the affluent market’s use of smartphones and tablets – view article
May, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses experts’ predictions of a possible 8 percent growth on luxury goods spending in 2011 – view article
May, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses AARC research about affluent customers’ use of mobile devices to make purchases – view article
April, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses Audi’s strategy is to gain exposure and to develop a good feeling among the affluent audience – view article
April, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article features AARC research about affluent people’s use of social media – view article
April, 2011 – This Luxury Daily article discusses how direct mail can incorporate various types of media to communicate a strong message – view article
March, 2011 – Ron Kurtz quoted in Cruise Industry News article about luxury in the cruise industry- view article
February 25, 2011 – Ron Kurtz announced as keynote speaker for upcoming Timeshare and Fractional Networking Expo- view article
December 7, 2010 – AARC quoted in WSJ.com about the affluent spending plans- view article
December 7, 2010 – AARC quoted in AtlantaJournalConstitution.com about the affluent outlook for the economy- view article
November 29, 2010 – AARC releases a press report about 2010 holiday spending for the affluent market – view press release
November 4, 2010 – AARC quoted in brandweek.com about the return of the aspirational consumer- view article
October 11, 2010 – AARC quoted in kitchenbathdesign.com blog on when affluent spending will return to pre-recession levels- view article
October 7, 2010 – AARC quoted in the WSJ in an article on Wealthy Family 2010 Holiday Spending Plans – view article
August 30, 2010 – AARC quoted in the WSJ in an article on the Bush Tax Cuts – view article
April 22, 2010 – AARC releases a press report about “Frugal Fatigue” – view press release
January, 2013 – This article from National Jeweler discusses 2013 trend prediction caveats for the luxury and affluent market - view article
This article from Luxury Daily discusses Bentley’s six limited-edition models, each dedicated to one of the wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France