The old adage, “Think global, act local” holds truer than ever. Yes, the BRICs are in many ways homogenizing with the rest of the world, and consumers in these markets are embracing Western products and concepts, but they each still have unique histories, cultures, and characteristics that must be understood and appreciated.Continue reading→

Despite the global recession, the cosmetics and toiletries market posted a respectable 3.9% growth in sales in 2008, affirming that consumers will keep up their personal grooming and beauty habits no matter how dire the financial outlook may seem. But perhaps more important than the overall growth, the latest numbers indicate a significant shift in where consumers are shopping in nearly all of the major markets around the world. Channels that are posting declines in one market are experiencing growth in another. Marketers looking to compete on a global scale must stay ahead of the shift and examine local trends in retail patterns in order to compete in this complex market. More…

Since 2003, direct marketing has been the fastest-growing channel in the worldwide beauty industry. Much of this growth has come from the BRIC markets.

In both Brazil and Russia, direct sales is among the leading outlets and accounts for 24% of total personal care sales. Consumers in both countries view direct sales as the go-to channel for high quality products. In China, channel share has nearly doubled to 10% over the last five years as a result of the enactment of the government’s Direct Sales Law, making it compulsory for direct selling companies to obtain a direct sales license.Continue reading→

So far much of the growth we’ve seen in the BRICs has been in the major cities. From Moscow to São Paulo, Shanghai to New Delhi, we can find modern retail concepts, Western brands, and savvy consumers. The channels of distribution have become quite developed, product awareness is high, and sales are well established.Continue reading→

Consumers in all four of the BRIC countries are gobbling up Westernized consumer goods in virtually every category—fashion, electronics, entertainment, and, of course, beauty. With increasing disposable income and a growing middle class, these products are more affordable than ever. Brazilians, Russians, Indians, and Chinese alike gravitate toward European and American fragrances, skin care products, and makeup more each year.Continue reading→

Last week at the HBA Global Expo in New York City my second presentation on the BRIC markets walked the audience through the various channels of distribution in Brazil, Russia, India, and China. We looked at food stores in Brazil, open markets in Russia, kiranas in India, hypermarkets in China, and direct sales and specialty stores across all countries, among others.

I wrapped the talk up with some key takeaways, some of which I will share with you now and in the coming days.

To start: Key Lesson #1 – The economic crisis is global. BRIC countries are more protected but are not immune. Continue reading→