Marshall Cohen Products Quotations

Last year was a clear indication of where the consumer is heading for 2006. Today's consumer enjoys splurging on higher-end products now and then, but their quest for value still remains.

Imagine going into Kmart and buying a Sears Craftsman tool set, or buying Kmart's Martha Stewart home products at Sears. To Kmart shoppers, Lands' End may not mean anything, but now it will.

Everybody is coming with a road map. They have their circulars, downloaded coupons. It's definitely a race in the first few hours to get the hot products at the best price.

There are all kinds of products out there that many people just don't know exist.

I've seen denim that doesn't get wet, clothes that change color based on exposure to sunlight, even clothes with sun protection built into it. These new-age type products are generally more expensive. The challenge for retailers also will be to get consumers to believe that they work.

Consumers are looking to be able to feel good again. Many lost their valuable luxury products that have an emotional connection. You can't replace your grandmother's earrings but you can find something comparable.