The Green Sheet Online Edition

December 13, 2010 • Issue 10:12:01

Research Rundown

Micro-merchants unprepared for PCI DSS compliance

#dch_According to a report issued by ControlScan and Merchant Warehouse called Diversity Reigns: The Second Annual Industry Survey of Level 4 Merchant PCI Compliance Trends, the survey revealed that "micro-merchants" (businesses employing fewer than 10 employees and rarely processing more than 250,000 credit card transactions annually) think their lower transaction values and volumes make them less attractive to attackers and therefore less susceptible to data breaches.

This belief stands in contrast to another statistic cited in the report that 85 percent of all data compromise events occur at the Level 4 merchants. For more information on the survey, download the report at www.paymentssource.com/papers/control-3003860-1.html.

SpendTrend shows card spending growth

#dch_First Data Corp.'s SpendTrend Mid Month Flash analysis notes early November 2010 card spending volume growth improved from October due in part to consumers getting a jump on holiday shopping. "Early bird" holiday specials led to increased spending growth so far this month compared to October, the report said.

As consumers began shopping for holiday gifts during the first half of November, they increased the average amount spent, so average ticket growth improved from October. However, year-over-year growth remained negative.

SpendTrend tracks same-store consumer spending via credit, signature debit, PIN debit and electronic benefits cards at U.S. merchant locations. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com/infoanalytics.

AmEx identifies five new shopping trends

#dch_American Express Co.'s new research report on consumer spending behavior, New Era of Pause and Purchase, shows U.S. consumers are giving more thought to their purchasing decisions and redefining what it means to be a smart shopper.

The report classifies five key trends currently influencing consumer spending:

• "Rurbanism": Urban consumers report that they are shifting their habits toward those of their rural neighbors, seeking more local, home-grown and community-focused interactions, both in-person and online. These "rurbanites" buy to be part of their local community and support sustainable products.

• Give-a-nomics: Consumers are choosing purchases that allow them to give back to charity, preserve the environment or help their communities. They are increasingly expecting brands to be socially responsible.

• Co-created own brands: Consumers are looking for greater creative input and personalization by co-creating with brands. In exchange, they expect rewards and benefits for helping design and market new product ideas.

• "Commsumption": The rise of online shopping and social networking has allowed consumers to shop as groups and consume as communities, or "comm'sume." In turn, this has allowed brands to curate goods and services specifically for local consumers and reach those shoppers through their online social channels.

• Check in to check out: The use of mobile devices and the Internet has allowed brands to personalize location-based offers and perks to entice shoppers to "check in" to share deals with fellow shoppers and encourage group buying on the go before they "check out."

To download a PDF of the report, visit www.westglen.com/reports/18624_10_11_16_AmericanExpressUS_Report.pdf.

U.S. mobile bill payments to reach $214 billion by 2015

#dch_A new report from Aite Group LLC provides a roadmap to mobile payments in the United States, defining and segmenting the mobile payments universe and examining the competitive and market trends shaping the space.

Based on more than 60 Aite Group interviews with industry representatives in September and October 2010, the report projects the growth of mobile payments in the United States over the next few years.

The United States is far more ahead of the curve than perceived, the report said. Over the past 12 to 18 months, U.S. mobile payments have gained popularity at an increasing rate.

Factors laying the foundation for mobile payments to grow in coming years include rapid consumer adoption of smart phones, carriers' and handset manufacturers' adoption of near field communication chips, consumers' continued embrace of mobile commerce, and a nationwide increase in mobile banking adoption.

All of the multiple categories of mobile payments defined in the report are expected to experience double-digit growth. Mobile payments will account for $214 billion in gross dollar volume by 2015, up from $16 billion in 2010, according to Aite.

Reportlinker research on global debit card industry available

#dch_A new report issued by Reportlinker.com analyzes the worldwide market for number of debit cards, providing annual estimates and forecasts from 2009 through 2015 for 171 companies.

The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and "Rest of World."

A six-year historic analysis is also provided for these markets. Some of the topics covered include:

• Market dynamics
• Major issues influencing the debit card market
• Debit card fraud
• Product introductions and innovations

For more information, go to www.reportlinker.com/p080470/Global-Debit-Cards-Industry.html.

Mercator highlights strategic directions for co-branded consumer credit cards

#dch_Mercator Advisory Group issued a report analyzing U.S. co-branded credit cards. The report summarizes leading trends and identifies potential strategic directions for these products. Trends highlighted in the report include:

• Co-branded and private-label credit card programs have been selectively sponsored by the top U.S. commercial brands. There is a limited supply of uncommitted leading brands with co-brand potential.

• Leading co-brand programs show differentiated pricing and reward profiles among the retail, airline, hotel, gasoline, and other travel sub-segments.

• Bonus on-us earn rates are an often-used tool for program differentiation.

• Many programs have taken on a similar formulaic approach.

• Ripe for change, new and refreshed co-brand programs may leverage merchants' increased power to influence payment acceptance.

For more information, visit www.mercatoradvisorygroup.com.

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