By George Anderson
Retailers are emphasizing their own store brands as branded manufacturers such as Kraft Foods are saying it's hurting their business.
Last week, Kraft attributed weaker than expected financial results for the second quarter to the company's "inability to keep prices in line with cheaper brands that lured away price-conscious shoppers," according to Reuters.
Keith Patriquin, analyst, Loomis Sayles said, "Consumers' discretionary spending level falls and they're more likely to go to private label. I would definitely keep an eye on these things."
Moderator's Comment: Last week, it was officially announced the recession had come to an end. Will an improving economy be better for national brands and worse for value-priced and store brands as in the past?
If the recession is over, there are still a lot of people around the country who haven't received the memo. [George Anderson - Moderator]