Weight-loss marketers face a hefty challenge with the advent of diet season: selling products and services to pound-conscious yet penny-pinching consumers.
The first quarter — when resolutions are still fresh — is when many weight-loss companies launch marketing efforts. Weight Watchers spent more than $50 million January through March 2008 to tout its products and services, according to TNS Media Intelligence.
NutriSystem, (NTRI) a food provider based on portion control, shelled out more than $90 million.
But even with big spending, it will be "especially tough" to recruit consumers, says John LaRosa, research director at Marketdata Enterprises. "We're in a recession, there are layoffs and people's budgets are tighter than they were last year," he says.
What if we tried a new trend : "everyone has to gain pounds before spring!" ...
