In North America today, many factors are shaping the evolution of consumer products. The events of September 11 affected the attitudes and priorities of the consumers. They are spending more time at home, and are more focused on caring for their homes. In an uncertain world, the familiarity of simple tasks and traditional brands is reassuring. They are also taking more time for themselves, and are drawn to personal care products that offer heightened sensory satisfaction, such as aromatherapy body lotions.
Companies are positioning their products to cater to these new attitudes, as well as taking into account the major trends of recent years, including more casual lifestyles, the desire for convenience, the aging of the baby boomer generation, the increasing popularity of club and warehouse stores, infomercials and Internet shopping.