Case Studies

Economic conditions and emerging technologies are forcing retailers to identify new ways to set themselves apart from the competition. Walmart, for example, stepped up supplier collaboration in more ways than one.

Big break-up headlines rocked the food industry in 2011. But the market overall reported growth across the board. Expect big changes on this list next year.

Apparently, beauty is everything; at least to these companies and their loyal consumers. This market posted growth across the board with innovative health and beauty products and business strategies.

Children are perhaps the most fickle of all consumers. Find out which toy companies stayed on the "hot" list in 2011 and which ones are losing the popularity contest.

No. 1 player P&G made progress toward its purpose-inspired growth strategy, while Unilever reported gains in its transformation to a sustainable growth company. Most of the companies on this list followed their lead with modest sales gains in 2011.

The Apparel, Footwear and Accessories market is alive and well thanks to increased consumer spending in 2011. Plus, find out which companies hopped on the list when mainstays, like Liz Claiborne, made an exit.

The Keurig single cup coffee brewing system was not an overnight success. Little research predicted that it would be a consumer success. But, this disruptive innovation proved to be the exception to the rule. Why? The answer lies in the entrepreneurial, risk-oriented innovation philosophies of the company behind the brand.

When store supplies for Kimberly-Clark's retail partners are out of synch with production forecasts, it can have a very real impact on the $20.8 billion personal care products giant's sales. So, the company invested in data analytics software to provide far more visibility into real-time demand trends.