Surviving the Recession – Top 10 Best Performing in 2009

The recession is crippling businesses across the nation, but several industries will remain unscathed by the current economic strife, according to recent Recession Updates published by industry research firm IBISWorld. 

 As one of the nation’s most respected independent publishers of business intelligence research reports, IBISWorld today announced the top 10 industries expected to have the largest revenue growth in 2009:

INDUSTRY                                                                                           
1.    Voice Over Internet Protocol Providers (VoIP) - 20.1 %
2.    ecommerce & Online Auctions - 12.6 %
3.    Biotechnology   - 10.3 %
4.    Engine, Turbine & Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing   - 10.0 %
5.    Scheduled Bus Service - 9.2 %      
6.    Court Reporting Services  - 7.7 %
7.    Community Housing Services  -  7.5 %
8.    Search Engines - 6.5 %
9.    Family Counseling - 6.1 %
10.   Video Games - 5.8 %

“Emerging industries remain well represented and continue to benefit from technological innovation and cost advantages,” explained George Van Horn, senior analyst with IBISWorld.  “Unfortunately, the impact of the recession is equally pronounced among sectors directly benefiting from the social and financial stress associated with the downturn.”

 
While only five percent of all U.S. industries are fortunate enough to be positively impacted by the recession, IBISWorld research estimates that nearly 60 percent of all industries are negatively impacted or worse (illustrated in the pie chart above).

Retailers Get Rotten Eggs this Easter

 

Photo by polska1

The Easter Bunny will have less in its basket this year as holiday expenditure is expected to decline eight percent, according to industry research firm IBISWorld. Total sales from Easter clothing, candy, flowers, decorations, food and greeting cards are expected to fall from $14.8 billion in 2008 to $13.6 in 2009.

Holiday gift giving will take a hit because many households are continuing to tighten purse strings due to the financial climate. Candy sales in particular are estimated to reach only $1.77 billion, down by 10.2 percent from Easter 2008. Interestingly, the forecast for candy sales could have been much worse had it not been for the holiday’s calendar date.

“Easter falls on April 12, compared to March 23 of last year, so candy producers and marketers have 20 additional days to merchandise their products and entice the public to spend,” explained George Van Horn, senior analyst with IBISWorld.  ”This will cushion some of the inevitable blow on spending.”

Businesses still expected to perform well this Easter are supermarkets. This industry will experience a 3.5 percent rise in food sales as families prepare their holiday meals at home, rather than dining out. Though these meals will be on a budget, the nation will spend about $4.6 billion on food this Easter.