Providing Market Intelligence for 40 Years

In The News

Top 5 markets disrupted by sharing economy apps

Sharing economy apps like Airbnb, Uber and HomeAdvisor have the ability to thrive and disrupt incumbent industries. We have identified the five top markets that could become the next frontier of digital disruption, including car sharing, vehicle repair and maintenance, self-storage, tech support and textbook selling/renting.

Car sharing

Uber has already become a major disruptor in one area of the auto industry by cutting out taxi service companies and connecting passengers directly with drivers. Car-sharing apps may become the next wave of auto industry disruptors. These apps are attractive to consumers who want a driving experience without the need for car ownership. The apps connect car owners who are willing to let others use their car when it is not in use — e.g., sitting idle in an airport parking lot or parked at home — and people in need of a car — e.g., business or leisure travelers who need flexible transportation options. Car-sharing apps can offer flexible rental terms and real-time pricing adjustments based on supply and demand.

From the article "Top 5 markets disrupted by sharing economy apps" by Harry Wang.

Previously In The News

U.S. Streaming Rides Into 2026 on Wave of Uncertainty, Says Parks Associates

The state of streaming is strong — but consumer sentiment is iffy, and new models are being deployed to fight off churn. Such is the video business described by research company Parks Associate...

Connectivity Becomes a Must-Have for Today’s Renters

Over a third of renters, 41%, expect their internet service to be activated at move-in, according to a new white paper from Parks Associates. “Achieving Turnkey Connectivity: Elevating the Tota...

4 ways to rethink home for a new generation

Today, the average U.S. household with internet has about 17 connected devices. Nearly half of households (45%) own at least one smart home device, according to Parks Associates. From the article,...

Samsung Raises Foldable Ante With Galaxy Z TriFold

A tri-fold smartphone is an overall better two-in-one device than a bi-fold, explained Kristen Hanich, director of research at Parks Associates, a market research and consulting company specializing i...