Providing market intelligence for more than 35 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

Netflix raises prices on U.S.-based plans

Beyond its immediate effect on subscribers, the price increase foreshadows a future in which the streaming video market is dominated by a handful of players that have captured the majority of a family...

You don’t have to feel guilty about sharing your TV log-in

Last year, research firm Parks Associates found that 16 percent of U.S. households with broadband admitted either borrowing video log-ins or sharing their own credentials. For many people under 40, sh...

Roku pushes into the audio wars with $200 speakers made just for your television

The firm has built a reputation for inexpensive, simple television accessories and leads Amazon’s Fire TV, Google’s Chromecast and the Apple TV in the U.S. market, according to research company Parks...

Starving for Kitchen Technology

The home builder is making it easy for set up and for ongoing management. In a 2017 Parks Associates report, Smart Kitchens: Intelligent Planning Shopping and Cooking, one-fifth of smart appliances ow...