Suspenders go the way of the sword as new Yellow Pages classifications address today's time-poor consumers - 26 November 2003
The hectic pace of modern life is catching up with people in the UK, analysis of the newest Yellow Pages classifications reveals, with a host of goods and services making their debut to meet the needs of time-poor consumers.Lifestyle Management & Concierge Services, Serviced Apartments and Babysitters are all being introduced, together with Home Stagers - professionals practised in the art of preparing a home for resale.
In addition, for those needing goods and services delivered to them wherever and whenever they need them, a series of new ‘mobile’ classifications is also being added. These include Supermarkets - Delivery Services, Hairdressers - Mobile, Beauty Therapists - Mobile, Mechanics - Mobile and even Bars - Mobile - though for people seeking solace from the 21st century’s breakneck pace, the appearance of Convents and Monasteries could help.
Meanwhile, the UK has finally left both the Middle Ages and the Yuppie Eighties behind with the deletion of Sword Makers and Brace, Belt & Suspender Manufacturers as distinct classifications. Other deleted classifications include Caravan Manufacturers, Butterfly Farms & Breeders, Tinsmiths, Anchor Makers and Photographers - Cine.
| Changes in Yellow Pages classifications 2003* | |
| What's in | What's out |
| Babysitters | Anchor makers |
| Bars - Mobile | Bellows |
| Beauty Therapists - Mobile | Braces, Belts & Suspender Manufacturers |
| Car Dealers - used | Butterfly Farms & Breeders |
| Car Recycling | Caravan Manufacturers |
| Car Supermarkets | Feather & Down Suppliers |
| Convents & Monasteries | Film Libraries |
| Employee Benefits | Photographers - Cine |
| Football Clubs | Piano Manufacturers |
| Hairdressers - Mobile | Sword Makers |
| Home Staging | Tinsmiths |
| Laser Eye Surgery | Underbody Coating Sevices |
| Lifestyle Management & Concierge Services |  |
| mechanics - Mobile | |
| Serviced Apartments | |
| Supermarkets - Delivery Service | |
| Tyre Recycling & Disposal | |
"Yellow Pages classification changes are always on a trend forecaster’s must-read list of cultural indicators," said The Future Laboratory’s Trends Director Martin Raymond. "The new Yellow Pages classifications reflect today’s ‘compression culture’ - a symptom of our desire to do more things in less time. In addition, individuals are increasingly becoming their own microbrands, resorting to life coaches, home stagers, part-share PAs and personality trainers to ensure their ‘one man brand’ is presented in the best possible light."
Richard Duggleby, head of external relations at Yell, publisher of Yellow Pages, said: "Yellow Pages offers a fascinating snapshot of social trends in the UK. The new classifications clearly show that there is a move amongst consumers towards lifestyle management and receiving services at their convenience. Equally, due to changing fashion and technical development, some distinct categories such as sword and anchor makers are no longer relevant."
Notes to Editors:
* All new classifications can be found in Yellow Pages directories published from November 2003.
For further information please contact The RED Consultancy:
Jo Chappel (020 7465 6424), Nick Wilkins (020 7465 7739) Simon Bear (020 7465 7717)
Or the Yell PR Department
Andrea Morrison (0118 950 6345), Emma Smailes, (0118 950 6444)
Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages are published by Yell, a leading international directories business operating in the classified advertising market through printed, online and telephone–based media. Yell’s products in the UK also include the Business Pages directory, Yell.com, Yellow Pages 118 24 7 and in the US, Yellow Book and Yellowbook.com.
The Future Laboratory
Established in 2001, The Future Laboratory has already gained a name for its innovative approach to trend forecasting, consumer profiling and lifestyle analysis. Underpinned by our pan European LifeSigns Network, we use ethnographic research tools and a qualitative outlook to help brands, retailers, designers, ad agencies and marketers gain better insights into market directions and the kind of products and brands consumers will need tomorrow.
