ASTEROP's new data shows how consumer-facing U.S. businesses of all sizes have viable expansion opportunities despite a slow economy. It also shows some surprising consumer consumption trends across the country - including an increase in consumption of alcoholic beverages at 18 percent across the U.S., and an increase in fresh fruit and vegetable consumption at 10 percent across the U.S.

At the same time, while categories such as books and new motorcycles saw a seven and 21 percent decline in demand, respectively, ASTEROP has identified several categories and major metropolitan areas that are offering businesses tremendous opportunities.

"Our dataset provides a very unique look at the American consumer. We are revealing a new landscape where localized demand contradicts conventional wisdom on consumer spending in recession-like periods," said Christophe Girardier, ASTEROP's CEO. "Sources such as the U.S. Census provide a reliable source for macroeconomic trends. However, local consumption trends aren't necessarily determined by national consumption trends. ASTEROP uses advanced data modeling approaches to generate the granular information and identify unknown trends that consumer-facing businesses need to tailor their strategies to local markets. This information is critical to retailers, real estate brokers/developers, marketers and many other businesses that need to understand the true demand in each category and identify new opportunities in a recessionary economy."

Given the rapid changes in the U.S. economy, current information is required to accurately pinpoint the right store concept to the right location, and to plan store closure/renovation plans, marketing programs, and other merchandizing and product mix strategies. While the subprime mortgage crisis and continuing rise in oil prices have placed pressure on the national economy, there are specific metropolitan areas where the population is not feeling the pinch.