Meanwhile, in the comics, by the mid-1960s, Superman was facing more competition for consumer appeal than ever before.

However, its main problem has been controlling costs and not a lack of consumer appeal, analysts say.

But executives of online postage companies, say their offerings still lack consumer appeal.

"So I definitely see consumer appeal in what Zafu is doing."

The wide selections and expanded service of superstores give them consumer appeal.

It later tried to create an Internet video service, with news and sports programming, but found the consumer appeal modest.

"The initial success from the weekend indicates it has broad, tremendous consumer appeal."

But, she said, "there is a natural lid on consumer appeal for news channels."

Such loans rose 63 percent last year, but could lose their consumer appeal when interest rates rise.

The concept has strong consumer appeal, she added.