LOS ANGELES - More American companies are reaching out to Muslim Americans in an effort to capture this virtually untapped market, Marketing Daily reports. But still hoards of advertisers have yet to focus on this estimated 6 to 8 million strong subgroup.

There is a stirring of interest among national marketers such as U.S. Healthcare, Verizon, Hallmark, ESPN, Best Buy and Ann Taylor to actively court the Muslim-American demographic.

"Best Buy even included the phrase 'Happy Eid?? in a holiday flyer that also mentioned Christmas and Hanukkah last year, which was definitely a kind of olive branch to Muslim Americans," said S. Saad Ahmed, director of sales and strategy for Muslim Ad Network.

"Companies like Staples and HSBC are also reaching out to this market, which is worth about $200 billion," said Lisa Mabe, principal of Hewar Social Communications. Mabe said that anything companies do to reach out to this group is greatly appreciated.

"When companies target the Muslim community in their marketing communications, we see them flock to engage with that brand ?" not only to purchase its products, but to become loyal brand advocates," she said.

Targeting this group can be tricky because Muslims are not as influenced by cost and value, compared with other American consumer groups. Studying these differences is important before developing an outreach program.