Study finds hybrid shopping favored in furniture retail
26 Mar 2025


Hybrid shopping is now the dominant way consumers shop for furniture, according to the newly released 2025 3D Cloud Furniture Research Study conducted by 3D Cloud in partnership with Provoke Insights. The study reveals that 45% of furniture shoppers use a mix of online and in-store channels, underscoring the importance of a seamless omnichannel retail experience. Read more on the hybrid shopping featured in Furniture Today here.

Online-only furniture shopping has seen a 26% increase—particularly among female consumers—while traditional in-store-only purchases continue to decline. The findings highlight how consumer expectations are shifting toward flexibility and enhanced digital experiences.

“The shift in shopping behaviors underscores the growing reliance on digital experiences,” said Carly Fink, President and Head of Research at Provoke Insights. “Consumers want the best of both worlds: the convenience of online shopping and the tactile confidence of in-store visits.”

Additional insights from the study include:

• 62% of Millennials shop both online and in-store.

• 46% of shoppers visit a website before making an in-store purchase.

• 58% of shoppers want better visualization tools in-store.

• 86% are satisfied with product visuals, whether traditional photos or 3D images, as long as they are accurate.

AI-driven tools are also gaining attention, but many retailers are still figuring out how to use them effectively to enhance customer experience and drive decisions.

This study comes just as Provoke Insights launches its Summer 2025 Trends Reports, offering new data across multiple industries, including furniture, retail, beauty, and more. The furniture research report provides brands with forward-looking insights into consumer behavior, helping companies stay ahead in today’s dynamic market.

The Evolution of Skincare Marketing Trends
26 Mar 2025

The skincare industry has undergone a significant transformation. Path to Purchase Institute recently highlighted the forces driving this change—many of which align closely with insights uncovered in Provoke Insights’ Winter 2025 Beauty & Skincare Trends Report. The article discusses the latest skincare marketing trends.

Skincare marketing was once built on glossy ads and idealized beauty standards. Today, it is evolving to meet the expectations of modern consumers—especially Millennials and Gen Z. These groups demand transparency, authenticity, and science-backed claims. They are shifting away from “miracle” promises and toward ingredient-led storytelling and personalized experiences.

Provoke Insights’ skincare marketing trends research confirms this shift. Younger, urban Millennial parents and Gen Z are the most active skincare buyers. Gen Z, in particular, values clean ingredients, inclusive messaging, and sustainable products. Older generations still seek anti-aging solutions backed by science. However, Gen X and Baby Boomers are less engaged overall in skincare and beauty purchases.

What’s also reshaping the landscape? AI-powered tools and personalized skin diagnostics are now mainstream, with brands like Cetaphil, Sephora, and L’Oréal integrating tech into the shopping journey. Provoke’s skincare marketing trends data shows that consumers are not just buying based on promises—they want education, proof, and personalization.

Additionally, the trend of “skinimalism” is gaining traction, with consumers preferring streamlined routines and multifunctional products. Social commerce is another driver, but substance now outweighs hype—consumers want real results and credible reviews.

As a result, skincare is no longer just about appearance. It’s about self-care, wellness, and identity. Brands that embrace this shift and prioritize transparency and innovation are more likely to resonate in today’s market.

To explore more about skincare marketing trends and learn how consumers think, shop, and engage with skincare today, download the skincare research report.

Strengthening Brand Health for an Eco-Friendly CPG Brands
19 Mar 2025

As consumer demand for sustainable products continues to grow, our client—an established eco-friendly CPG kitchen and household goods brand—wanted to better understand their brand perception, consumer decision-making, and growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive market. They needed insights into what drives shoppers to choose (or not choose) eco-friendly household products, as well as guidance on messaging and creative direction that would resonate with their target audience.

To provide a comprehensive brand health assessment, Provoke Insights conducted a two-phase research study:

1. Brand Health Survey

First, we surveyed a broad group of consumers. The goal was to map their shopping journey and identify key purchase drivers. We explored what matters most: price, product performance, sustainability, or brand recognition.

We also segmented shoppers by demographics and shopping habits. This helped the brand understand differences across age, location, and income levels. For example, younger consumers cared more about sustainability, while others prioritized price.

The survey also benchmarked our client’s brand health by comparing eco-friendly CPG brands awareness, perception, and positioning. These metrics revealed which consumer groups were most familiar with the brand—and which ones needed more targeted outreach.

2.  Focus Groups Among Eco-friendly CPG purchasers

Next, we ran in-depth focus groups. These sessions helped us dive deeper into shoppers’ thoughts and feelings.

Participants explained what “eco-friendly” really meant to them. Some were skeptical of sustainability claims, while others wanted more proof of impact. These conversations showed how important trust is for eco-friendly brands.

We tested several creative directions to see which messages clicked with eco-conscious audiences. In these discussions, consumers explained what they found believable—and what felt overwhelming or unclear.

We also explored ideal product packaging, brand tone, and digital content. This helped us understand how to simplify the brand’s story and boost clarity in future marketing efforts.

Brand Health Results

With these insights, the eco-friendly brand was able to

  • Identify a Brand Awareness Gap
  • Refine Brand Positioning
  • Optimize a Creative Strategy
  • Create Stronger Shopper Connections

Read more about our sustainability and food industry case studies here:

  1. Brand Positioning Research: Sustainability 
  2. How to Launch a Brand: Food Category Market Research

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