9 Jul 2025

Workday partnered with Provoke Insights to examine how inefficient contract management is impacting financial performance and operational efficiency. Drawing on findings from the Contract Intelligence Index Report, the article shows how unclear ownership, fragmented systems, and slow processes prevent organizations from capturing full contract value.

The contract management market research highlights that contract management is often treated as a legal function rather than a business asset. As a result, many employees lack visibility into contract terms, renewal dates, and obligations, leading to revenue loss and increased risk.

Provoke Insights conducted a national survey of U.S. business professionals across legal, finance, sales, procurement, and operations functions to assess how contracts are managed across organizations.

The findings reveal widespread confusion around contract ownership. The contract management market research revealed that many employees do not know who is responsible for managing contracts, limiting the ability to track performance, identify growth opportunities, or prevent costly auto-renewals.

Fragmented contract storage further compounds the problem. Contracts spread across email, shared drives, CRM systems, and desktops reduce visibility, slow decision-making, and increase compliance risk.

The takeaway is clear. Organizations that centralize contract data, clarify ownership, and streamline workflows are better positioned to reduce risk, unlock hidden value, and improve business agility.

For more insights on how unmanaged contracts affect financial performance and operational outcomes, read the full article here.

Want deeper insights into contract intelligence and business efficiency? Explore more research and thought leadership from Provoke Insights here.

18 Apr 2025

Progressive Grocer features new Provoke Insights grocery and produce market research showing how shoppers are reshaping grocery retail in 2025. Rising prices, changing routines, and digital expectations are giving consumers greater control over where and how they shop.

What is driving grocery shopper behavior in 2025?

Provoke Insights’ biannual study of 1,500 U.S. consumers finds grocery inflation is felt more acutely than in any other retail category, pushing shoppers to reassess value, loyalty, and purchasing habits.

How are shoppers responding to higher prices?

Consumers are turning to private label brands, buying in bulk, and shopping across multiple retailers. Weekly stock-up trips are giving way to more frequent, flexible shopping.

What role does technology play today?

Digital tools are now expected. Shoppers rely on apps, online ordering, and personalized promotions. Nearly four in ten say they would use AI tools to build lists and find deals, especially Gen Z, Millennials, and parents.

What do shoppers expect from retailers?

Better value, personalization, and convenience. Real-time inventory, reliable substitutions, and tailored recommendations are increasingly essential.

What does this mean for retailers and brands?

Retailers that adjust pricing, evolve loyalty programs, and invest in digital and AI capabilities are best positioned as shoppers take control of the grocery experience.

To learn more about how grocery and produce market research explains shopper behavior in 2025, read the full article here.

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9 Jul 2025

Happi partnered with Provoke Insights to examine how consumers decide which skincare products to buy as new sources of guidance emerge. Written by Provoke Insights founder Carly Fink, the article draws on national consumer research to explore how trust is shifting from traditional expert authority toward AI-enabled personalization.

The beauty and skincare market research shows that while dermatologists remain an important signal of product efficacy, they are no longer the sole influence on skincare decisions. Consumers increasingly expect fast, personalized, and explainable recommendations that help them navigate crowded product assortments.

Provoke Insights conducted a 15-minute online survey in March 2025 among 1,500 U.S. adults ages 21 to 65. The sample was nationally representative by age, gender, income, ethnicity, region, and parental status.

The findings reveal that AI plays a growing role in product discovery and evaluation. Shoppers are open to tools that simplify decision-making, tailor recommendations to individual skin needs, and clearly explain product benefits and ingredients.

Personalization has become a baseline expectation. Generic skincare messaging is losing relevance as consumers seek solutions that feel specific, credible, and easy to understand.

The takeaway is clear. Skincare brands that combine expert authority with AI-powered guidance are better positioned to build trust, influence purchase decisions, and drive long-term loyalty.

For more insight from the beauty and skincare market research on how brands can adapt to evolving consumer trust and decision-making, read the full article here.

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Furniture Today partnered with Provoke Insights to examine how artificial intelligence is influencing furniture shopping. Based on findings from Provoke Insights’ Summer 2025 consumer research, the article shows that shoppers increasingly view AI as a useful tool for navigating complex purchase decisions.

The furniture market research finds that AI is valued when it simplifies discovery, improves confidence, and reduces decision fatigue in a high-consideration category.

According to the study, 65% of recent furniture buyers are interested in using AI during the shopping process, compared with 21% who are not. Interest is highest among younger shoppers, parents, and urban consumers.

Specific tools drive adoption. Forty-three percent of buyers find personalized product recommendations helpful, and the same share are comfortable using AI-powered chat tools. Visualization features, including 360-degree views and room planning tools, also support evaluation and comparison.

AI also supports brand discovery. More than one-third of shoppers say AI helps them shop faster and consider brands they had not previously explored.

The takeaway is clear. Furniture shoppers accept AI when it adds clarity and confidence. Brands that deploy AI to guide choice, not overwhelm it, are better positioned to influence purchase decisions and build trust.

For more details from the furniture market research on how AI influences buying behavior and what it means for retailers and brands, read the full article here.

Want deeper insights into retail technology adoption and consumer trend shifts? Explore more Provoke Insights research.