Vegconomist used data from Provoke Insight’s bi-annual consumer survey to uncover key grocery shopping trends and their impact on the plant-based sector. The research highlights how brands must adapt to shifting consumer preferences, from budget-conscious choices to organic purchases and diversified shopping habits. Read more from the article here.

• 59% of consumers are more budget-conscious, and 96% buy private-label products.

• 74% have noticed price increases, though inflation concerns are stabilizing.

• 51% of frequent shoppers purchase organic for at least half of their groceries.

• Gen Z and Millennials prioritize taste and health, while Gen X focuses on avoiding additives.

• Consumers shop at 2.2 different store types on average, including discount stores, online grocers, and farmers’ markets.

Provoke Insights was recently featured in Yahoo! Finance from conducted research on impulse shopping behaviors among American consumers and how it can be a potential pitfall when it comes to savings goals. The findings reveal that 29% of Americans make at least one unplanned purchase per week, often leading to budget strain and missed savings goals. Check out the article here to discover other wealth destroyers to watch out for in 2025.

Modern Restaurant Management partnered with Provoke Insights to discuss the research results of our Fall 2024/Winter 2025 trends report about findings in the restaurant industry. The research explores how restaurant operators must embrace menu and technological innovations to meet evolving guest expectations during the holiday season.  Check out the full article here.

Some insights from the article are:

Happi partnered with Provoke president, Carly Fink to discuss the research results of our Fall 2024/Winter 2025 trends report
explores the impact of counterfeiting on the beauty and skincare industry and how it shapes consumer behavior. The research highlights the challenges posed by counterfeit goods, particularly as digital platforms like e-commerce and social media enable their spread. These issues threaten consumer trust and brand reputation, making it harder for the industry to thrive. Check out the full article here.

• 41% of consumers are aware of counterfeit beauty products, while only 36% recognize counterfeit skincare items.
• Consumers associate counterfeits more with apparel (61%) and luxury goods (58%) than with beauty or skincare.
• 68% of those concerned with aging’s effects on appearance purchase skincare products, while 59% buy vitamins and 53% buy beauty items.
• Less than 25% of consumers identify e-commerce and social media as major sources of counterfeit goods, with most still linking them to street vendors (38%).

Happi partnered with Provoke president, Carly Fink to discuss the research results of our Summer 2024 trends report about anti-aging trends in the beauty/wellness industry and the influence it has on consumer behaviors. The article reveals important insights about generational attitudes toward aging. Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are more apprehensive about aging’s effects on mental health and appearance compared to older groups. These concerns, in turn, significantly drive their purchasing behavior in the health and beauty industries. Check out the full article here.

• 41% of Millennials and Gen Z worry about aging’s impact on mental health, with a third concerned about its effects on physical appearance.
• Seeking anti-aging advice is common, as Millennials (77%) and Gen Z (76%) turn to social media, online videos, and personal networks.
• 68% of those concerned with aging’s effects on appearance purchase skincare products, while 59% buy vitamins and 53% buy beauty items.
• Women are more likely to worry about appearance-related aging (34%) than men (28%), leading to a higher likelihood of maintaining a skincare routine.

The Radio Advertising Bureau discusses the research results of our Summer 2024 trends report about radio listeners and their home improvement projects. The research revealed that radio listeners are twice as likely to participate in home improvement projects as nonlisteners (40% versus 25%) and are major purchasers of home improvement goods. The importance of targeting consumers in the planning stages of their projects should also be highlighted, as many make purchasing decisions quickly, often within days. Check out the full article here.

• 81% of radio listeners plan their home improvement purchases.
• Consumers favor trusted brands, with 62% choosing familiar options over new brands.

In a recent article for Path to Purchase, Provoke Insight’s Carly Fink and Melissa Conforto explore impulse shopping, its influence on industries, and recommendations for businesses trying to capture this audience. 

Impulse shopping is widespread, with most Americans admitting to these splurging tendencies. This varies across demographics, with some partaking more than others. However, this behavior varies across demographics. Understanding and targeting impulse shoppers is crucial for businesses aiming to drive sales and conversions in today’s dynamic consumer market

The article addresses the following key findings: 

• Nearly a third of Americans impulse shop weekly. 
• Financial constraints do little to deter consumers from impulse shopping. 
• Browsing store aisles and staying on top of trends are behaviors that motivate impulse buys. 
• Some industries, such as apparel, are more enticing to spontaneous purchases. 
• Other purchases, such as accommodations and airline travel, require longer deliberation. 
• Channels such as television and TikTok significantly influence impulse shoppers.  
• Traditional media, such as radio and magazines, capture buyer attention less. 

Provoke Insights analyzes the consumer journey of furniture shoppers and unveils key findings about complex buying behaviors.

Furniture Today discusses the research results of an April 2024 trends report conducted by Provoke Insights, shedding light on consumer furniture purchasing trends and how they influence behaviors such as impulse shopping. The article discusses consumer behaviors in furniture purchasing, revealing varied decision timelines, a balance between brand loyalty and exploration, and a mix of planned and spontaneous buying. It highlights diverse shopping preferences across demographics, with stability in purchasing patterns observed over the past year.

Some noteworthy insights include:  

• Furniture purchases have remained steady over the past year, with 13% of respondents making recent purchases, indicating consistent consumer interest in furniture items.
• Despite 77% planning their purchases, nearly a quarter make spontaneous buys, reflecting a mix of deliberate planning and impulse buying.
• 60% of recent furniture buyers take days or weeks to decide, indicating a prolonged buying journey.
• Half of consumers opt for new furniture brands, showcasing a balance between brand loyalty and exploration.
• One-third of prospective buyers plan to spend over $1,000, with higher-income households and certain demographic groups among the big spenders.
• Chain furniture stores are the top choice (32%), followed by local stores (29%), but preferences vary across demographics, with different age and income groups favoring specific outlets.

Drawing insights from Provoke Insight’s partnership with 3D Cloud on their 2024 Furniture Shopping Trends Study, this article emphasizes the emergence of a hybrid shopping model that seamlessly integrates online research with in-store purchases. 

Key takeaways include the research process involving online browsing and in-store visits and the significance of 3D technology in enhancing customer experiences. The study underscores the transformative potential of 3D visualization tools in furniture shopping, with consumers expressing a strong preference for retailers offering such experiences. These insights emphasize the need for retailers to adapt to these evolving trends to enhance customer experiences and remain competitive in the furniture retail space.

Other insights from the article include:

• A growing trend of consumers utilizing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to visualize furniture in their own living spaces before making purchasing decisions.
• Online furniture shoppers prioritize factors such as easy returns and flexible payment options, while in-store shoppers value personalized assistance and the ability to physically interact with products.
• Millennials are driving the shift towards online and hybrid shopping experiences, stating convenience and time-saving benefits as the primary motivators.

Provoke Insights’ Carly Fink and Jordin DeSenzo explore the factors that drive consumers to choose generic produce over branded options in a recent article for Produce Business.

Over the last two years, inflation has significantly impacted the cost of produce, adding to the difficulties faced by brand-named produce. Understanding the consumer sentiment amidst inflation and tailoring marketing strategies accordingly becomes crucial for brands aiming to maintain their market share.

The article addresses the following key findings:

• Inflation has heightened consumer awareness of rising prices, particularly in supermarkets.
• Despite high inflation, consumers continue to prioritize regular consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Brand awareness is high among consumers, but actual purchases of brand-named produce remain lower than expected.
• Price is a significant factor influencing consumer choices, with many opting for generic produce due to cost considerations.
• Affluent consumers often perceive no quality difference between brand-named and generic produce.
• Television, in-store demonstrations, and more are favored channels for learning about brand-named produce.
• Less popular media channels like billboards, radio, and magazines/newspapers are less effective for promoting brand-named produce.