Provoke Insights’ highly anticipated fall/winter 2023 trends report is finally out.

2023: The Year of the Conscious Spending Habit

Provoke Insights’ Fall/Winter 2023 Trends Report is now available. As shoppers become more mindful of their spending, buying habits are changing across the board. Consumers are thinking carefully about what they purchase, where they shop, and which brands they choose to support.

As a result, understanding these shifts is crucial for marketers, advertisers, and brand strategists. So what exactly does the research show about 2023 consumer trends?

What the Research Covers: Spending Habits 2023

To track these changes, Provoke Insights conducted its seventh wave of biannual consumer trends research. This nationwide study focuses on:

• Shopping channel preferences (online vs. in-store)

• Brand loyalty shifts

• Sustainability and values-based buying

• Category-specific behaviors

In contrast to previous years, today’s consumers are more selective and price-conscious. However, brand values and social responsibility also play a growing role in spending habits.

What the Market Research Covers

Provoke Insights conducted its seventh wave of biannual consumer trends research regarding consumer trends 2023. As a result, this nationwide study focuses on:

• Shopping channel preferences (online vs. in-store)

• Brand loyalty shifts

• Sustainability and values-based buying

• Category-specific behaviors

In contrast to previous years, today’s consumers are more selective and price-conscious. However, brand values and social responsibility also play a growing role in purchase decisions.

A Shout-Out from Quirk’s Media

Recently, Quirk’s Media featured the study on LinkedIn, highlighting its unique focus on brand loyalty during uncertain times. In addition, the post emphasized the value of these findings for businesses seeking to adapt their strategies. The post also focuses on various spending habits

Get Free Reports Across 16 Categories

To support the industry, Provoke Insights developed 16 free, easy-to-read reports that focuses on shopping behaviors, each focused on a specific industries. These reports reveal how different audiences shop, what matters to them, and how loyalty plays a role.

Categories include:

•Advertising trends and media preferences

•Apparel shopping habits

•Affluent consumer behaviors

•Alcohol consumption and purchasing

•Beauty product decisions

•Financial attitudes and planning

•Fitness routines and product use

•Furniture buying trends

• Home improvement decisions

•Outdoor gear and backpacks

•Produce purchasing

•Restaurant dining and loyalty

•Skincare routines and product picks

•Travel plans and budget shifts

•Wellness product usage

•Video games and gaming interest

Each report is built to help marketers make smarter, data-backed decisions. Check out our the full list of reports here. 

A Provoke Insights study reveals consumer preference for socially conscious purchases.

The Path to Purchase Institute (P2PI) has joined forces with Provoke Insights to explore current trends among socially conscious consumers. The sustainability research found:

• Prioritizing Social Awareness: 74% of consumers make social consciousness a priority in their purchases.
• Inconsistent Choices: Only a fraction consistently opt for socially responsible products.
• Cost as a Deterrent: Over half (52%) cite cost as the main barrier.
• Ingredient Transparency: “Made with clean ingredients” is a key factor, notably for Generation Z and Democrats.
• Limited Impact: Factors like charitable donations and minority ownership have minimal influence.
• Values Alignment Matters: 32% would switch brands if values misalign.
• Economic Influence: The economy shapes choices, impacting budget-consciousness for sustainable products.

For a more comprehensive understanding, read the full article here to capture the evolving landscape of consumer behavior.

Want to know about sustainability research and the socially conscious consumer? Check out our research here and other industry research topics. 

Provoke Insights’ research sheds light on dining at disney trends.

The Disney Food Blog recently highlighted insights from Provoke Insights’ 2023 trend report, which examined changing consumer dining patterns and shifting preferences within the restaurant industry. These findings are especially relevant to dining at Disney, where guest expectations and budget pressures collide.

The report reveals a sharp dining decline driven by economic uncertainty and ongoing inflation. Approximately 80% of survey respondents noticed price increases at restaurants, leading many to reduce how often they dine out. This has major implications for restaurants across the board—including theme parks like Disney, where dining plays a big role in the guest experience.

Full-service and fast-casual establishments experienced the steepest drop in customer visits, with 55% and 50% of respondents dining at these types of restaurants less often. Fast-food chains, on the other hand, saw a slightly smaller decline of 45%, suggesting price sensitivity plays a role in decision-making.

To cope with rising costs, many consumers are turning to cheaper menu items and avoiding premium add-ons. However, dining at Disney and elsewhere can still be encouraged through smart marketing tactics. The study shows that promotions, special offers, and loyalty programs are successful in motivating people to eat out more frequently.

Despite financial pressures, there’s a silver lining. Consumers remain optimistic and find joy in everyday moments, including meals with loved ones. For brands like Disney, this is an opportunity to position dining as part of a larger, feel-good experience.

To learn how these dining trends affect restaurant strategies and guest experiences, check out the full article above. Want to dive deeper into the research? 

Click here to see Provoke Insights’ full market research report.  

A captivating study co-conducted by Carly Fink from Provoke Insights, regarding advanced technology, saw the potential to drive green initiatives through state-of-the-art tech.

The world of advanced technology has always been a fertile ground for businesses to explore numerous revenue opportunities. However, there is another area where consumers, governments, and special interest groups are taking notice and showing appreciation – sustainable practices. In this regard, Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a vital role, unlocking fresh possibilities for promoting green initiatives and combating environmental concerns, such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. By harnessing AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data and automate tasks, brands can significantly enhance their image and reputation. To discover more about this cutting-edge study and its profound implications clicking on the full article above!

A Provoke Insights study reveals how technology, including automatic data capture and predictive analytics, can revolutionize the e-commerce business for efficient returns.

USPS® commissioned Provoke Insights to examine the e-commerce reverse logistics landscape. The study found 32% of companies struggle with manual labor tasks in returns processing. Over two-thirds (67%) are adopting technology to enhance their logistics processes in response.

The study identifies four game-changing technologies for optimizing returns:

• Automatic Data Capture (used by 44% of companies)
• Cloud Computing (used by 37% of companies)
• Predictive Analytics and Big Data (used by 25% of companies)
• Blockchain (used by 14% of companies)

By embracing these technologies, businesses can streamline return processing, improve customer experiences, and boost operational efficiency. To learn more about how these technologies can transform your logistics, visit the full article on the USPS® website for in-depth insights.

Provoke Insights’ research highlights the importance of promotions and loyalty programs in convincing Americans to dine out amid tightening budgets.

In May 2023, Modern Restaurant Management Magazine featured Provoke Insights’ May 2023 trends report. The objective was to explore consumer dining trends amidst an inflating economy and the importance of restaurant loyalty programs.

The key insights from this article include:

• Promotions and loyalty programs are persuasive in encouraging Americans to dine out more frequently.
• High customer service and great food are crucial for ensuring a worthwhile dining experience.
• Access to secret menus and private dining experiences makes customers feel special and encourages them to dine out.
• Despite inflation’s impact, people express overall optimism and seek happiness in daily interactions.

To delve into the full details and discover winning strategies to maximize your diners experience, visit the full article on the Modern Restaurant Management website. These insights can revolutionize your restaurant’s success and captivate more customers so don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your culinary venture in these dynamic times!

Check out our Summer 2023 trends research about restaurant  loyalty programs here.  The trends paga includes market research reports on 12 industry topics.

Provoke Insights’ Carly Fink unravels American ad expectations in a recent Marketing Brew article.

Americans have high expectations for entertaining ads but typically only remember up to 10% of them after 24 hours, as reported by Provoke Insights summer 2023 study which surveyed 1,500 Americans aged 21-65. In a recent Marketing Brew article, Carly Fink from Provoke Insights discussed her discoveries regarding ad recall trends. Despite low ad recall, ads still influence purchasing decisions for 44% of respondents, while 42% remember ads while shopping. Standing out in a content-saturated world remains a challenge for brands, and ongoing research may shed light on effective strategies. Click here to read the article that discusses advertising recall.

Want to read about other research topic?  Check out our Summer 2023 reports here. 

Provoke Insights unveils key findings and decodes consumer furniture purchasing concerns in the face of recession.

A recently published article made by Furniture Today discussed the findings of a May 2023 trends report conducted by Provoke Insights, shedding light on consumer concerns for furniture purchasing trends in the face of a potential recession. While post-pandemic optimism is evident, with an increase in recent furniture purchases, consumers remain cautious about the economy’s stability. A significant number of respondents expressed a willingness to postpone or abandon furniture purchases if a recession occurs. However, a substantial portion of respondents still plan to buy furniture in the next year. Inflation at furniture stores is a concern for many, surpassing worries about the economy, the government, and COVID-19. Mattresses, sofas/loveseats, and lighting are among the top items on consumers’ furniture shopping lists, with budget constraints affecting purchase decisions.

Some noteworthy insights include:

• 13% of consumers made a furniture purchase in the past month, showing post-pandemic optimism.
• 68% of respondents plan to buy furniture within the next year.
• 42% of potential buyers would easily cut out a furniture purchase in the event of a recession.
• Inflation is the top concern for respondents, followed closely by the economy and the government.
• Mattresses, sofas/loveseats, and lighting are the most sought-after furniture items.
• The majority (60%) of consumers allocate $1,000 or less for their next furniture purchase.
• Shoppers prefer cash, check, or debit card payments, with credit card usage also increasing slightly.
• Browsing in stores and sticking with familiar brands are the preferred shopping methods.

By staying attuned to consumer concerns, addressing pricing considerations, and delivering products aligned with consumer preferences, businesses can position themselves for success in the evolving furniture market.

Provoke Insights Research on Beauty and Skincare features in Happi

In a recently featured Happi article, Provoke Insights’ Carly Fink and Jordin DeSenzo investigate the effects of rising inflation on the skincare industry and consumer responses. Their comprehensive research, which included surveying 1,500 participants from the United States, highlights consumer concerns about inflation and its effects on prices in various retail sectors, including skincare. Interestingly enough, despite these worries, skincare sales have experienced a notable 12% increase since Fall 2022. The study further explores the demographics and preferences of skincare shoppers, emphasizing the importance of targeted advertising, values alignment, and strengthening customer loyalty for brands.

Key highlights include:

• Skincare consumers prioritize quality over price, setting them apart from other consumer-facing industries.
• Skincare shoppers exhibit strong loyalty and are more likely to continue purchasing even during a recession.
• The significance of brand loyalty and a preference for familiar skincare brands among consumers.
• Consumer shopping preferences: a preference for online shopping while also valuing the experience of browsing in-store.
• The importance of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and sustainability values is growing among skincare shoppers.

Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the impact of rising inflation on the skincare industry and offers recommendations for beauty brands to navigate these challenges successfully.

Onit releases results from their second wave of the Legal Reputation (ELR) Report

In November 2022, Onit commissions Provoke Insights to conduct a second wave of their ELR report, an annual multinational study spotlighting year-over-year changes in the brand image of corporate legal departments through the eyes of their internal clients. The study revealed the impact that legal departments across the US, UK, Germany, and France have on efficiency, innovation, revenue, and more within enterprise companies.

Highlights include:

• Employees often see their legal departments as slow and efficient. This is leading to over two-thirds of employees bypassing these teams.
• Legal departments can repair relationships with other departments by improving communication and collaboration with other branches of their companies.

TEGNA reviews their 2022 Research accomplishments from their partnership with Provoke Insights

In 2022, TEGNA partnered with Provoke Insights to dive into the mindsets of Auto Intenders and Millennials. The studies were aimed at helping brands create meaningful connections with these audiences.

Findings from the reports include:

• The wants and needs of auto consumers are changing, including how they want the purchasing process to run. Dealerships can capitalize on this new path to purchase through marketing and advertising campaigns. 
• Millennials can be more receptive to ads when advertisers better understand their attitudes and behaviors. The segmentation study revealed six unique millennial personas to better understand their priorities and media consumption habits.

Provoke Insights’ Carly Fink and Matt Silverman featured in Happi Magazine, the industry’s leader in personal care, household, and industrial and institutional cleaning market.

The article discusses the market opportunity for CBD-infused skincare products, including:

• Reasons for purchasing
• Barriers for buying
• Long-term buying behavior
• Product category expansion opportunities
• Key ways to better market and advertise 

The piece utilizes survey data from Provoke Insights’ Winter 2023 Trends report. The research reached out to 1,500 Americans. Highlights include:

• CBD purchasers seek sustainably-sourced items, making transparency in ingredients key for appealing to buyers.
• Over a fifth of consumers that have yet to try CBD skincare products are planning to buy them in the future. 
• CBD buyers prefer buying at local retailers. Those who have not yet bought the product tend to prefer larger retailers. Expanding to larger retailers can assist brands in reaching these new audiences, as current buyers prefer buying from small businesses.
• Repeat purchases are low among those who have trialed CBD skincare products. Among previous buyers, only a quarter would buy these items again. Though cost is the largest barrier to repurchasing, many no longer see a need for the products.

To further grow the industry, CBD skincare brands must address consumers’ perception that these products are ailment-based solutions. By educating buyers on the multiple using CBD in their skincare regimen, brands can transform these products into a regular household need.

Provoke insights trends research featured in an article from Happi Magazine.

Tom Branna, the editor of Happi Magazine, delves into new trends and shifts in consumer behavior when purchasing skincare products; this includes the introduction of unusual ingredients incorporated into products from coffee to snail mucin.

 The article includes information from Provoke Insight’s Spring 2022 trends research. Highlights include:

• Dryness and anti-aging are the top skin care concerns among American consumers. 
• Over half of consumers (53%) look for specific ingredients when purchasing skin care products. This is especially true among those looking for sustainably sourced Items.
• Moisturizers and cleansers are the leading skincare products. Cleansers are especially popular among younger consumers.

Dermatologist Dr. Hope Mitchell notes how various trends have led to increases in the usage of skincare products. As more consumers are spending more time on web-conferring calls, they are more concerned about how their faces look up close on a screen. 

Additionally, Dr. Mitchell mentions that consumers are now more interested in the ingredients in their skin regimen. With more time on their hands due to working from home, Americans are researching ingredients more often than they did in the past.

The article expands on this information and provides brands with strategies to stay on top of consumers’ interests in the category.

Provoke Insights’ freshly published research on regional produce trends is featured in Produce Business’s November 2022 issue. Head to page 14 to view the article.

In Fall 2022, Provoke Insights launched a survey among 1,500 Americans. The study aimed to identify key trends in several different industries, including fresh produce, and break out said trends by regional discrepancies.

The standout findings include:

• Consumers fear the country’s financial future, as inflation (65%) and the economy (63%) are major concerns.
• The majority (82%) of those buying produce say the price increases of vegetables and fruit are an issue.
• Consumers also notice other issues while shopping like a limited selection of fresh fruits and vegetables available at the grocery store (51%), as well as a lack of fresh produce (41%).
• Supermarket packaging is not considered sustainable by nearly two-thirds (62%) of grocery shoppers, who agree that the packaging could be more eco-friendly.

As economic concerns effect buying preferences, produce brands need to stay top of mind with consumers. They must make consumers feel comfortable buying produce instead of compromising their healthy eating habits to save money.