Promotions and Loyalty Programs Are Key to Coaxing Diners
03 Aug 2023

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.

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!

Americans have high expectations for ads, but don’t always remember them a day later, report says
24 Jul 2023

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 this trend. 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.

How impactful would a recession be on furniture purchasing? New survey sheds some light
29 Jun 2023

Provoke Insights unveils key findings and decodes consumer furniture purchasing trends in the face of economic uncertainty

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 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.

Happi: Is the Skincare Industry Recession Proof?
29 Jun 2023

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.

 

How impactful would a recession be on furniture purchasing? New survey sheds some light – Furniture Today
10 May 2023

In spring 2023, Provoke Insights surveyed 1,500 Americans. This survey aimed to gain perspective on the external trends affecting consumer behavior as well as top purchasing motivators in multiple industries, including furniture.

The standout findings include:

  • Furniture shoppers are more likely to be millennials, parents, more affluent, and live in urban areas
  • About 20% of Americans plan to buy furniture in the next three months, 68% plan to buy in the next year
  • 51% have reported they have noticed price increases at furniture stores
  • Mattresses lead in furniture purchases with 36% planning to buy in the next year
  • Most consumers set aside under $1,000 for furniture purchases, but over 10% are willing to lay out $2,500 or more on a new piece.
Legal departments are often slow to respond, internal teams say
16 Mar 2023

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.
2022 in Review: New & Original Research to Maximize Eyes & Connect Brands to Ideal Audiences
14 Dec 2022

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.
Long-term Usage & the CBD Skincare Sector
06 Dec 2022

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.

Skin Care Actives Drive the Market
01 Dec 2022

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.

Shoppers Looking for Budget-Friendly Produce – Produce Business
18 Nov 2022

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.