Which way is furniture demand really headed? – Furniture Today
26 Apr 2022

Provoke Insights’ newest research on trends in furniture demand and brand loyalty is featured in a recent article from Furniture Today.

In March 2022, Provoke Insights surveyed 1,500 Americans. This survey aimed to gain perspective on consumer mindsets and their loyalty to brands in multiple industries, including furniture.

The standout findings include:

  • Furniture shoppers are more likely to be parents and employed
  • About 60% of Americans expect to buy furniture in the next six months
  • Two-thirds of furniture buyers prefer to buy in-store vs. online
  • Those looking to purchase furniture online are younger, wealthier, and living in urban areas

Overall, the survey found that loyalty to a furniture brand is not as high as it is in other categories. This must be kept in mind by furniture brands when developing marketing strategies, as well as considering who is purchasing furniture and where it is being purchased.

RAB and Provoke Insights Launch Radio-Focused Research Partnership
14 Apr 2022

Provoke Insights and RAB partner to conduct radio-focused research, shared by All Access.

The research on consumer sentiment and behavior will be presented on a quarterly basis. It aims to give advertisers an understanding of radio’s role in shopping behaviors and the value of radio-listening consumers. The joint effort will first be presented at the NAB show on April 24 in a session, “VBR – The Valued Business of Retail.”

RAB Partners with Provoke Insights To Research Key Ad Categories
13 Apr 2022

Provoke Insights is partnering with the Radio Advertising Bureau to research categories important to radio, as announced by Inside Radio.

Provoke Insights partners with the radio advocacy group RAB to give broadcasters new insights into the consumer mind across key ad categories along with a better understanding of audio’s role in shopping behaviors. The primary research will reveal consumer sentiment in many categories that are important to radio, from travel to fitness. Quantitative research aims to help RAB members in their work with advertisers by providing information that will emphasize the value of radio-listening consumers. The first presentation with both partners will be at the NAB Show on April 24 in Las Vegas with a session titled “VBR – The Valued Business of Retail.”

Provoke Insights Among Quirk’s 10 Top Brand Research Companies
03 Feb 2022

Provoke Insights is excited to share that we have been featured as one of the Top Brand Research Companies by Quirk’s Media.

Quirk’s is an expert in market research and has recognized Provoke Insights for having the tools and expertise necessary to develop winning brand strategies. We are honored to be among the top 10 companies named by Quirk’s for their innovation and skills.

Provoke Insights’ market research focuses on three areas: branding, advertising, and content marketing initiatives. Therefore, we feel fortunate to be highlighted as a top brand research company this year.

If you are interested in conducting research for your brand, please do not hesitate to reach out to Provoke Insights. We work with a diverse range of clients and collaborate with brands to create strategic research plans tailored to their needs.

Thank you again to Quirk’s for this recognition. We look forward to continuing our brand research in 2022 and beyond.

Infographic: Hybrid Workers Are Exercising More and Are Therefore More Optimistic – Adweek
04 Jan 2022

Provoke Insights’ research on fitness and exercise trends is featured in Adweek’s first issue of 2022.

In September 2021, Provoke Insights launched a survey amongst 1,504 Americans. The study aimed to identify key trends in several spaces, including fitness and exercise, and break out said trends by several demographics. One such break is those who work in a hybrid setting.

The standout findings include:

  • 22% of Americans say they are working out more than they did before the pandemic
  • Those who are more optimistic tend to work out more
  • One-fifth of Americans believe that working out virtually (e.g., Zoom, Peloton) is as good as going to the gym

Overall, Americans are exercising more, especially those who work from home.

Grocery Brand Equity Study Reveals Fresh Produce Brand Drivers – Produce Business
20 Dec 2021

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

In September 2021, Provoke Insights launched a survey amongst 1,504 Americans. The study aimed to identify key trends in several different industries, including fresh produce, and break out said trends by several demographics.

The standout findings include:

  • Almost half of grocery shoppers purchase produce every few days. 
  • 64% of these shoppers are looking for freshness, followed by brand name and price
  • Unaided awareness of produce brands is low, with about half of shoppers unable to conjure a name. Dole (29%), followed by Chiquita (6%) and Del Monte (4%), top the unaided brand awareness chart.

Overall, Americans are purchasing fresh produce more than ever. In 2022, fresh fruit and vegetable brands should focus their marketing strategy on freshness, which is the key attribute most shoppers are looking for.

Israel’s Future Meat Hopes to Reel In $32 Million for U.S. Cultivated Meat Production Facility – Green Queen
16 Dec 2021

Provoke Insights’ research for Future Meat, an Israeli cultivated meat brand, is featured in Green Queen.

In 2021, we conducted a multi-phase market research study to assess the brand’s market potential for a meat alternative. The research helped define the brand’s target audience. The research for Future Meat provided critical insights as it prepared for U.S. expansion.

Key findings include:

50% of American consumers are consciously dieting

1 in 3 plan to add cultivated meat to their diet

This vegan research trend points to a growing openness toward ethical, sustainable food alternatives. Cultivated meat—real meat grown from animal cells without harming animals—is gaining traction as brands like Future Meat scale production and await U.S. regulatory approval.

Future Meat has already opened the world’s first large-scale cultivated meat facility in Israel, capable of producing 5,000 hamburgers daily. A U.S.-based facility is now in the works.

The research surveyed over 2,000 adults living in coastal U.S. states, aged 18–50, with a household income above $45K. The insights helped Future Meat better understand how to introduce cultivated meat to health-conscious and eco-aware consumers.

Want to stay ahead of vegan research trends and innovations reshaping the grocery aisle?

Want to explore the latest grocery trends research? Check out Provoke Insights latest study here. 

Survey: Jewelry, Watch Purchases Are Up in 2021 – National Jeweler
01 Dec 2021

Provoke Insights’ freshly published research on jewelry and watch trends is featured in National Jeweler

The research, launched in September 2021, surveyed 1,504 Americans to identify emerging trends across several industries, with a spotlight on jewelry and watches. The jewelry trends research provide valuable guidance for retailers and marketers looking to understand how consumer preferences are shifting in the post-pandemic world.

One of the key takeaways is that luxury jewelry and watch purchases are on the rise. In fact, 7% of Americans reported purchasing a watch within the past month—a 3% increase from earlier in 2021. This signals a rebound in luxury spending as consumers return to more formal and style-conscious routines.

Interestingly, while many women scaled back their jewelry usage during the pandemic, the trend is now reversing. The number of women wearing jewelry is steadily increasing as social activities resume and fashion-forward routines return.

Another important insight from the study is that 61% of luxury purchasers enjoy taking their time during the buying process. This emphasizes the importance of experience-driven retail strategies—both in-store and online—when targeting high-end shoppers.

The jewelry trends research suggests that consumers are still shifting away from the ultra-casual, stay-at-home fashion mindset of the pandemic. As daily routines normalize, jewelry and watch purchases are regaining traction as symbols of self-expression and celebration.

To see more detailed findings and demographic breakouts, check out the full article on National Jeweler. And to explore insights across other categories, visit the latest research reports at Provoke Insights.

What Guests Really Think About Tech at the Table and Other Trends – Modern Restaurant Management Magazine
02 Nov 2021

Provoke Insights’ ground-breaking research on restaurant trends is featured in Modern Restaurant Management magazine

In September 2021, Provoke Insights launched a survey amongst 1,504 Americans. The study aimed to identify key trends in several different industries, including restaurants, as well as break out said trends by several demographics.

The standout findings include:

  • 17% of Americans believe that QR codes, a touchless replacement for menus, significantly worsen their dining experience
  • One-third of Americans plan to celebrate a winter holiday (Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.) at a restaurant
  • Half of Americans are still concerned about eating at restaurants due to COVID-19

Overall, Americans are mixed on eating at establishments again. Head to Modern Restaurant Management for a more detailed summary of the data.

Drink Up: RAB Drills Down Into Beverage Category Strategies – InsideRadio
06 Oct 2021

Provoke Insights president Carly Fink presented unique consumer insights on retail shopping at RAB’s webinar on the beverage purchaser. 

Radio is a great way to reach both alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinkers.

It was also found that alcoholic beverage purchasers, in particular, have different habits, attitudes, and demographics than the general population:

  • 30% believe that customer service has worsened since the pandemic began
  • 57% observe that fewer products are available
  • Millennials are far more likely to purchase wine online

Brands should turn to the radio to connect with local customers. With the growing number of craft breweries, local wineries, and hometown distilleries, alcohol brands have ample opportunities. As the non-alcoholic beverage consumer is similar to the general population, these brands also have ample opportunities.

Post-Pandemic, Radio-Listening Consumers Buy Based on Quality – InsideRadio
29 Jul 2021

Provoke Insights president Carly Fink presented unique consumer insights on retail shopping at RAB’s webinar, “Meet the New Retail Shopper.”

It is no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic has radically shifted consumer habits. These changes include a renewed shift to online shopping.

  • 80% of consumers prefer purchasing online rather than in-store.
  • Consumers prefer purchasing in-person when it comes to cleaning supplies (a pandemic must) and personal care products.
  • eCommerce shoppers hold quality as the most important aspect, rather than price or brand.

eCommerce appears to be growing post-pandemic. Brands should continue to adopt online shopping, as consumers are more comfortable than ever with eCommerce. Though people are returning to stores for their shopping needs, in-person shopping likely will not return to pre-pandemic levels. 

Meet the New Retail Shopper
28 Jul 2021

Radio Matters includes research from Provoke Insights in reporting on new retail trends.

In this blog post, Radio Matters explores how consumer behaviors and preferences have shifted, particularly during 2020 and 2021. With changing lifestyles, new health concerns, and an increasing reliance on convenience, a new retail shopper has emerged.

According to Provoke Insights’ 2021 Trends research, shopping behavior underwent dramatic changes due to pandemic restrictions and evolving consumer priorities. While many retail locations have reopened, over half of Americans still express concern about shopping in-store. In fact, 44% now prefer to shop online—a clear sign that convenience and safety remain key decision drivers.

That said, nearly one-fifth of consumers are excited to return to in-store shopping, showing that hybrid shopping behaviors are becoming the norm. Interestingly, 78% say the internet takes the hassle out of shopping, highlighting why online habits are here to stay.

Different product categories also saw fluctuations. Furniture and home office supplies spiked in 2020, but they’re expected to decrease. In contrast, personal care and grocery purchases are set to rise.

While shopping platforms differ, buying behaviors remain similar in certain categories. For example, online and in-store shoppers show comparable habits when purchasing clothing, vitamins, and footwear. However, online shoppers tend to be younger, full-time employed, and have higher incomes.

When it comes to choosing brands, consumers focus on quality first, then price and trust—key insights for marketers adapting to retail shopper trends.

Radio remains a valuable advertising channel in this landscape. It aligns with the new retail shopper through its reach, trust, and ability to drive engagement.

Check our our 2021 trends research here.

Provoke Insights trends research covers 20 different industries!  Check out which report is relevant to you.  

Provoke Insights Rejoins RAB for Retail Shopper Presentation – Radio+Television Business Report
01 Jul 2021

Provoke Insights president, Carly Fink, will be rejoining the Radio Advertising Bureau for a live presentation on retail consumer insights.

The sessi

This live session will offer exclusive insights into how consumer behavior has evolved—and what it means for upcoming campaigns.

The presentation, titled “Meet the New Retail Shopper,” is designed for broadcasters and marketers preparing for key retail moments like the back-to-school and holiday seasons. Attendees will gain valuable strategies to support clients in adjusting to today’s ever-changing retail landscape.

While most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, consumers are not returning to their 2019 shopping habits. This retail shopper presentation will explore how these shifts are impacting where, how, and why people shop—and how businesses can adapt.

From omnichannel shopping to price sensitivity and new buying motivators, Carly Fink will share data-backed trends and actionable takeaways to help brands and advertisers connect more effectively with modern consumers.

The event takes place live on Wednesday, July 28 at 1PM ET / 10AM PT and is free for all RAB members. Can’t make it live? No problem. The session will also be available on-demand.

Register now to reserve your spot and stay ahead of this year’s retail trends.

on is ideal for those interested in retail trends, in addition to broadcasters planning campaigns for key events later in the year, like the back-to-school and holiday seasons. 

Though most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, buying behaviors have changed. This presentation will examine the extent and effect of these consumer shifts and help brands prepare for such adjustments.

Register at the link above. The presentation is free for RAB members and will be available for on-demand viewing. 

Want to learn about the biggest trends that impacted 2021.  Check our Provoke Insights consumer trends reports here.