Thinking Ahead: Your Leading-Edge Insights Podcast: Recent Episodes
GfK
This is a podcast about research, innovation, and discovery. Each episode will give you new insights into today’s consumer, and prepare you for tomorrow’s marketplace.
After January's slump, February brought a breath of fresh air with all five measures of the Index on the rise, lifting the overall score to a still chilly -20. The star of the show? Consumers' outlook on their personal finances for the coming year, which jumped a cheerful four points! Views on personal finances over the past 12 months also got a three-point boost, matching the uplift in opinions on the general economy over the same period.
But hold onto your hats – despite these sunny spells, the economic forecast remains stormy, with views on the economy still deep in the negative zone and lower than a year ago.
Join NIQ’s Neil Bellamy and the ever-curious Lucy Green as they dive into the digits, dissecting differences by age group and income level in their regular segment, Data Guru Corner.
2025 kicked off with the Overall Index Score down five points. All five measures that form the Index dropped, with particularly steep falls in consumer views on the wider UK economy, both looking back a year (down 7 points) and at what’s in store for the next 12 months (8 points lower). NIQ’s Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green review the scores and their underlying causes. In the first Data Guru Corner of the year, they discuss why an index is used to measure confidence and explain it is calculated. With the strict sampling methodology consistent since 1974 at the launch of the Consumer Confidence Barometer, this dataset provides valuable historical comparisons to understand levels of confidence over the last five decades.
December was one of the quieter months this year with consumer confidence up just one point to -17, five points higher than this time last year. In this final podcast of the year, moderator Lucy Green and GfK’s Neil Bellamy discuss December’s results and what they tell us about consumer sentiment. As December is a key month for retail, there’s a review of the Major Purchase Index in the context of GfK’s Black Friday point-of-sales data in key categories. In Data Guru Corner, Neil looks at average scores over the year, discussing the variance in each measure and the volatility of key metrics. We never predict what is going to happen, but we do review confidence levels going into 2025.
All indicators up in November.
Something changed in November as consumer confidence rose three points to -18. Moderator Lucy Green asked GfK’s Neil Bellamy discuss the measures that feed into the topline figure and how last month’s Budget might have impacted the results. In particular, the Major Purchase Index rose five points and we ask if this is normal pre-Black Friday and the holiday season, or is something else happening? In Data Guru Corner Neil analyzed the results by party allegiance which provide some insights into November’s improvement.
Key future indicators on personal finances and purchase intentions edge up as general economic situation falls.
A drop of one point in consumer confidence to -21 dragged the overall index score back to a low not seen since March 24. Moderator Lucy Green asked GfK’s Neil Bellamy to dig deeper into the five measures that make up the overall Index score and explain what is happening. In Data Guru Corner Neil shared fascinating – and rarely published - data examining confidence by party allegiance. Consumers appear despondent this month – how will the imminent Budget change that? Tune in for an analysis of November’s results.
Key future indicators on personal finances, economy and purchase intentions all sharply lower
September’s results put a halt to the steady improvements in consumer confidence that GfK had been recording since March this year. We saw a sharp fall of seven points in the headline figure, bringing it back close to the -19 recorded in January. GfK’s Neil Bellamy talks through the reasons for the falls in indicators on personal finances, the economy and purchase intentions. In our regular feature, Data Guru Corner, we analyse the results by age group and income level, highlighting a massive gap between the highest and lowest earners.
2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>
The Overall Index improved by one point to -13
Anyone expecting a significant leap in confidence levels following July’s general election result and England’s football team reaching the Euro 2024 final will be disappointed by this month’s results. GfK’s Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green discuss the topline and measure-level results, especially the positive uptick on the Major Purchase Index. In our regular Data Guru Corner, we look at the top concerns the new government will want to address – the NHS takes the number one slot, surpassing ’having enough money to live right and pay the bills’.
2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>
These are the last results before the general election on July 4th
GfK’s Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green discuss the June 2024 results. For the third month running the Index has increased, this time by three points to -14, the highest level it has been since November 2021. With an election imminent, in Data Guru Corner we discuss if there has been any change in confidence scores by party allegiance since the election announcement.
2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>
Consumer confidence, the use of credit since covid and the influence of sustainability on purchase behaviour
In this episode of Thinking Ahead, Hannah Olley, a Senior Insights Manager in our UK Retail Market Intelligence team tackles three questions asked at our most recent breakfast event. Each is an important topic, from current levels of consumer confidence and the impact on spending patterns, to the changing face of credit and its users, to the growing importance of sustainability in Tech and Durables markets. Tune in for the latest intelligence.
In this episode of Thinking Ahead, GfK’s Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green discuss the May 2024 results. These were in before the announcement of a July 4th General Election. The overall Index score rose two points to -17, driven by significant jumps in the outlook for our personal finances and general economic situation. With an election weeks away, Data Guru Corner focuses on how party allegiance impacts consumer sentiment.
2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>
In this episode of Thinking Ahead, GfK’s Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green discuss the April 2024 results of UK Consumer Confidence Index. The overall Index score rose two points to -19, an encouraging development. People’s view of their own personal finances in the next 12 months held steady and the other four measures that make up the Index increased by between two and four points. There is a lot of ground to make up to get us nearer to the 50 year index average of -10, but the measures are moving in the right direction for now. In Data Guru Corner we discuss regional data and analyses.
January 2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>
GfK Consumer Life is returning to explore what consumers feel, think, need, and ultimately expect from brands today. Drawing on rich, industry-standard trends data, experts from GfK Consumer Life will look at what’s driving consumers, and what your brand can do to connect now and succeed in 2024.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
- Technology saga – Leveraging our evolving relationship
- Post Gen Z - Gearing up for Gen Alpha
If you missed it, part one covered the fundamentals & sustainability!
In this episode of Thinking Ahead, GfK’s Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green discuss the March 2024 results. The overall Index score remained at -21 this month with no move from February. There was some positive news in the view of our personal finances in the next 12 months, which rose two points. However, the Major Purchase Index fell two points and the Savings Index declined by four points. The improvements in the overall Index seen most months last year have now vanished. Neil explains what these scores mean and the impact of the March 6th Budget on them. March’s Data Guru Corner focuses on sampling. Tune in!
January 2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>
GfK Consumer Life is returning to explore what consumers feel, think, need, and ultimately expect from brands today. Drawing on rich, industry-standard trends data, experts from GfK Consumer Life will look at what’s driving consumers, and what your brand can do to connect now and succeed in 2024.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
- Focusing on the fundamentals - Getting back to brand basics
- The sustainability boost - The circular economy gains momentum
In part two, we'll talk all things tech & gen alpha!
One-quarter of all UK mobile phones sales in 2023 were for second-hand or refurbished handsets
Explore the dynamic shift in consumer behaviour within the UK mobile phone market in 2023, where a significant 25% of all mobile phones purchased were either second-hand or refurbished, up from the 19% in 2021. Join Lizzie Bailey and Chris Purnell, experts from GfK UK, as they unravel the intriguing statistics that underpin this trend.
In this episode of the Thinking Ahead podcast, we delve into the motivations behind the surge in used and refurbished phone acquisitions. Gain valuable insights into the demographics of those opting for pre-owned devices and discover the driving forces behind their choices. Is it solely influenced by price considerations, or are environmental concerns playing a role in shaping this shift? Tune in now to unravel the nuanced layers of this evolving consumer landscape.
If you want to find out more, click here to read our press release.
The Consumer Confidence Index took a knock in February, dropping two points to -21, with all but one of the measures that make up the topline score down. Our expert Neil Bellamy explains what’s happened and why the Personal Financial Situation metric remained at zero. In our regular feature, Data Guru Corner, he looks back over 50 years of data to evaluate how long it takes consumer sentiment to recover from a slump, and what this might suggest for a recovery this election year.
Discover the pulse of the automotive industry in our latest podcast episode, where we unpack the Future of Mobility report from GfK AutoMobility™. From electric vehicle demand to consumer preferences, we dive into key questions shaping the market.
Tune in as we explore brand resonance, EV adoption hurdles, and the future of autonomous vehicles. Gain actionable insights for your 2024 business strategies in just a few minutes.
The Living with Technology report explores how consumer tech sentiment, usage, and adoption have shifted and continue to evolve amid major disruptions.
In this episode, we sit down with GfK VP-CMI Veronica Chen to talk about the technology trends marketers should consider for the year ahead.
The sudden acceleration of the digital lifestyle during COVID lockdowns sent the sales of electronics and adoption of streaming services soaring. Then purchases slowed as consumers re-entered the "real" world and prioritized experiences over possessions. And the introduction of ChatGPT last fall was met with both record-speed adoption and deep concerns.
In this episode of Thinking Ahead, GfK’s Neil Bellamy and our moderator Lucy Green, discuss the January 2024 results of UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. With the main Index at -19%, UK consumers have started the year feeling positive. Neil explains what’s special about January and whether optimism is usual in the first month of the year. We focus on the Personal Financial Situation metric which reached zero after 24 consecutive months of negative scores. Delving into the results by income level tells a more nuanced story. In our regular feature, Data Guru Corner, Neil explains how the Index is composed, and why it is used to report confidence levels in the UK.
Our CMO Outlook series does a deep dive on GfK's CMO Outlook report! The series covers several areas including sustainability, technology & AI, long-term brand building and more.
In this episode, we sit down with GfK's Managing Director, Consumer Insights to explore the sustainability realm of the report and how global marketers are setting the course for growth.
600+ marketing leaders shared their take on the state of marketing today, as part of our CMO Outlook Survey — the largest global study of its kind. We’ve distilled their insights here to give you granular coverage into key opportunities, trends, and challenges shaping the landscape across multiple regions and industries. To learn more about how CMOs are driving change in an evolving world, access the full report.
Tune in to this episode as we explore key areas of the latest GfK Green Gauge report by Consumer Life. Understand how environmental concerns influence consumer attitudes and buying behaviors so you can meet their new expectations.
Drawing on 17 cross-media campaigns across Europe, new research shows that digital advertising drives brand equity. Commissioned by Meta, GfK data reveals the different marketing channels that help with brand building efforts at every stage of the funnel. From brand awareness to brand favorability, join this session to see how marketers can optimize digital advertising efforts for higher impact and efficiency by leveraging the power of a mixed-media approach.
In this Thinking Ahead podcast, Kelly Whitwick and Neil Frackiewicz from GfK UK’s retail team discuss the performance of Black Friday in 2023. Using point-of-sale data, they review the results from this year and put them in historical context, reveal the best – and worst–selling items, and analyze sales in the run-up to Black Friday and during the weekend itself. They explain the reason for the results in the Consumer Technology, Durables and Homewares, and share their expectations for the categories as we approach Christmas.
In this Thinking Ahead podcast, Neil Bellamy our Consumer Insights expert and Helen Collins our Home Appliances Industry expert, discuss the who, what and why of buying in a cost-of-living crisis. Consumer confidence is still in negative figures as we head into the busiest time of the retail calendar. Understanding what makes people buy is business critical, especially in a ‘Golden Quarter’. They’ll talk through the reasons to buy MDA, SDA and CE products, differences in behaviour by consumer group, and emerging purchase patterns. Tune in now!
Additionally, if you want to hear full insights from our recent UK Insights Breakfast event where we drill down into even more details please follow this link and listen on demand >>
How today’s consumers – young and old – are defying expectations, and how brands can capitalizeJust when you think you know today’s generations, they throw you a curve. Digitally savvy Baby Boomers? Gen Z’ers who love to shop in stores? Millennials who enjoy gardening or yard work? The examples of consumers breaking generational molds are numerous, and each one represents an opportunity for agile and savvy marketers.
The episode also takes a look at the newest generation that marketers need to be aware of, Gen Alpha. Who are they and how can marketers adapt to this new generation?
In this conversation at IFA 2023, we delved into the world of electric vehicles with Tim Kenyon, Vice President, Consulting, GfK.
Join us as we explore people's perceptions of EVs, their purchase concerns, and strategies to overcome them. Kenyon highlights the mix of real and perceived barriers hindering EV adoption, including infrastructure challenges, range anxiety, and misconceptions about these eco-friendly vehicles.
In this Thinking Ahead podcast, Trevor Godman from GfK UK discusses the latest findings from the annual Smart Home survey. Now in its seventh year, this collaboration with techUK delves into consumer awareness and interest, ownership and usage of a range of connected or ‘smart’ home products. This is an extensive piece of work, so in this 15-minute conversation, we focus on three key highlights: market growth and what’s driving it, what we can learn from the success of smart doorbells, and expectations around energy saving.
Sustainability still matters to UK shoppers – despite economic pressures. In fact, the majority of UK consumers in GfK’s Consumer Life survey agreed that “It is important that companies take environmentally responsible actions”. To appeal to shoppers today and tomorrow, every retailer, manufacturer, and brand owner needs to understand these sentiments and how they impact purchasing behavior.
For some companies, sustainability is already a key part of their ethos, for others, now is the time to review the latest consumer research, identify the opportunities and barriers, and take action.
In this podcast, we share the very latest research and suggest how brands and companies should respond. Sam covers a lot of ground, from sourcing to supply chain, packaging to messaging. Whatever category you’re in, there are some key insights about what sustainability means for you.
Nearly half of Americans now say that experiences are more important than possessions – and “Enjoying Life” has grown to become a core value among US consumers. After three years of pandemic isolation and uncertainty,
Americans seem ready to dive into experiential pleasures – but what exactly are they looking for? Which consumer groups are driving this renewed passion for indulgence – and how does it square with today’s inflation-driven focus on cost cutting and bargain hunting?
Drawing on five decades of trend insights from GfK Consumer Life, this episode will delve into the consumer moods, values, and desires that underlie a surging “experiential economy,” in the US and around the world. Across genders, generations, cultures, and social classes, we will define this movement and reveal how brands can leverage it wisely.
Join us in our latest episode as we venture behind the scenes of the 2023 NextGen Hackathon. Hear from the winning team of talented undergraduates from CUNY, College of Staten Island as they share their experience, triumphs, and the secrets behind their remarkable victory. Dive deep into their journey, from overcoming obstacles to unveiling their thought-process, all culminating in a well-deserved win!
But that's not all – we'll also talk about the #iaAnnualConference, where this exceptional team showcased their winning solution to industry professionals. With a focus on sustainability, they harnessed real consumer data and their data science expertise to develop an impactful solution centered around EVs called "PowerShare." Tune in to discover the inner workings of their revolutionary creation and explore how hackathons like this one provide invaluable opportunities beyond the classroom.
Take your eCommerce to the next level with cutting-edge content that helps your products stand out. Our expert from GfK Etilize shares the most effective ways to “wow” consumers and convert views to sales. Learn how to raise your content game with smart, innovative tactics – and put these ideas into practice with minimum hassle.
In this episode, we sit down with GfK Tim Kenyon of GfK Consumer Life (VP, Consulting) to explore the different and sometimes surprising sustainability profiles of today’s consumers. Around the world, people are now making green(er) decisions about their own actions and the products they purchase -- and these concerns also impact how they feel about your brand. Find out how your brand can approach sustainability wisely through a clear understanding of your consumers’ needs.
Sometimes, there is an otherworldly disconnect when marketers talk about data. In a recent GfK/CMO Council study, 80% of global marketing leaders asserted that data, analytics, and insights are very important to winning and retaining customers – yet only 12% reported being “extremely confident” in their own data systems. What is the ghostly force that is keeping whip-smart CMOs and insights pros from fulfilling their data potential?
GfK’s study found that data access and management – and the persistence of age-old data siloes – are major impediments to efficient marketing today. At times, no one can remember who created these “zombie” siloes or why they still exist; but they continue to interfere with proficient marketing, leading to hodge-podge dashboards and tortured integration schemes.
In this episode, we'll reveal what companies can and should do to truly connect their data and drive marketing efficiency. We will look at examples of challenges, tradeoffs, and lessons marketing leaders can take when it comes to:
- connecting research to activation to lift measurement
- integrating survey and behavioral data deterministically
- addressing data quality in various data sets
- finding the right insights to feed effective AI analytics
Throughout, we will share best practices and inspiring examples to help brands connect data and make high-velocity decision making an everyday reality.
For consumers everywhere, inconsistency has become the new normal. The roller coaster ride of COVID, inflation, and more is not ending anytime soon – so how will your brand stay on top?
In GfK Consumer Life’s 2023 Outlook episode, we’ll discuss the concerns, movements and ideas shaping today’s consumers, and help you understand what people will likely be thinking and wanting in the year ahead.
Drawing on rich, industry-stand trends data, this episode features GfK Consumer Life experts GfK’s Stacy Bereck and Eric Wagatha.
The generational stereotypes around sustainability are straight out of central casting – Gen Z’ers protest over climate change, while Baby Boomers line up to buy gas-guzzling SUVs and Millennials trade recycling tips over Starbucks lattes. How do today’s generations really think, feel and act when it comes to the environment? As the Earth heats up and the economy cools down, is it time to revisit our assumptions about these archetypes of culture and marketing? Join GfK for a down-to-earth discussion with marketers and researchers who represent today’s key generations – revealing firsthand whether Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers will ever see eye to eye on a host of sustainability issues, from electric vehicles to the circular economy.
GfK is committed to empower sustainable growth for our people, partners, and the planet. Reducing our environment impact is embedded into our company’s mission. In our latest episode, we sit down with Jochen Franz, Head of Strategic Projects and Sustainability Director for Procurement & Real Estate, as he talks about GfK’s commitment to sustainability, what we’ve achieved so far, the latest sustainability report & more!
In what seems like an instant, the values and social actions of brands have become make-or-break with even mainstream consumers. From sustainability to global conflicts, the list of concerns brands need to engage with on a daily basis — not just once or twice a year — keeps growing.
How can brands navigate this volatile and unfamiliar world of high emotional stakes — and vast business consequences? Our discussion will cover:
- The evolution of sustainability — and the challenges of staying a step ahead.
- Taking social issues to heart — without leaving skeptics behind.
- Generational transformation — who is really driving the purpose revolution?
- Skillful messaging and marketing in the purpose world — striking the right balance of commerce and caring.
- How conventional brands can integrate compassion and activism into deeply ingrained personas.
Key takeaways:
- Best practices on how to approach brand purpose.
- What are other brands doing in this space.
- What are the challenges facing brands in this ever-changing landscape.
The volatility of the past two years has raised the stakes for brands of every kind. How can marketers, brand managers and innovators keep up with their customers’ evolving demands? What tools do they need to effectively plan and course-correct in real time?
Join the trends experts at GfK Consumer Life as they deliver strategies to help brands plan for today – and innovate for tomorrow.
Speakers:
- Rachel Bonsignore | VP, Consulting | GfK Consumer Life
- Tim Kenyon | VP, Consulting | GfK Consumer Life
- Host: Ana Mazumdar | Digital Marketing Manager - Americas | GfK
Learn more about the Built for Success Toolkit Series here.
In this episode, we sit down with GfK’s very own Noah Babbott-Bryan, Megan Szabo and Kiley Rentko to talk about their experiences as Research Associates and how they’ve navigated their careers thus far. With different backgrounds and ultimately different paths within consumer insights, they offer unique perspectives on how to get started in this growing space and what skills you should possess to succeed. Tune in now!
The 2022 GfK NextGen Hackathon Competition brought together undergraduate teams from different universities to compete against one another in a data analytics showdown. Teams were tasked with developing strategic recommendations for new products or services in the shopper insights space; this year’s winner hailed from NJIT — iRecommend, a service that relies on predictive analytics to suggest products to ecommerce shoppers, based on their purchase histories and personal characteristics.
Now in its 11th year, the NextGen Competition gives undergraduates firsthand exposure to solving real-life business problems with consumer insights and data.
Tune into this episode as we go behind the scenes to get insights and perspectives from one of our judges Deb, our GfK expert, Neal and team captain of our winning team, An. They talk about their experiences with the hackathon, and more importantly, how marketers, organizations and other students can benefit from taking part in a data competition.
Featured Guests:
- Deb Eskra, Measurement & Applied Data Science, Oracle
- Neal Heffernan, EVP, Sales Effectiveness, GfK North America
- An Tran, Junior, NJIT
- Host: Ana Mazumdar, Digital Marketing Manager, GfK - Americas
American women across the generations often have very different attitudes and values. The pandemic and a variety of other factors have transformed women’s roles and perspectives — changes that marketers need to understand for smarter positioning and targeting
"American women, like those elsewhere in the world, have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Diane Crispell, senior consultant for GfK Consumer Life and author of the report. “Despite the disruptions to their jobs and families and resulting stress, they have a generally positive outlook and care about aspects of life that speak to a broader social conscience.”
Tune in as Diane offers specific insights and findings from her report that dive deep into the lifestyles, values and attitudes of American women.
Guests:
- Diane Crispell, Senior Consultant, GfK Consumer Life
- Host: Ana Mazumdar, Digital Marketing Manager (Americas), GfK
Resources: The American Women Report
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
For companies around the world, diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) has moved front and center as a business priority. But for consumer insights specialists, the stakes are higher – because their findings determine products being developed, ads being produced, and even laws being made.
Tune in to hear how GfK has worked with Microsoft to put inclusion into action in a practical sense, across a wide range of research activities.
Guests:
- Josh Billig, Market Research Manager, Microsoft
- Shelley Krasnick, VP - Marketing Effectiveness, GfK
Resources: Learn more about GfK
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
There are big changes coming to the GSA (General Services Administration) Advantage marketplace, and manufacturers need to pay close attention. GSA enables $60 billion in sales annually to federal, state, and local governments – a massive opportunity for suppliers in dozens of categories. How can you use the updated platform to your benefit, and what pitfalls should you watch out for? Get the latest on these important developments as we talk to Josh Royko, GSA’s Director of Acquisition Oversight, and Lloyd Wood, Senior Enterprise Account Sales Manager at GfK Etilize.
Guests:
- Josh Royko, Director of Acquisition Oversight, GSA
- Lloyd Wood, Senior Enterprise Account Sales Manager, GfK Etilize
Resources: www.etilize.com
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
Almost every US shopper knows that holiday gifts are harder to come by this year. GfK’s Tatjana Wismeth tells how lockdowns in China and around the world caused supply chain issues that have directly impacted the holiday shopping season -- and forced manufacturers and retailers to adapt on the fly. What is this extraordinary disruption teaching us about consumer loyalty, retailer sourcing, and distributor decision making.
Guest:
- Tatjana Wismeth, Head of Distribution & Supply Chain Intelligence, GfK
Resources: Solutions page
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
Major brands, including Apple, Mercedes, Amazon, and BMW, all use the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model to go straight to their customers for a branded experience. In this episode, experts from GeekSpeak Commerce and GfK Etilize give us a rich insight into why DTC is successful. In addition, they cover best practices and provide examples of how traditional brands utilize DTC. Tune in for all of the do's, don'ts, and small details you need to succeed.
Guest:
- Lloyd Wood, Enterprise Sales and Marketing Manager, GfK Etilize
- Isaac Wanzama, Founder and Chief Strategist, GeekSpeak Commerce
Resources: Leveraging the direct-to-consumer playbook
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) products wrote the playbook for developing and leveraging these closer relationships – bypassing traditional retail outlets and creating a seamless conversation with consumers. In this episode, we hear from Constellation Brands and BeenThereDoneThat about how US shoppers feel about DTC products and services.
Guest:
- Anim Haroon, Manager, DTC Growth Strategy, Constellation Brands
- Tara Nolan, Chief Global Growth Officer, BeenThereDoneThat
- Joe Beier, VP, Consumer Insights, GfK North America
Resources: Leveraging the direct-to-consumer playbook
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
On average, people spend 100 days online in a year. With constant connectivity at the palm of our hands and the roll-out of 5G and VR advancements, online behavior is beginning to blur with real-world engagement. In this episode, trends expert Eric Wagatha explains how we got to today, what consumers want, and how brands should strategically integrate new technologies into their business plans.
Guest: Eric Wagatha, Head of GfK Consumer Life
Resources: How brands can embrace the phygital reality trend
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
A panel of global experts discusses dynamic new approaches to data and intelligent automation, and how they empower your business to make better decisions, faster. Our industry experts discussed the data, knowledge, and technology that delivers relevant, actionable insights from data that drive sustained growth and build healthier customer relationships.
Guests:
- Christine Foster, CCO, The Alan Turing Institute
- Christoph Aure-Welsbach, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Kaizo
- Antony Cousins, CEO, Factmata
- Franziska Divis, Director, Go-to-market, Microsoft
- Warren Saunders, President, Global Sales, GfK
Resources:
- Video: Decode the Future Virtual Event
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
In the past few years, eCommerce listings have become the main window for shoppers, making digital product content a crucial part of the buying process. So how can brands become masters of this newly demanding digital content space? In this episode, eCommerce expert Lloyd Wood goes through the "must-haves" and "have-to-haves" to get the consumers' eyes -and wallets- on you.
Guests: Lloyd Wood, Enterprise Sales and Marketing Manager, GfK Etilize
Resources:
- eBook: Optimize your digital showroom
- Podcast: How to optimize eCommerce and boost sales
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
Latin America is often overlooked compared to other regions when it comes to global media coverage. Still, the reality is that it's a large and vibrant region offering an abundance of opportunities for marketers. In this episode, demographics and lifestyles expert Diane Crispell explains the value of LATAM consumers- and how you can grab their attention.
Guests: Diane Crispell, Senior Consultant, GfK Consumer Life
Resources:
- Study: A fresh look at Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
Defining and aligning with their ideological “tribes” is a growing priority for Americans – and this polarization is driving more and more brand relationships. In this episode, we take a look at how consumers’ ideologies affect their choices in brands -- and their opinions about each other. Tune in to hear how Americans are most polarized, how we align – and, ultimately, the role of brands in customers’ beliefs and decisions.
Guests: Rachel Bonsignore, VP, and consultant, GfK Consumer Life
Resources:
- Whitepaper: Divided we stand: Decoding the citizen shopper
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
4 in 10 Americans said the pandemic has made them more likely to take an active part in environmental causes. Question is, where do brands fit in? In this episode, industry experts from Clorox, Goodyear, and Loftex share how sustainability plays a part in their businesses -- from internal processes to their products on the shelves – and offer advice on putting a long-term environmental commitment into action.
Guests:
- Karen Chen, Director, Research & Insights, Clorox
- Christian Thompson, Director of Insights and Category Management, Goodyear
- Charles Gaenslen, CEO, Loftex
Resources:
- Guidebook: Brands navigating through sustainability
- Video: Rethinking Sustainability: Defining new strategies for brands
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
In January 2020, Google announced it would begin to phase out third-party cookies by the year 2022. One year away from the official “death to the cookie,” many digital marketers are looking for new innovations that will replace them. With endless information, the reality is- not everyone understands the true impact this has on brands and consumers alike. How can you prepare? Tune in to find out.
Guest: Rolfe Swinton, Director, Data Assets, GfK North America
Resources:
- Release: System to recycle Lithium-Ion batteries from EVs, hybrids win GfK NextGen Hackathon
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
The challenges of the past year have inspired new and innovative ways for brands and retailers to connect with their customers. In this episode, Joe Beier joins us to share results from the FutureBuy® 2021 study, covering evolving behaviors & attitudes of shoppers all over the world. From click-and-collect to social media shopping, the retail landscape has never been more exciting – and complex. Is your brand ready for the 'new' shopping experience?
Guest: Joe Beier, EVP, Consulting, Consumer Insights, GfK North America
Resources:
- Video: Winning with today’s super-savvy shopper
- Sample Report: A window into tomorrow's shoppers
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
Are brands really taking on the challenge of sustainability? Could it even be a profit center? In this candid interview, TerraCycle CEO Tom Szaky explains how "green" brands can go beyond messaging to make a real difference. For consumers, has their knowledge of sustainability really changed? Szaky thinks not. However, an increase in consumer value and concern shows opportunity within this evolving terrain.
Guest: Tom Szaky, CEO, TerraCycle
Resources:
- Guidebook: Brands navigating through sustainability
- Video: Rethinking Sustainability: Defining new strategies for brands
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
In a post-pandemic world rocked by disruption, premium brands have proven that they can help a business not only recover from economic downturns but become more powerful than ever. In this episode, GfK's CMO, Gonzalo Garcia Villanueva, sits down with our Head of Brand and Marketing Intelligence, Madalina Carstea, to go over new insights on how you can maintain and build your premium brand.
Guests:
- Gonzalo Garcia Villanueva, Global CMO, GfK
- Madalina Carstea, Head of Global Sales, Brand and Marketing Intelligence, GfK
Resources:
- Video: The Path to Premium - How brands can build post-pandemic success
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
This episode is an audio version of MRI-Simmons' recent panel discussion on a company's responsibility for inclusivity in their business and brand. The panel discusses the changing attitudes among Americans toward the LGBTQIA+ community, the perils of "rainbow-washing," or superficial allyship without meaningful effort or action behind it. Finally, it explores how companies can impact the community as a part of their business strategy throughout the year.
Guests:
- Karen Ramspacher (Moderator), SVP, Innovation & Insights, MRI-Simmons
- Diane Anderson-Minshall, CEO, Pride Media
- Joeseph Chen, Consumer insights lead, Mondelez International
- Kirk Olsen, SVP & Managing Director, Horizon Media
Resources:
- Full video recording: Building connections beyond Pride Month
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
Asia has been the engine of global economic growth for decades. As the world continues to get smaller thanks to technology, their consumers' beliefs and lifestyles rise in importance. In this episode, trends expert Veronica Chen divides Asia into its main powerhouses; China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. Tune in to understand the economic and cultural significance each has on the world- and why global brands need to consider their unique outlook in business decisions.
Guest: Veronica Chen, VP, GfK Consumer Life
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
In the U.S., mobile media now exceeds one-third of all media spending. A 2021 GfK study shows that, among common digital technologies, smartphones are most trusted and relied on by U.S. consumers. In this episode, ad expert Jon Brand explains the advantages of video display ads, the importance of ad testing, and how to adapt to emerging digital platforms like Tik Tok and Clubhouse.
Guest: Jon Brand, SVP, GfK Marketing Effectiveness
Resources:
- eBook: Design ads for success with today’s mobile-first consumers
- Podcast: The changes and challenges of advertising
- Article: Mobile ads demand mobile thinking
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
As COVID-19 restrictions loosen, over half of Americans say that they will be cautious going back to everyday life, but what does "normal" look like now? In this episode, Managing Director of Consumer Insights, Stacy Bereck, shares the latest results of the Consumer Pulse study, which has been tracking consumer behaviors and attitudes on life in a pandemic since March of 2020. Tune in to hear the latest- including data on the newest segment, vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated consumers.
Guest: Stacy Bereck, Managing Director, GfK Consumer Insights
Resources:
- Read the latest release: The newest wave of Consumer Pulse
- eBook: How can brands connect with wary consumers in today’s fragile marketplace
- Listen to the other Consumer Pulse episodes
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
The past year has changed consumer experience is changing brand relationships in every category. In this episode, we give you an audio version of GfK's recent webinar, "How brands can win consumers' hearts in the new marketplace," where experts discussed the changing nature of brand engagement and purchase decision making. Tune in to understand how brands can create a sense of loyalty through meaning and value while understanding the risks and rewards in taking political and social stands.
Guests:
- Natasha Stevens, EVP, Strategy & Innovation, GfK
- Eric Wagatha, SVP, Consumer Insights, GfK
- Amy Wills, VP, Marketing Effectiveness, GfK
Resources:
- Full video recording: How brands can win consumers' hearts in the new marketplace
- eBook: How can brands connect with wary consumers in today’s fragile marketplace?
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
In January 2020, Google announced it would begin to phase out third-party cookies by the year 2022. One year away from the official “death to the cookie,” many digital marketers are looking for new innovations that will replace them. With endless information, the reality is- not everyone understands the true impact this has on brands and consumers alike. How can you prepare? Tune in to find out.
Guest: Rolfe Swinton, Director, Data Assets, GfK North America
Resources:
- Release: System to recycle Lithium-Ion batteries from EVs, hybrids win GfK NextGen Hackathon
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
NextGen Hackathon Competition gives undergraduates a chance to develop product and marketing plans using real-world data. In this episode, we speak with two members of the CalPoly Pomona team that recently won the 10th NextGen Competition -- a race to develop the smartest electric vehicle innovation. In addition, we talk to two NextGen mentors and judges, Natalie Sneed from Kia and Sharon Kondo from One Team Advertising. Tune in to learn the importance of auto innovation and the next generation from the experts -- and how the student team came up with a unique project that incorporates consumer needs and current trends.
Guests:
- Natalie Sneed, Research Manager, Regional Strategy Management, Kia Motors
- Sharon Kondo, Practice Lead, Strategic Analytics, Team One Advertising
- Jillian Munoz, Student, CalPoly Pomona
- Patrick Ogaz, Student, CalPoly Pomona
Resources:
- Release: System to recycle Lithium-Ion batteries from EVs, hybrids win GfK NextGen Hackathon
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
In today's times, brands are expected to be more than a logo. Consumers expect them to take action- to show their authentic worth. While many things have changed, the core pillars of brand building have not. In this episode, Managing Director of GfK Marketing Effectiveness, Eric Villain, explains the true need for a healthy brand and what it takes to get there. How can brands create meaningful connections with their consumers?
Guest: Eric Villain, Managing Director, GfK Marketing Effectiveness
Resources:
- Report: Brand Unchained: Unleash the power of brand and unlock business performance
- eBook: Getting the essence of brand health
- Podcast: Finding purpose in crisis: Brands, COVID-19, and social responsibility
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
80% of new products fail, yet innovation is critical to a brand's future. How do you mitigate risk and measure its success? In this episode, Fifty Gazelles' Jeremy Andersen and GfK's Neal Heffernan unfold what makes a successful product. From sparked idea to development to launch, tune in to understand what's tips the scale.
Guests:
- Jeremy Anderson, Founder, Fifty Gazelles
- Neal Heffernan, EVP, GfK Sales Effectiveness North America
Resources:
- eBook: Minimize risk and maximize ROI when launching new SKUs
- Podcast: Creating Success Through In-Market Testing
More on this episode:
- Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
Data on consumer buying habits may be common these days – but too often it sits in silos. Brands and retailers may see only their own small windows of activity; to drive smarter decisions, they need a full picture of the marketplace. By bringing together sell-out data from thousands of independent tire retailers, GfK’s POS panel in the US has been helping to build a data-rich tire ecosystem from the ground up. In this episode, GfK's Neil Portnoy and Dave Stevens tell how the right data can help you be in the right place at the right time, anticipate production needs, and maximize the value of promotion and ads – a case study of top-quality insights empowering smarter decisions.
Guests:
- Neil Portnoy, Managing Director, GfK Retail Tires Panel
- Dave Stevens, VP of POS Tracking, GfK Retail Tires Panel
Resources:
- Get more details on this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Learn more about the Tires Panel here
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
The average person's attention span is around 8 seconds. How do you make sure consumers stop scrolling long enough to buy your product? In this episode, Buffalo America's Matthew Penico and GfK Etilize's Lloyd Wood go through the tips and strategies to optimize your online content, and in turn, optimizing your sales. Tune in to understand A+ content, up-and-coming eCommerce trends, and how to put everything together for the best ROI.
Guests:
- Connect with Mark Penico on LinkedIn | Youtube
- Connect with Lloyd Wood on LinkedIn | Email
Resources:
- Video: How to Drive Sales with Better Product Data
- Get more details on this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
When someone says "influencer marketing," your brain goes straight to consumer products. However, B2B influencer marketing reasons to be even more critical. 19% of all purchases are influenced by word of mouth; that number jumps to 91% in the B2B space. In this episode, influencers and experts Rachel Miller, Evan Kristel, and Jola Burnett take us into the B2B influencer world that showcases the power of decision-makers. How does B2B influencing fit into your next marketing campaign? Tune in to find out.
Guests:
- Rachel Miller, Global Influencer Marketing Lead at SAP (Connect on: Twitter | LinkedIn)
- Evan Kirstel, Evangelist and Co-founder, eViRa Health (Connect on: Twitter | LinkedIn)
- Jola Burnett, VP, Consulting, GfK Consumer Life (Connect on: Twitter | LinkedIn)
Resources:
- eBook: From AI to COVID-19: The transformation of influencers in a culture of doubt
- Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
Distinguishing deeper trends versus what is "trending" reveals the forces that drive consumer purchase demands and insight. In this reprised episode, the leader of GfK Consumer Life in North America tells us how to tell a trend from a fad, why trends are essential for smart marketing decisions, and which consumer movements he is watching for the future.
Watch Eric's recent video: Starting strong in 2021
Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
As the new year begins, the global pandemic has put a new spin on the health and wellness craze we always see. In this episode, Trends Consultant, Rachel Bonsignore, bases her insights on years of data leading up to and including the pandemic. Learn about increasing health concerns over safety, how consumers are compensating for closed gyms, and the role of mental health. How do trends like these help your brand? Tune in to find out.
Video: Starting strong in 2021
Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com
Despite the times, influencers have a growing market of opportunity- and their number of trusting followers continue to rise. Join us and catch-up on this discussion of Influencers in the pandemic era – their changing roles, the emergence of a new breed of content creators, and the pitfalls of sticking to old models in a time of upheaval.
Download the Influencers Playbook
From click-and-collect to cross-channel buying, eCommerce shopping has hit new levels while traditional methods have evolved. In this episode, Joe Beier takes us through emerging purchase journey trends and the long-term implications of pandemic brand trial and switching. Tune in to understand the wants and needs of shoppers both this holiday season and as we enter the new year.
More information:
- Webinar: Shoppers in a world of change
The digital lifestyle has made leaps and bounds this year. In this episode, subject-matter experts Jola Burnett and Stacy Bereck cover the attitudes and behaviors of consumers when it comes to living a life dependent on technology. Understand how consumers feel about recent digital developments, the way it changes their daily lives, and what you -as a company- should be prioritizing in this tech-evolved world.
More information: https://hubs.ly/H0B_M6Q0
Air travel has hit record lows due to COVID-19, but did the pandemic bring back the classic road trip? In this episode, Julie Kenar explains how the auto industry has been affected in 2020 – for better and worse. From pricing to sustainability, this episode will help you understand consumer priorities and expectations – and how you can encourage them to take the risk of buying a new car.
More information: https://hubs.ly/H0BfgRM0
They are calling it one of the most historic and important elections the country has ever had. In this episode, MRI-Simmons’ Kelly Augustine takes us through 5 polarizing election issues between Biden and Trump supporters in the US presidential elections- and the issues they surprisingly align on. She also sheds some light on the undecided voters and what is keeping non-voters from the polls. Tune in to understand why these groups collide on some of the biggest topics on the political stage.
More information: https://www.mrisimmons.com/
As we head towards the end of the year, COVID remains the biggest buzzword of 2020. In past episodes, we’ve discussed specific topics about the virus, from behavior and lifestyle changes to the back to school season. In this episode, we bring it all together for a full look at this year's pandemic-driven timeline. How has COVID-19 shaped our “new normal” as both consumers and brands? Tune in to find out.
More information: https://hubs.ly/H0ym2WV0
Here's an obvious statement- technology surrounds our lives. From security systems and lighting to refrigerators and window shades, the futuristic smart home is here today. In this episode, we sit down with Consumer Trends Expert, Veronica Chen, to learn about the current state of smart home products and how the COVID-19 pandemic has propelled it. Who are the real consumers? And how do marketers reach them? Tune in to find out.
More Information:
Leveraging the new home tech landscape: https://hubs.ly/H0y4bTS0
Smart homes today & tomorrow: https://hubs.ly/H0y4cCY0
From a presentation to your headphones. In this episode of Thinking Ahead, we give you an audio version of GfK’s recent webinar, where thought leaders from Hanesbrands, Colgate, and Hyundai came together to discuss the prospects for sustainability – as a movement, a message, and a way of doing business. Drawing on decades of insights from the Green Gauge® study, they explore questions such as how COVID-19 has affected attitudes towards sustainability and what consumers want brands to say and do about the environment and climate change.
More information: https://hubs.ly/H0xg9s20
In another milestone of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools are in the midst of 'opening' their doors. In this episode, Frank Guagenti takes us through how parents are feeling as their kids start a new year- in-person, online, or both. Tune in to understand the varying opinions on how education systems are handling the pandemic, how it has affected brands that rely on back-to-school sales, and what it means for everyone listening.
More information: https://hubs.ly/H0w5FX50
No matter who you are, you can’t escape ads. The challenge is- how can your ad speak louder and become more memorable to your audience than the rest? In this episode, we sit down with Jon Brand, who takes us through best practices in creating an effective digital ad campaign. Tune in to learn how COVID-19 has changed the game, why you need to utilize screen sizes, and most importantly, how your ad can reach its full potential.
More Information: https://hubs.ly/H0vn7cq0
As the youngest generation in the workforce, Generation Z is facing unprecedented challenges as young professionals. In this episode, we sit down with NextGen Competition winners Sabrina, Emily, and Ibrokhim as they take us through the moment their college shut down. Tune in to hear first-hand how this generation is already being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, their attitudes towards the "new normal", and the surprising optimism on what it offers them for the future. More Information: * Consumer Pulse Study * NextGen Competition
Esports describes the world of competitive, organized video gaming. But who is its audience? And why should brands and marketers pay attention? In this episode, we sit down with Ben Paro, Category Director of Sports and Gaming at MRI-Simmons, as he explains the rise of this unique and faithful segmentation. Tune in to understand the innovative entertainment that eSports is serving up- and the opportunities it gives brands and advertisers.
More Information: https://hubs.ly/H0t492k0
COVID-19 and the racial equality movement have raised the stakes when it comes to social responsibility, and brands cannot sit still. In today’s world, issuing predictable press releases followed up with little action simply won’t cut it. In this episode, brand experts Eric Villain and Amy Wills explore the opportunities and pitfalls for brands in this fraught landscape. How can brands make a difference while staying true to their identities and consumer expectations? How can they discover a renewed sense of purpose in the middle of crisis?
More Information:
eBook: Discover your brand's authentic purpose & build deeper consumer connections
With devastated economies and the calls for social justice around the world, how to brands move forward? In this episode, we give you an audio version of GfK's recent webinar, "Taking brands to the next level: Activism, anxiety, and the new consumer marketplace," with a panel of experts discussing where brands go from here. What messages and offers do consumers want from brands? What role should activism play in their identity?
Click here for the full webinar.
At a time when consumer behavior – and data – is wildly unpredictable, agencies and brands need to bring extra diligence to the process of creating ad audiences. In this podcast episode, GfK’s Natasha Stevens explores the promises and pitfalls of combining data from different sources. She defines the many unknowns that surround target creation in today’s marketplace, and tells how a multi-set approach can improve target accuracy exponentially – or dilute the value of high-quality data.
More Information:
Video: Optimizing audience data for programmatic targeting
Months after lockdowns began, the pandemic landscape continues to evolve. In this episode, we check in with Sarena Gerard, who helps us understand how consumers feel. Tune in for the latest Consumer Pulse data, dissecting everything from consumers' future travel plans to how they think brands should address social issues.
More Information:
Webinar: Activism, anxiety, and the new consumer marketplace
We know COVID-19 crisis has transformed shopping – but many of those effects may be short term. To plan for tomorrow’s shopping experience, we need to look closely at the forces that were already in play when the pandemic hit. In a new Thinking Ahead webinar, GfK’s Joe Beier and Sarena Gerard delve into new insights from our FutureBuy® research to explore the future of click-and-collect, social media buying, and more.
More Information:
Understand the forces that are transformation shopping- in-store and online [report]
Shopping's Transformational Forces [video]
In the midst of today’s disruptions, FMCG brands, marketers, and retailers need to Think Ahead. In this episode, we sit down with GfK's Susan Stacey and Neal Heffernan who help us understand how to optimize brand innovations for long-term success. Tune in for an in-depth look at the dos and don'ts of effective testing.
More Information:
Optimizing brand innovation for long-term success [video]: https://hubs.ly/H0r6h1x0
Design FMCG Products for real-world success [eBook]: https://hubs.ly/H0r6gWS0
Join us for a smart, up-to-the-minute discussion of Influencers in the pandemic era – their changing roles, the emergence of a new breed of content creators, and the pitfalls of sticking to old models in a time of upheaval.
More Information:
-
Reach Jola's eBook: The transformation of influencers in a culture of doubt
-
Read some of Jasmine's stories at emarketer.com
-
Follow Tara on Instagram and follow the official Conscious Connoisseur blog
In this episode, we sit down for a panel discussion with GfK's Natasha Stevens, MRI-Simmons' Josh Pisano, and Dstillery's Chris Boon to talk about digital ad targeting. How are consumer “segments” developed? What can be done to make them more accurate? And why is data so important for accurate targetings?
More Information:
www.gfk.com/en-us
While “trending” may have become a buzzword on social media, distinguishing the deeper trends and forces that drive consumer purchase demands rigor and insight. In this podcast, the leader of GfK Consumer Life in North America tells us how to tell a trend from a fad, why trends are essential for smart marketing decisions, and which consumer movements he is watching for the future.
Consumer Life's latest eBooks:
COVID-19 & Sustainability: https://hubs.ly/H0qk98V0
Influencers in a culture of doubt: https://hubs.ly/H0qk98C0
Consumers, brands, and retailers are finding themselves in uncharted territory during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, Luis Molina gives us an overview of GfK's new Consumer Pulse study. Understand consumers' lifestyles and behavior changes, what consumers think and how their behavior changes week on week, how consumer purchase behavior is evolving, and how consumers anticipate their situation and behavior to be after the crisis.
More Information:
Consumer Pulse [study]: https://hubs.ly/H0pYRjn0
Coronavirus: Tracking its impact on consumers and brands [podcast]: https://hubs.ly/H0pYW6l0
How American Consumers are Handling the COVID-19 Outbreak [podcast]: https://hubs.ly/H0pYW780
This year, Earth Day is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In this episode, GfK Consumer Life’s Tim Kenyon breaks down how far the sustainability movement has come -- and, more importantly, where it may be going. From hybrid cars and recycled clothing, to zero-waste homes -- how important is the environment to consumers? And how will COVID-19 affect their attitudes and efforts towards a “greener” world?
More Information:
Sustainability & COVID-19 [eBook]: https://hubs.ly/H0pKk4l0
COVID-19 is changing current and future consumer behaviors. In this episode, Karen Ramspacher from MRI-Simmons sits down with us to discuss recent results from their new (and free) COVID-19 report. What purchases and plans have consumers postponed? What media are they consuming? And what new attitudes will influence their behavior with brands in the future?
More Information: https://hubs.ly/H0pCsTD0
As cannabis increasingly enters the mainstream, many are embracing the possibilities -- while others continue to push back. In this episode, we explore the marijuana consumer -- recreational, medical, and everything in between. Who are they? Why do they consume cannabis? What types of entertainment do they choose, and what products are they purchasing while consuming? We also look at the profiles of those who are opting out of the cannabis phenomenon.
More Information:
National Cannabis Study: https://hubs.ly/H0pJ7Ny0
CBD – which offers stress and pain relief without a THC “high” – is upending dozens of product categories, from cosmetics to pet food. Experts from MRI-Simmons and GfK Consumer Life define CBD’s remarkable growth, profile its consumers, and reveal the forces and trends behind its rise.
More Information:
MRI Cannabis Report: https://hubs.ly/H0pJ6sC0
Insights from NRF [Press Release]: https://hubs.ly/H0pg6_x0
The world is a different place than it was one month ago, even two weeks ago. COVID-19, or Coronavirus, has consumers staying home and is taking a toll on the economy. In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Bereck as she shares some insightful results from GfK Consumer Insight's Coronavirus Consumer Pulse study.
More Information:
About the study [release and sample report]: https://hubs.ly/H0nNBCm0
It's unknown and untrackable... or is it? 90% of ads are targeted to only select consumers and impossible to measure, until now. In this episode, we sit down with Natasha Stevens, EVP at GfK as she helps shed some "light" on all the marketing you can't see.
More Information:
Leverage the Power of Dark Marketing [video]: https://hubs.ly/H0n45DT0
The mixture of skyrocketing shopper expectations and exploding technologies are fueling a new era of innovation and transformation for shopping. From smartphones to personal shopping robots, how far will the technology go?
More information: The Future of Retail [video]: https://hubs.ly/H0mCVDJ0
You‘ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again. After so much debate and discussion about what Millennials want, they remain a hot topic with marketers -- but why? In this episode, we look into their minds, as the first Millennials turn 40. Learn what truly makes this generation different from the rest!
More information: What does the future of Millennials look like? [blog]: https://hubs.ly/H0mCwYM0
Get ready for a future-focused point-of-view that will teach you everything you need to know from consumer mindsets to the innovative technology coming next. Stop guessing what’s next and start Thinking Ahead!
https://hubs.ly/H0mP11V0