By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

4 IN 10 PREFER PETS OVER CHILDREN

America is in a pet economy boom, driven by younger generations spending more money, time and attention than ever on their four-legged “children,” based on our Harris Poll Thought Leadership & Futures study.

• 43% of Americans would rather have pets than kids.
• 82% of pet owners see their pets as children.
• A third would trade $1,000 for more time with their pets.
• Pet owners spend $4,366 annually, and younger owners spend even more (Gen Z: $6,013; Millennials: $5,150; Gen X: $3,878; Boomers: $2,454).
• 24% of pet parents admit to being in debt due to pet expenses, jumping to 29% for Gen Z and 34% for Millennials.

TO RECLINE OR NOT RECLINE

Should airlines ban reclining seats on planes? Our Harris Poll study with La-Z-Boy suggests many Americans say “yes.”

• 41% say they support a ban on passengers reclining seats on domestic flights.
• Slightly more women (42%) support a ban versus men (40%).
• Younger fliers dislike reclining (42% for ages 18-34) more than older fliers (38% for ages 35-44 and 35% for ages 55-64).

NO TIPS WHEN STANDING?

More than 3 in 5 Americans won’t tip if they order standing up, based on our Harris Poll study with Paylocity.

• 62% say they will not give a tip if they placed an order while standing – highest among Boomers (66%) and lowest among Gen Z (57%).
• Overall, 65% of Americans say they’re annoyed with how frequently they’re asked to tip.
• Most annoyed are Gen X (70%) and Boomers (68%), compared with Gen Z (56%).

RECYCLING NEEDS A RESET

Several barriers are preventing Americans from recycling more, based on our Haris Poll research with Keep America Beautiful.

• 33% of Americans are confused about what can and cannot be recycled (42% for Gen Z and Millennials).
• 41% throw items in the trash to avoid making recycling mistakes.
• 21% say recycling has caused arguments at home, especially among younger generations (37% for Gen Z and 32% for Millennials).
• 63% rate America’s recycling system a ‘C’ or lower, and 22% give it a ‘D’ or ‘F.’

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• Understanding the impact of inflation on corporate reputation
• Poll: Misinformation Top Issue Undermining Trust In News
• Everybody hates annoying digital ads: Should tech companies or advertisers take the blame?
• Codifying the shapers of modern marketing
• Why generative AI won’t replace proper PRs or journalists any time soon
• Do you know the next CEO of PRSA?

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

AMERICANS STILL BELIEVE IN NEWS

While trust in the news media continues to decline, Americans still believe in the importance of the news media for a healthy democracy, according to a new poll by HarrisX as part of Stagwell’s Future of News initiative.

• 25% of Americans and 25% of British consumers label themselves as “news junkies.”
• American news junkies read an average of 7 news articles a day and check the news 5.6 times a day.
• British news junkies read an average of 4.8 news articles a day and check the news 4 times a day.
• News junkies are primarily Gen X (64%, versus 58% of the general population) and college graduates (51%, versus 38% of the general population).
• 56% of adults say it’s important for younger generations to watch the news more than they currently do.
• Americans follow general news the most (78%), followed by political news (71%), economic news (63%), international news/global affairs (63%) and healthcare news (59%). 
• 71% say companies should advertise on news media: (78% for news junkies), and 66% have a more positive impression of companies that advertise on news (74% for news junkies).
• Local TV news is rated the most trusted news media source (73%), followed by broadcast TV (67%), local newspapers (66%), radio (65%), national newspapers (64%), cable news (59%), magazines (58%), online publications (55%), podcasts (52%) and social media (41%). 
• When asked about trust in news, 42% say it’s declining, 43% see no improvement, and 15% say it’s improving. 
• The top issues undermining trust in news are misinformation/fake news (57%), poor separation between news and opinion content (46%) and sensationalism and bias (44%).

TWO THIRDS SAY NO ONE CARES ABOUT THEIR HEALTHCARE

Americans want a better healthcare system that works for more people, and providers, payers and patients need better communication, coordination and incentives to get there. This is based on new Harris Poll research presented at the Milken Institute’s Future of Health Summit.

• 66% of Americans say they have to be responsible for their health because no one else seems to care.
• 52% say following social media health and wellness trends is more accessible than trying to connect with medical professionals.
• 55% of patients of color report receiving poor quality care within the last year (up 11 points from a year ago), and 52% have needed a second opinion after their concerns were dismissed by their original healthcare provider (up 7 points from a year ago).
• A 47-point gap exists between Black and White Americans on the statement: “My race determines the quality of care I receive.”
• 86% of Americans are ready to work with their doctors and health professionals to create change, yet 57% worry there won’t be systemic change for many years.

WOMEN UNPREPARED FOR RETIREMENT

Women remain at greater risk than men for failing to achieve a financially secure retirement, based on new Harris Poll research with the Transamerica Institute.

• Women workers dream of an active and fulfilling retirement, including travel (70%), spending more time with family and friends (60%) and pursuing hobbies (49%).
• Yet only 16% are “very confident” that they could fully retire with a comfortable lifestyle.
• Women have a median of $44,000 in total household retirement savings, with Boomer women saving more ($98,000, versus Gen X at $61,000, Millennials at $37,000 and Gen Z at 21%.
• Only 29% of women currently use a professional financial advisor, and fewer (17%) report frequently discussing saving, investing and retirement planning with friends and family.

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• 60% of Americans Worried About Holiday Porch Piracy
• Gen Zers are landing job interviews through TikTok
• X gains ground, with HelloFresh and Chick-fil-A also winning Gen Z attention
• Gen Z Are Relying on Their Parents to Help Pick Health Insurance Plans

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

PARENTS GIVE AI FAILING GRADE

Parents are not fans of students using AI to complete their homework, based on the Harris Poll’s latest report on the tech industry.

• Only a third (36%) of adults think the use of generative AI tools for schoolwork has a positive impact on children’s learning experience (grades K-12).
• 79% say children are more likely than adults to struggle to identify misinformation created by generative AI tools.
• Regarding technology overall, only 39% of U.S. adults trust businesses to be responsible with handling their personal information.
• 28% have a worse opinion of an organization if it is involved in a data security event.
• 29% avoid working with organizations that have been involved in a known data security event.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES DIVIDE US

U.S. drivers are still split on whether they’re ready to take a ride in an autonomous vehicle, according to the Harris Poll’s annual AutoTECHCAST report, which collects and analyzes consumer insights on advanced automotive technologies and features.

• 51% of Americans would trust an autonomous vehicle (AV) today, and the same number would be willing to buy one.
• AV trust is highest among Gen Z and young Millennials (70%) and lowest among Boomers (30%).
• While only 6% have experienced fully autonomous vehicles, 79% said they were somewhat or much more comfortable with an AV after trying one.
• 34% have used driver assistance features, and 24% have driven partially autonomous vehicles.
• Looking at other new auto technology, 48% of Gen Z and young Millennials believe alcohol detection systems should be mandatory in vehicles (compared with 32% of Gen X and 20% of Boomers).
• Most highly demanded new auto tech: surround-car cameras (desired by 55.7%), low-speed collision avoidance (55.4%) and wireless mobile charging (54.3%).
• Still not in high demand: electric vehicles (desired by 31.9%, down from 33.6% a year ago), fuel cell vehicles (27.9%, down from 30.3%) and in-car payment systems (27.7%, down from 29.9%).

TOO MANY ADS

Consumers have reached the tipping point on advertisements that interrupt viewing and streaming – especially ads with the same message, according to our Harris Poll research with AD-ID.

• 49% have skipped a purchase from a brand due to repetitive ads during their viewing.
• 61% say they are less likely to buy products when inundated with advertisements.
• 59% say repeatedly seeing the same ads hurts their viewing experience.
• 3 in 4 consumers say they would like to see ads targeted at their interests.
• 33% don’t mind watching relevant ads.

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• Mark Penn Finds the Many Ties Between Politics and Marketing
• 5 Stagwell takeaways from the ANA Masters of Marketing event
• Hiring managers are fielding questions about DEI and want employers to take a stand, survey finds
• Travel Experts Urge Early Booking for Holiday Flights Amid Price Hike
• Left on the table, remembered in our hearts: Heineken’s winning campaign

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

LYING ABOUT VOTING

Half of Gen Z and nearly one in four U.S. voters overall have lied to people close to them about whom they’re voting for, according to our Harris Poll survey with Axios.

• 48% of Gen Z admit they have lied to someone close to them about whom they’ve voted for. That compares with 38% of Millennials, 17% of Gen X and 6% of Boomers.
• Overall, 23% admit to lying about their voting choice, and 22% say they potentially would lie.
• Men (30%) are twice as likely to lie about their vote than women (17%).
• 27% of Democrats acknowledge lying about voting, as do 24% of Republicans and 20% of independents.
• 58% of all voters say voting is a private matter.
• Being private – or even lying – helps preserve relationships: 33% of Americans say they are disenfranchised from some family members over politics. That rises to 44% for Gen Z and 47% for Millennials.

CEOs SAY ELECTION WILL CHANGE 2025 BUSINESS PLANS

4 in 5 CEOs expect the result of the U.S. elections will change their 2025 business strategy. Stagwell’s new “Priorities and Perspectives of the Global CEO” survey finds:

• 29% of CEOs expect a significant impact of the election on their business strategy, and 48% expect a moderate impact.
• 14% expect minor and 5% no impact.
• The biggest expected business strategy impacts include: immigration policy (31%), global trade (31%) and economic stability (27%).
• Global CEOs – all CEOs except those based in the U.S. – are split on which presidential candidate will better boost the global economy. Of global business leaders, 35% believe Vice President Harris and 30% believe former President Trump will be better for the economy.
• U.S. CEOs, however, strongly favor Trump (52%) to boost the global economy over Harris (15%).
• 35% of CEOs worldwide identify inflation as the most critical economic issue facing their countries, followed by consumer confidence (30%) and energy prices (25%).
• When it comes to global societal issues that businesses must help address, top needs are mental health (56%), financial stability (44%) and physical health (43%).

UNHAPPIER AMERICA

Americans are far less happy today than they were 16 years ago, when the Harris Poll first began analyzing public sentiment about interpersonal relationships, spirituality, health and work, according to our 2024 Happiness Index.

• Today, the Happiness Index stands at 31 overall, compared with 35 in 2008.
• The index is at 30 for men and 31 for women, compared with 33 for men and 36 for women in 2008.
• Least happy on the index are Gen Z members (at 27 today), followed by Millennials (28), Gen X (28) and Boomers (37).
• Dragging them down are relationships with family members (86% strongly or somewhat agree today versus 92% in 2008); relationships with friends (88% today versus 93% in 2008); spiritual beliefs as positive guiding forces (74% today versus 77% in 2008); and “I rarely worry about my health” (46% today versus 49% in 2008).

WHAT WE WANT IN FAST FOOD

Half of Americans (52%) order from quick-service restaurants at least once a week, and they would do so more with lower prices, discounts and larger portions, according to our latest Harris Poll research on the QSR industry.

• Frequent QSR diners – those ordering at least once per week – are primarily between the ages of 18 and 34 (65%), people of color (59% versus 48% for White Americans) and men (58%, versus 48% of women).
• The appeal of quick-service restaurants: it’s a treat for themselves or someone else (46%) or convenience and saving money (45%).
• QSR owners and operators looking to increase in-restaurant traffic should invest in cleanliness (cited as most important by 69%), service quality (63%) and speed (56%).

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• AI’s Bubble’s Bursting Because You’re Forgetting Two Other Letters: CX
• 4 Snapshots From the Future, Compliments of the Gartner IT Symposium
• The role of the entertainment industry in tackling America’s masculinity crisis
• Survey reveals disconnect between retail shoppers, marketers
• Lights, camera, election! How fictional presidents would fare in 2024
• Where the Financial Industry Is Heading and Why It Matters
• ARound and Los Angeles Rams Team Up With Princess Cruises and Uber Eats to Launch Groundbreaking AR Broadcast Integration and Fan Engagement Platform

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

ECONOMY + ELECTION = TOO MUCH STRESS

The future, the economy and the presidential election are creating even more stress for Americans. That’s according to the newest edition of the Harris Poll’s “Stress in America” study with the American Psychological Association.

• 77% of adults say the future of the nation is a significant source of stress, along with the economy (73%) and the presidential election (69%).
• Other stressors: U.S. politics (62%); health care (55%); violence and crime (54%); the environment (51%); global tension/conflict (51%); and gun laws and regulations (49%).
• When asked to rate stress about specific news, topics and events, housing costs (65%), mass shootings (63%), spread of false news (62%) and social divisiveness (60%) are highest.
• 41% have a hard time having a civil conversation today about politics with people who have different values.
• 61% are hopeful about change this election and that it will lead to a more inclusive society (59%).

CLIMATE CHANGE STRESSING OUT YOUNG PEOPLE

Another source of stress – especially for young Americans – is climate change, based on our Harris Poll research.

• 58% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials say wildfires, hurricanes and other extreme weather have negatively affected their mental health in the past year (versus Boomers at 47%).
• 20% of Gen Z and 15% of Millennials say these events had a significant negative impact on their mental health (versus Boomers at 9%).
• Gen Z (65%) and Millennials (63%) also are more likely than Boomers (54%) to say mass shootings have negatively affected their mental health.
• Among those who need mental health support and do not seek it, 41% say it is because it is too expensive or their health care provider did not take them seriously (20%).

‘TIS THE SEASON TO SPEND MORE

Americans will spend $17 billion more on gifts and $46 billion more on travel this holiday season – despite being under financial pressure, based on our Harris Poll survey with NerdWallet.

• Holiday shoppers will spend $925 on average this season. Parents are the biggest spenders –averaging $1,070, versus $860 for non-parents.
• 28% of shoppers still have not paid off balances from last year.
• 28% of 2023 holiday travelers who put flights and hotel stays on a credit card still have not paid off the balances.
• This year’s holiday shoppers plan to shop the sales: 39% on Black Friday and 36% on Cyber Monday.
• 15% completed the majority of holiday shopping during the mid-summer and fall sales.
• Due to financial pressures, 28% will spend less per person on gifts this year, and 27% will purchase gifts for fewer people.
• 22% have discussed limiting holiday gift spending this year with friends and family.
• 11% plan to regift for the first time, and 12% will purchase secondhand gifts.
• 55% say that the costs associated with holiday shopping is a major source of stress.
• 40% feel pressure to spend more money on holiday gifts than they’re comfortable spending.
• 10% will likely need to dip into their emergency savings to buy holiday gifts.
• As for travel, 42% will keep their usual holiday travel plans this year regardless of expense.
• 28% say traveling during the holidays is more important than the giving and receiving of gifts.
• See also: It’s October. Are you already behind on holiday shopping?

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• The State of Pumpkin Spice: 2024 Edition
• Advertisers Losing Consumers To Ad Fatigue
• Decoding New Ways to Search with Google AI
• AI Adoption Survey Exposes Key Trends, Opportunities and Challenges Facing the Enterprise
• Using AI for Anticipation vs. Reaction
• Quiet Vacationing And The Generational PTO Divide
• Spotify’s Global Marketing Campaign Overshadows Price Hikes
• Agency execs share their top 2025 predictions

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

MOOD IN U.S. REMAINS STEADY

Americans’ views of how things are going remained steady last month, according to our poll with the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University.

• 31% of Americans say the country is on the right track (compared with 30% a month ago), and 32% say the economy is on the right track (compared with 30% last month).
• 47% say their personal financial situation is becoming worse (compared with 48% a month ago), while 28% say it is improving (compared with 26% a month ago).
• 81% of registered voters say they will definitely vote in the election (Democrat: 85%; Republican: 84%; Independent: 72%).
• 14% of voters say they are still weighing their candidate choices, including 25% of Independents.
• Vice President Harris holds a 1.7-point lead among likely voters. Yet, in battleground states, former President Trump has a 2-point lead among both likely and registered voters.
• Voters believe Trump would do a better job on specific foreign policy issues like the Ukraine/Russia war (+9 over Harris), standing up to China (+13) and the Israel/Hamas war (+10), while 51% of voters believe Harris is better equipped to be commander-in-chief over Trump.
• Inflation and immigration remain the top two national issues for voters, with 46% saying inflation is most important personally (Democrat: 39%; Republican: 52%; Independent: 47%).
• See also: I ‘don’t recall any presidential race where we’ve seen these polls this close’: Stagwell’s Mark Penn

BEST REPUTATIONS IN CANADA

Hockey dominates in Canada – yet it’s the Professional Women’s Hockey League that is at the top of Harris Poll’s inaugural ranking of the 50 most reputable companies and organizations in the country.

• The PWHL is No. 1 – above traditional powerhouses like the NHL (35^th) – followed by Toyota, Samsung, Costco, Canadian Tire, Apple, Microsoft, Manulife, Sun Life and Nike in the top 10.
• Companies in sectors heavily reliant on pricing transparency – such as grocery (Loblaws), airlines (WestJet) and telecom (Bell) – see their reputations suffering.
• Unlike American banks, Canadian banks enjoy strong public confidence. All of Canada’s “Big Five” banks ranked in the top 25, with Scotiabank leading at 13th.
• In contrast, U.S. banks like Wells Fargo and Bank of America placed much lower in the American edition of the study, Axios Harris Poll 100, highlighting a significant cross-border difference in banking trust.

U.S. UNDERPERFORMS ON INFANT MORTALITY

The U.S. – one of the most developed nations in the world – is not among those with the lowest rates of infant deaths, and less than a third of Americans know about the crisis. These are among the findings of the Harris Poll’s second annual State of Maternal Health Report.

• Similar to last year, only about 1 in 4 Americans (29%) correctly state that the U.S. does not have one of the lowest rates of infant mortality among developed countries.
• 40% know that the U.S. has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality among developed countries.
• Only half of Americans (50%) and just 57% of Black Americans know that Black women are nearly three times as likely as white women to die due to pregnancy-related causes.
• 83% believe more needs to be done to make giving birth in the U.S. safer for mothers.
• 67% of women believe the current political environment has made pregnancy and childbirth more dangerous for women.
• 40% of Americans incorrectly believe that the United States has federal paid maternity leave.
• 39% of women who are currently pregnant or have ever been pregnant say they have experienced barriers to accessing the health care they needed during pregnancy and childbirth.
• The top barrier is the inability to take time off work or find childcare to be able to attend appointments (18%) followed by insurance-related issues (16%, up from 12% in 2023).

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• Case study: Snapchat distances itself from social media
• Instacart reveals top candy cravings and other Halloween trends
• Forbes CMO Summit observations
• The Gaps Holding Students Back: Discovery Education-Harris Poll 
• Is Hollywood screwing up male characters?
• PRophet, a Stagwell Company, Releases New InfluencerMarketing.ai Products that Enhance Brand Safety and Performance Measurement
• PRSA Announces 2025 ICON Location – with Stagwell’s Ray Day as 2025 Chair

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

ECONOMIC PESSIMISM CONTINUES

Americans are still down about the economy – negativity that has persisted since our Harris Poll study with the Guardian first asked about the economy last September.

• When asked how they think about the U.S. economy today compared with the start of the summer, 35% said they were more pessimistic (versus 29% more optimistic and 36% feeling the same).
• 73% do not feel any positive effects of the positive economic news being reported.
• 61% believe inflation is increasing (it is falling).
• 49% believe the U.S. economy is in a recession (it’s not).

HOW SMART IS YOUR SMART DEVICE?

With devices like the iPhone 16, companies are racing to integrate AI features and set a new standard for mobile technology. Yet one in three smartphone users have key worries about AI, based on Stagwell’s National Research Group’s new “Are smart devices getting smarter?” study.

• 24% of smartphone users are already regularly using AI features.
• 69% anticipate nearly all smartphones will have integrated AI features within five years.
• Consumers’ top desires for AI are searching for information, translations and learning new skills.
• Employees’ top desires for AI are learning new skills, enhancing productivity and searching for information.
• When it comes to marketing AI-powered smart phones, 51% of men would be more likely to purchase a smartphone described as “built for AI.”
• Only 28% of women, however, would be more interested in buying a phone that was “built for AI” – the same number who would be turned off by such marketing.
• 30% of smartphone users worry about AI making decisions without their consent.
• 75% of users believe apps should disclose when they use AI.
• Consumers’ top concerns about AI in mobile apps: too much AI-generated content on social media (31%); AI might make decisions without consent (30%); harder to protect personal data and privacy (30%); easier for people to spread misinformation online (28%); and apps will be misused by scammers and cybercriminals (27%).

58% DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START ON CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Career development is critical to retain and attract talent, according to our Harris Poll research with Bright Horizons.

• 74% of employees want to develop new skills or pursue additional education.
• Yet 58% do not know where to start.
• 26% feel more pressure to learn new workplace skills due to AI.
• 30% worry that AI will replace their job.
• 52% of workers believe it’s their employer’s responsibility to guide them.

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• Shining a light on shadow AI
• Being Brand Brave in a World of Bots, Trolls and Toxic Conversation
• Case Study: “My Spotify” reminds users of the platform’s incredible level of personalization
• New Survey Shows Half of US Voters Believe Crypto an Important Election Issue
• Synthetic beauty: The new muse, driven by machines

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

POLITICS AND ROMANCE

It seems politics no longer is a taboo subject when starting to date, our Harris Poll survey finds.

• 24% of Gen Z say they have been asked about political beliefs on a first date.
• 16% admit to lying about their beliefs.
• 28% of Gen Z have broken up with someone over political beliefs.
• 48% of Millennials and 49% of Gen X have been in a serious relationship with someone who has different political beliefs.
• 56% of Republicans say they would date a Democrat.
• 43% of Democrats say they would date a Republican.

FASHION FRIENDS IMPORTANT TO YOUNG SHOPPERS

Gen Z relies more heavily on others’ opinions when fashion shopping than any other generation, according to Harris Poll’s “Apparel & Fashion Industry Snapshot.”

• 34% of Gen Z say they always or often seek out another person’s opinion about an item – higher than 29% for Millennials, 15% for Gen X and 11% for Boomers.
• 48% of Gen Z say that they feel more confident purchasing items when they shop with someone they know than when shopping alone (compared with Millennials at 32%, Gen X at 29% and Boomers at 25%).
• Gen Z is more likely to purchase a fashion item if a family member (57%), significant other (57%), friend (56%), another shopper (41%) or a store associate (35%) recommends it.
• 23% of Gen Z say they are even more likely to purchase a fashion item if an AI tool recommends it.
• Overall, 69% of U.S. adults say that they are more likely to purchase a fashion item if it is less expensive than they anticipated.
• 24% say that they rarely purchase fashion items at full price.

SLEEPLESS IN SUPPLY CHAINS

Supply chain issues were supposed to be fixed after COVID. Yet our Harris Poll survey with Prologis finds that 66% of executives today lose sleep over them.

• 86% of executives say, “rising economic and geo-political pressures are driving decisions on where to manufacture and store goods.”
• 87% say natural disasters, regulatory shifts and unexpected political events are consuming their time.
• Less than half of all executives feel adequately prepared for challenges like cybersecurity attacks (42%), technological disruptions (41%), regulatory changes (40%), labor market fluctuations (39%), trade wars (36%) or another global pandemic (34%).

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• Parents Aren’t Following Child Car Seat Best Practices, Poll Shows
• Craving Halloween Candy? Here Are The Top 5 States With The Biggest Sweet Tooth
• Outdated news advertising blocklists are a ‘real problem’
• Purpose Review: How Brands are Impacting Business & Culture
• Vinted: The struggle to maintain consumer confidence

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

MOOD OF COUNTRY STEADY

Americans’ views of how things are going remained steady last month, according to our poll with the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University.

• 30% of Americans say the country is on the right track (compared with 30% a month ago), and 30% say the economy is on the right track (compared with 32% last month).
• 48% say their personal financial situation is becoming worse (compared with 48% a month ago), while 26% say it is improving (compared with 24% a month ago).
• The presidential horse race remains 50-50 – with both presidential candidates winning their respective party bases. Male (50%), white (54%) and rural (59%) voters favor Trump, while Black (71%), urban (57%) and college-educated (52%) voters favor Harris. 33% of independent voters say they still are weighing their final choice.
• On the issues, Harris is seen as favoring open borders, compassionate enforcement of laws, free healthcare for immigrants and electric vehicles. Trump is viewed as a stronger ally to Israel, harsher on China and more of a defender of free speech on social media.
• See also: Converse takes off among liberal consumers after Harris becomes the Democratic nominee

HIRING FROM WITHIN

Hiring managers facing budget constraints are increasingly reskilling workers to manage costs and fill jobs, based on our Harris Poll survey with Express Employment Professionals.

• 33% of hiring managers say budget constraints or the inability to hire is responsible for stagnant or decreasing hiring plans.
• Rather than recruit new candidates, 68% of hiring managers plan to reskill employees this year, an 8-point increase from spring 2021.
• Most plan to offer company-led training sessions (71%) or on-the-job training by other employees (62%).
• Some will utilize third-party training courses (46%) or artificial intelligence (16%).
• See also: Upskilling is the future’s new currency

80 IS THE NEW 60

Older adults outnumber people under 18 for the first time in American history – and what’s considered “old” is being redefined, according to our Harris Poll research with Age Wave.

• The definition of “old” has been pushed back 20 years, driven by a new breed of older adults.
• 71% of those aged 65+ believe that the best time of their lives is now or yet to come.
• 83% of adults 65+ say it’s more important to feel “useful” rather than “youthful” in their retirement years.
• 71% of adults 50+ say they would take a pill that would give them an extra 50 healthy years.

ICYMI

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• Why the world is falling in love with anime
• Grocery items with seasonal branding tend to have the greatest impact on shopper habits
• Fashion Nova: This fast fashion giant could teach a class on social media marketing
• Brands Seeking Loyalty And Cultural Relevance Must Prioritize Community
• Americans Are Actually More Unified on Political Issues Than We Think
• Join Harris Poll’s support of the Greatest American Cleanup

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

YOUNG PEOPLE ASK, ‘CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?’

Young Americans are feeling left out of this year’s U.S. presidential election, based on our Harris Poll survey with UNICEF.

• 53% of those ages 14 to 22 feel excluded from the U.S. political process.
• 73% say their opinions do not matter to elected officials.
• 81% feel people in positions of power do not care about what young people have to say.
• Young people believe cost of living/housing affordability (60%), immigration (39%) and global conflict (35%) are the most important issues facing the country.
• 80% think people their age can make a difference, and 64% are engaging politically in some way.

AMERICANS EATING OUT LESS AS PRICES RISE

Fast food has long been an affordable meal option for busy families. Yet 8 in 10 Americans today are noticing steep price hikes, based on our latest Harris Poll “QSR & Fast Casual Industry Snapshot.”

• 32% of U.S. adults agree that quick service restaurants (QSRs) offer affordable meal options.
• 36% say price is the most important factor when eating out.
• 81% who have ordered from QSRs at least once in the last year say prices are higher – and 41% describe prices as “much higher.”
• 35% also have noticed “shrinkflation” – reducing the quantity or size of an item without reducing the price.
• What do most consumers consider to be a fair fast-food meal price? 47% say $5-$9.99.
• Men are willing to pay more: 38% of men say that $10-$14.99 is a fair price for a full meal (compared with 29% of women).
• Price hikes are taking a toll: 45% are eating out less now than they did a year ago.
• See also: Consumers want to pay $1 for a chocolate bar, $2 for a bag of chips and $3 for a gallon of gas

1 IN 3 STALLING ON STUDENT DEBT PAYMENTS

Nearly 43 million Americans have student loan debt, and 1 in 3 are foregoing repayments in hopes of government-funded forgiveness, according to our Harris Poll survey with NerdWallet.

• 31% of student loan borrowers say they have slowed repayment of their loan, hoping the federal government will reduce or forgive the loans.
• 23% have stopped their student loan payments completely for the same reason.
• 25% say they are concerned the courts will reverse recent student loan forgiveness efforts.
• 22% say student loan forgiveness is one of the most important issues when choosing a presidential candidate.

ICYMI

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• Can Americans once more swell the chorus of union?
• Why brands shouldn’t dismiss advertising alongside news content
• How the new NFL app keeps you hooked on football all week
• ARound, Minnesota United FC and Target Unveil First-Ever In-Stadium AR Experience in Major League Soccer
• Stagwell’s Mark Penn on polling, politics and media
• Why a Global Mindset Is Indispensable in Today’s Interconnected Reality