Weekly Data

WHAT THE DATA SAY: Two thirds of Americans put life on hold amid economic anxiety

By: Ray Day

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

ANXIOUS AMERICANS

Americans are feeling the strain of rising costs, with financial concerns delaying life goals, according to our Harris Poll with The Guardian.

65% of Americans think the cost of living has worsened since the start of the year.
While 33% of Republicans believe the U.S. economy is worsening, 64% of Independents today believe it is worse, more in line with Democrats (73%).
29% of Americans – including 39% of Democrats, 28% of Independents and 21% of Republicans – say tariffs will do the most economic harm.
78% have noticed higher grocery prices during the last few months.
6 in 10 say the economy has affected/delayed at least one major life goal – especially buying a new home (75%), making a large purchase (66%) and switching jobs (63%).
Of those who planned to have a child in 2025, 32% are unable to afford it, and 33% are uncomfortable having a child in the current economy.

YOUTH SPORTS = GAME CHANGERS

Parents recognize and prioritize the value of youth sports, according to our Harris Poll research with First Tee.

88% of parents are making room in their budget for youth activities.
Most parents say playing sports helps children build confidence and social skills (94%), helps build character (92%) and teaches them important life skills (90%).
92% of parents say they have seen firsthand how youth sports can shape a child’s future.
91% say the impact of sports lasts a lifetime.
67% say they wouldn’t be where they are today without the influence of coaches.
69% believe there aren’t enough female coaches or mentors in youth sports.
84% hope that their child can participate as a mentor or coach in a youth sports program in the future.

FACTS ON FAST FOOD

Frequent QSR diners value limited-time and seasonal menu items over nutritional value, according to the Harris Poll’s 2025 QSR & Fast Casual Industry Snapshot.

57% of U.S. adults order items from a quick service restaurant (QSR) at least once a week.
26% order from a QSR at least once a month.
31% of frequent diners have gone to a QSR to try a limited-time menu item.
18% feel like they are missing out if they see a limited-time menu item they haven’t tried.
27% like it when QSRs put a twist on a menu item they already enjoy.
Frequent diners are most excited about holiday-themed releases (76%), seasonal flavors (74%), trendy food items (70%) and specialty ingredients (68%).
Quality of food (71%) and price of food (70%) are the most important aspects of dining at a QSR.
Only 19% cited nutritional value as important.

GEN Z WANTS TO DISCONNECT

Consumers’ desire to interact in-person is changing the retail landscape and their online habits, according to our Harris Poll report with Quad.

78% of Americans would rather have an in-person social life than a digital one.
81% say digital detoxes should be routine.
81% of Gen Z wish it was easier to disconnect from digital devices.
84% of Gen Z and Millennials value brands that seamlessly blend technology and physical experiences.
76% say physical retail experiences help them connect deeper with people and brands.
86% of Gen Z and Millennials say touching and feeling products are essential to their purchase decisions.
51% of Gen Z and Millennials are likely to make a return visit after a wow-worthy in-store experience.
63% of consumers have planned a trip around visiting a store or brand.

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Weekly Data

May 15, 2025