Target’s Forced Smile Policy Deepens Rift With Workers and Shoppers
Highlighting Collage Group insights, the article cites its 2025 survey showing most Black Americans favor brands honoring DEI commitments. Collage’s data frames Target’s rollback as risking trust among younger, values-driven shoppers. No Collage employees are quoted, but the findings underscore the cultural and commercial costs of perceived performative inclusion today.
af&co. & Carbonate Debut 2026 Hospitality Trends Report
This article highlights the rising appeal of culturally rooted dining trends, emphasizing consumers’ growing desire for authenticity and diversity in food experiences. Collage notes that cultural exploration through cuisine continues to expand across generations, driving demand for flavors reflecting multicultural identities and traditions within today’s dynamic American food landscape.
From campus to consumer loyalty: How brands can authentically participate in college culture
College traditions like game days and HBCU homecomings foster belonging and deepen brand connections. Collage Group reports that 156 million Americans identify as collegians, shaping a powerful cultural system. Their data also show that multicultural families use football to pass down traditions and identity, blending school spirit with family heritage.
Beyond the “What”: Why AI Must Go Deeper to Unlock Culturally Grounded Consumer Insights
The article emphasizes the role of cultural understanding in AI-powered consumer insights, highlighting Collage Group’s contributions. Collage’s research tool, Ask Collage, helps brands decode cultural trends—revealing, for instance, Gen Z’s blend of fitness and identity expression or Hispanic beauty ideals—showing how cultural fluency strengthens brand relevance, loyalty, and performance across audiences.
Why Multicultural Marketing Fuels Growth And How Brands Can Tap Into It
The Forbes article highlights Collage Group’s 2024 data showing that 42% of the U.S. population identifies as multicultural, with this share continuing to grow. Collage’s insights underscore the importance of authentic, culturally resonant marketing strategies to drive lasting brand loyalty and business growth.
What Marketers Can Learn From Brands Connecting With Gen Z
Collage Group’s “2025 State of Brand Cultural Fluency” highlights how Gen Z connects with brands balancing playfulness, purpose, and nostalgia. Collage's Senior Director Jack Mackinnon noted their pull toward candy, beauty, and edgy voices like Duolingo. He warned that waffling on values erodes trust, while consistent inclusivity and risk-taking win Gen Z loyalty.
3 Secrets to Attract Gen Z Consumers
The Food Institute article spotlights Collage research on brands resonating with Gen Z, including Doritos, Cheetos, and Kit Kat. Collage emphasizes that Gen Z values authenticity and cultural connection, noting the importance of brands co-creating products and experiences with young consumers to build trust, deeper engagement, and long-term loyalty.
Report: Brands Improving In ‘Cultural Fluency’
Collage Group’s 2025 State of Brand Cultural Fluency report found brands improving 4.5% in cultural fluency, signaling deeper integration of cultural intelligence. Co-founder and CEO David Wellisch emphasized that aligning with diverse consumer values creates competitive advantage and sustainable leadership. Collage called cultural fluency a “business imperative” for growth.
Booze consumption falls to all-time low 54% of adults in Gallup polling
The article discusses Gallup’s findings on shifting U.S. drinking habits, highlighting a decline in alcohol consumption, especially among young adults. Elizabeth Jackson, Collage's Chief Marketing Officer, notes millennials still drink most frequently but are adopting healthier habits. Collage’s data shows 59% of millennials feel pressure to drink less despite being the largest drinking-age group.
American Eagle-Sydney Sweeney Controversy: AEO Is Laughing All The Way To The Bank
Collage’s cultural strategist underscores that brands with stronger cultural relevance are better positioned to weather controversy and win in the marketplace.