Nearly half of US adults want brands to fully explain price hikes
48% of US adults want brands to be clear and thorough about price increases, explaining the reasons, including tariffs, according to March 2025 data from Collage Group.
Consumers reassess shopping habits as brands deliver muted DEI campaigns
A March 2025 Collage Group survey revealed that consumers prioritize price over brand values during economic strain, though many still seek brands aligned with their ethics. The article highlights how DEI efforts influence purchasing decisions, stressing that authenticity and sustained action—not surface gestures—are key to retaining consumer trust.
Report: Spring undergraduate college enrollment still short of pre-pandemic numbers
A Washington Times article reports surging community college enrollment, driven by skilled trades programs. Collage Group’s Jack Mackinnon notes a cultural shift among youth toward "wellness, fulfillment, and practicality" over traditional degrees, citing concern about replicating older generations’ paths amid AI disruption and mental health awareness.
Forget Inflation and Tariffs. Summer is Party Time!
"Even as grocery prices rise, and 36% of Americans reported increasing their spend on food and groceries in the past month, consumers aren’t giving up on joy," said Jack Mackinnon, senior director of cultural insight at Collage. "Nearly half of American consumers say food comforts them and helps them relax. Younger and multicultural consumers are especially…
Why brand misinformation is on the rise in the AI era—and how marketers should fight it
A recent Ad Age article on AI-driven brand misinformation cites Collage Group, highlighting its survey showing that 80% of U.S. consumers expect companies to help curb false information. The insight underscores growing consumer demand for brand responsibility amid a digital landscape increasingly shaped by AI and viral disinformation.
Retailers lean into cost-conscious influencer strategies
A Collage Group April 2025 report found that 28% of U.S. adults are switching to less expensive brands due to price concerns. This insight reinforces the need for influencer partnerships that emphasize value and cost-consciousness. Collage’s data supports brands leaning into relatable influencers and transparent messaging during economic downturns.
How to show up meaningfully for Pride against political headwinds
More than half of LGBTQ consumers have cut spending with brands that reduced DEI efforts, per a Collage Group February survey. The report emphasizes that companies ignoring LGBTQ inclusion miss out on a $1.4 trillion market. Collage's data underscores the financial risk of retreating from Pride, reinforcing the need for authentic engagement.
Target CEO Tries To Inspire Confidence In Memo To Staff, But It May Backfire
In Forbes’ coverage of Target's embattled DEI retreat, Collage's Katya Skogen highlighted consumer fallout, noting trust in Target dropped 4%—most sharply among Black and Hispanic shoppers. “This marks a serious fracture in the emotional connection,” she said, underscoring the brand’s eroding credibility amidst economic uncertainty and wavering inclusion commitments.
How to Use Cultural Insights to Develop Authentic Advertising
Authenticity in branding is not simply about values – it’s about connection. Consumers, especially younger generations, demand messaging that reflects their lived experiences with honesty, respect and depth. Authentic brands don’t speak to people – they speak with them, using shared cultural codes to build trust and emotional resonance. This is where cultural insights come…
Tariffs Could Cost the Average American Household Nearly $5K a Year, Study Finds
The average household will lose about $4,900 yearly in the short term, followed by long-term impact from slower economic growth, higher unemployment and high inflation. Sure enough, the economy is already flashing early warning signs. A survey by Collage Group found that 72% of Americans have changed their spending habits in response to tariffs. Specifically,…