Trends: Consumer

General articles on consumer and shopper trends.

  1. Merchandising
  Portability, packaging, and profits have a new champion in convenience store food innovation: Kwik Trip. Foodservice Solutions® Grocerant Guru® Steven Johnson declares, “Success leaves clues, and Kwik Trip’s commitment to expanding fresh fast-food portability with innovative packaging empowers consumer choice while driving the grocerant niche through mix-and-match meal component bundling.” Fresh Food Discovery Millennials […]
  1. Data & Insights
Obesity is arguably the defining health issue of the 21st Century. World Health Organisation data shows that 43% of over-18s are overweight, and 16% are obese. In the US, the adult obesity rate is far higher than the global average, at 43%, with an incalculable impact on the nation’s health, quality of life, and economic […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
The retail world is on the brink of a seismic shift. With 2025 fast approaching, it’s becoming increasingly clear that staying ahead of trends is not just a competitive edge—it’s a necessity. For product brands, adapting to these changes is crucial in navigating the future landscape. This blog post will walk you through the emerging […]
  1. Trends & External Forces
The traditional retail landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. With the rise of e-commerce giants, brick-and-mortar stores are redefining their roles in the retail ecosystem. By 2025, the future of physical retail will hinge on its ability to blend with digital innovations while retaining its unique strengths. This blog will explore how brick-and-mortar stores […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
  As 2025 approaches, the evolving food landscape presents unparalleled opportunities for all food retailers offering grocerant meal components or meals.  All food retailers include Convenience Stores, grocery service deli’s, restaurants, dollar stores think of it as any retailer has the ability to evolve into a hybrid concept blending grocery and restaurant-style dining. Political uncertainty, […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
Non-traditional retail venues such as offices, sporting arenas, and schools offer brands unique opportunities to connect with engaged audiences. However, navigating this distribution channel can be a challenge for emerging brands. Fortunately, Compass USA, one of the largest food service companies in the world, has developed solutions to help these brands navigate this complex distribution […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
A key aspect of Tractor Supply Company’s brand mission is providing legendary customer service. That means investing in technology that both directly — and indirectly — supports them as they browse and buy across channels. Whether customers decide to shop online, use the mobile app or are face to face with an associate, Tractor Supply […]
  1. Data & Insights
Unless you’ve been stranded on a desert island for the last few years you’re probably aware that AI market research tools are transforming the way businesses uncover and interpret consumer behavior. The ability to streamline complex processes, analyze vast datasets, and deliver actionable insights in real time mean these tools are the smart way to […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
The Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES, is the ultimate playground for technology enthusiasts, product manufacturers, and innovators. CES 2025 promises to be the most exciting iteration yet, offering a front-row seat to the tech revolution. From groundbreaking gadgets to industry-shaping innovations, CES is where the future comes to life. If you’re attending this […]
  1. Data & Insights
  In 1970, a small drink at a fast-food restaurant was a modest 10 ounces—a size that reflected the era’s norms for portion control and consumer expectations recalls Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Today, however, that “small” has ballooned to 24 ounces or more, highlighting a shift driven not just […]
  1. Technology & Innovation
  Is your company, your brand keeping up with consumers? Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes that in the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry, the role of the corporate team—especially the C-suite—has transformed dramatically over the past few decades. From a historically straightforward focus on operations and product […]
  1. Holiday & Events
  Thanksgiving, one of America’s most cherished holidays, transcends its historical roots to serve as a unifying tradition that binds generations and fosters a “new American culture” according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Thanksgiving has been celebrated officially since 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday […]
  1. Media & Marketing
The CPG Guys are joined by RR Donnelley’s Lisa Pruett, President of Packaging & Labels and Hans Fischmann, VP & General Manager of nCountR, an innovative advertising platform designed to enhance customer experiences in physical retail stores. By combining digital programmatic advertising with in-store merchandising and advanced technology, nCountR creates engaging experiences right where customers […]
  1. Channel: Restaurants
  In the food service industry, multi-concept restaurant companies emerged as powerhouses, driven by the logic that consolidating a variety of restaurant brands would create synergies, economies of scale, and a broader customer reach. Now think about it, the idea seemed sound: by acquiring or developing multiple restaurant concepts under one roof, these companies could […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
  The food industry landscape is shifting, and consumers’ habits are leading the charge, particularly in the growing grocerant sector. The age of the “grab-and-go” dinner is here, with fewer consumers knowing what they’ll eat for dinner early in the day. In fact, only 20% of consumers know what they’re having for dinner by noon, […]
  1. Channel: Restaurants
  Seafood has long held a distinctive place in the dining landscape, perceived as a “better for you” choice, and according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. It’s linked with lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and the promise of cardiovascular benefits. The American Heart Association has extolled seafood as part […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
  Over the past several decades, the American family restaurant landscape has drastically changed. Once-dominant players have either shuttered their doors or faded into obscurity. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Denny’s has managed to endure, a testament to its adaptability and understanding of shifting consumer habits, according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based […]
  1. Data & Insights
Founded in 1961 in Roubaix, Auchan has grown into a significant player in the French retail market, operating hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores across the country and abroad according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Despite increased competition from discounters and online platforms, Auchan remains a consumer favorite and is […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
In the fast-paced world of strategic planning, understanding consumer trends and behavior is essential. Market segmentation analysis is a powerful way to categorize consumers into distinct groups, helping you better understand their specific needs and craft more tailored marketing strategies.  In this blog, we’ll answer: What is market segmentation? What are the benefits? What types […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
Entering the U.S. market as an international company can be both an exciting and challenging venture. As the world’s largest consumer economy, the U.S. offers immense opportunities, especially for innovative product startups. However, understanding the cultural nuances and regional differences across the country is critical to success, especially when partnering with major retailers like Walmart, […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
This year, three of Mintel’s Associate Principal Consultants attended the epicenter of brand strategy: Brandweek 2024! In the scorching 110-degree heat of Phoenix, Arizona, marketing leaders from iconic brands like Wendy’s, Mastercard, Tinder, and the MLB came together for four days packed with insights. From AI’s role in crafting personalized experiences to the evolving landscape […]
  1. Holiday & Events
Asda has announced the launch of its Halloween trends report, revealing the top consumer trends for Halloween 2024. Supported by research, the report shows that, with one in five (19%) UK consumers admitting they prefer Halloween to Christmas, and 30% calling for Halloween to be… This story continues at New research from Asda delves into […]
  1. Trends & External Forces
  Aldi’s Fan Favorites list has become a vital barometer for both the grocery industry and consumer trends. Why? Because the selections reflect emerging shopper preferences, and Aldi’s ability to act quickly on consumer feedback is a blueprint for others. Aldi fans voted to bring back Huntington Home Swedish Dish Cloths, but more importantly, this […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
  McDonald’s has been a cornerstone of American fast-food culture, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® and the team at Tacoma, based Foodservice Solutions® wants you to know you are not the only one that visits McDonalds. In fact, nearly 87% of U.S. households visited the chain at […]
  1. Data & Insights
As we step into the final months of 2024, consumer trends are taking a spooky twist—Halloween spending is set to see a slight decline after years of steady growth, and short-form video platforms like TikTok are fueling impulse buying at unprecedented rates. In this edition of our newsletter, we’ll dive into the National Retail Federation’s […]
  1. Partnerships & Alt Profit
  There is one thing that regular readers of this blog know, that is Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes is success does not mean you have to reinvent a successful brand building template, most of the time utilizing the template that works the best. With a customer focused […]
  1. Shopper & Customer
  Success does leave clues, from the perspective of Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma WA based Foodservice Solutions®, Starbucks has long demonstrated an impressive ability to align its marketing strategies with its customers’ desires, seamlessly blending coffee, culture, and convenience. Their latest partnership with the music duo SOFI TUKKER for National Coffee Day is […]

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  1. Data & Insights
  2. Partnerships & Alt Profit
  3. Media & Marketing
  4. Data & Insights
  5. Shopper & Customer
1-800-Flowers still leads in US, FTD is gaining share 1-800-Flowers is the largest flower service by sales headed into Valentine’s Day 2025, according to Earnest credit card data. However, the industry stalwart is likely to lose share this season if recent trends continue. Access chart in Dash. 1-800-Flowers commanded 37.0% of Valentine’s Day flower sales […]
  1. Holiday & Events
  2. Holiday & Events
A good number of consumers, over 77%, believe there are better deals available after the holidays, and nearly 51% plan to take advantage by making a large purchase in late December and January. Those are top findings from a Holiday Green survey, from CouponCabin, regarding consumer habits in the post-holiday time frame. When it comes to post-holiday […]
  1. Trends & External Forces
  2. Data & Insights
  3. Technology & Innovation
  4. Trends & External Forces
IAB’s 2025 Outlook: A Snapshot into Ad Spend, Opportunities, and Strategies for Growth offering an early glimpse into ad spending trends for the coming year. The report is a must-read to gain and understanding of brand and agency buyers’ growth strategies and the challenges they foresee. The report covers: 2025 projections for the market overall […]
  1. Data & Insights
  2. Technology & Innovation
There’s been a lot of talk lately about artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) and how these technologies are going to revolutionize retail. But the retail revolution can’t be accomplished with sweeping generalizations about putting more technology into stores. Successful retail outcomes are built using technology to solve specific challenges, expanding on wins and […]

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