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Consumer Trends



Keep your finger on the pulse with the latest trends in business, culture, and more.



Article 2 min Read

Kids These Days: Phones, Freedom, and Friendship

The Harris Poll and researcher Jonathan Haidt asked kids one simple question: How do you actually want to spend your time?

Gen Z is turning their backs on social media except for this one app – and they don’t necessarily trust it

Findings from The Harris Poll’s TikTok Troubles: The Platform Gen Z Can’t Quit report.

Survey: 1 in 3 young adults bet on sports before turning 21

Findings from a Harris Poll survey on behalf of the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Two-thirds of Gen Z say they rely on self-taught skills to find a job

In a dire market, many workers may be banking on skills they teach themselves.

Tinder says Gen Z still believes in true love—they just want a soft launch first

Gen Z still believes in love, according to a new Tinder x Harris Poll white paper.

Why people are buying iPods again

Apple’s retired MP3 players are seeing a nostalgic resurgence.

Harris Poll Finds 'Opting Out' Of The Economy Has Become A Movement

New Harris Poll research finds that Americans are “opting out” of the economy in 2026.

More Americans than ever love being single. But they feel penalized for it by our financial system

How Gen Z Is Shaping the Next Generation of Dating Platforms

Highly attractive partners have ‘financial stability’—but these 4 money red flags doom a relationship, survey finds

Gen Z isn't quiet quitting. They're side hustling

Nearly half of Americans believe their financial security is getting worse, poll finds

Article 2 min Read

More Than a Getaway: New Data Reveals a Deeper Purpose for Travel in 2026

Findings from The Harris Poll for Marriott Bonvoy

Article 3 min Read

The Holiday Budget Break: Brands can Help Consumers Avoid Debt

Findings from The Harris Poll for the American Institute of CPAs

Move over, Santa: AI elves have taken over the hunt for perfect gifts

A.I. Can Do More of Your Shopping This Holiday Season

Six-figure earners are 'living the illusion of affluence' while working side hustles, skipping meals, and pretending Venmo's not working

Article 3 min Read

Holiday Meals: How Canadians are Rewriting Tradition

Canadians still treasure the holiday meal, but new data shows shifting traditions, changing menus, and rising frustration in the kitchen.

Article 4 min Read

Daylight Savings: How Canadians Spend the Extra Hour

Most Canadians would bank the extra hour as sleep. New data shows younger adults stay online, with seasonal mood shifts close behind.

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Holiday Gifting: Canadians Put Value and Quality First

Deals (59%) and product quality (50%) top Canadian gift-shopping priorities this season, with wide selection (44%) close behind.

It's Not Just Affordability, Americans Anxious Over Jobs Too

The 2025 Harris Poll Brand Reputation Rankings Revealed

Article 2 min Read

The Cost of Cheer: Americans Plan to Spend More on Gifts This Holiday Season

Findings from The Harris Poll for NerdWallet’s 2025 Holiday Spending Report

Alcohol Still Leads Restaurant Beverage Orders, According To New Harris Poll—But Gen Z Isn’t Buying It

Opinion | Why Gen Z Is Resurrecting the 1990s

Article 4 min Read

Pricing strategy: are you leaving money on the table?

Tariffs, labor, and supply costs make pricing harder than ever. New data reveals smarter ways to measure how consumers respond to price.

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Cheers to that: Are Americans ordering alcoholic beverages when eating out?

Whether with family, friends, or your significant other, eating out is a festive experience, and begs for a beverage to match!  Over a third (36%) of Americans say alcohol is their go-to drink when ordering at a restaurant, edging out soda (29%) and water (21%).  However, a recent Harris Poll run in partnership with eMarketer […]

Article 3 min Read

AI's trust gap: curious consumers stay cautious

Our QuestDIY study reveals a contradiction in how people feel about AI: real curiosity meets strong protective instincts, with just 30% at ease.

Article 4 min Read

Boomers buy nostalgia, and top brands deliver

Boomers are spending on nostalgia, utility, and cultural crossover. New data reveals which brands win them with thoughtful campaigns.

94% of Gen Z want to hit financial independence before 55 — and they're planning to use side hustles to get there

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6 brands Gen Z loves right now in 2025

These six brands are winning Gen Z through authenticity, innovation, and digital-first thinking. New equity data shows who is breaking out.

What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones

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How do Americans think about the skilled trades?

The United States is facing a severe shortage of skilled tradespeople – especially in the manufacturing and construction sectors. As the lack of carpenters, welders, masons, plumbers, and electricians takes a toll on project timelines and budgets, Americans are increasingly paying attention to these roles. The skilled trades are highly respected: 91% of Americans agree […]

Article 3 min Read

Travel trends signal a new consumer mindset

Where and how Americans choose to travel is shifting. New data reveals what changing travel habits say about the wider consumer mood.

Women more worried about economy than men, poll finds

Article 4 min Read

What parents think of kids' social media use

New research reveals how parents view their children's time on social media and smartphones, and where their biggest worries lie.

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How Gen Z really shops: new study findings

New research reveals how Gen Z discovers, evaluates, and buys, and what their habits mean for brands trying to win their loyalty.

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Depop and Gen Z drive the secondhand apparel boom

Resale is booming with younger shoppers. New Ad Age data shows Depop posting strong brand-equity gains as Gen Z embraces secondhand style.

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Axios Harris Poll 100: 2025 corporate reputation rankings

The 2025 Axios Harris Poll 100 ranks the reputations of America's most visible companies. See which brands rose, and which fell.

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LG wins over UK early adopters with AI features

New tech and AI features are pulling UK early adopters and trendsetters toward LG. New data reveals how the brand is breaking through.

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Axios 100 Ranks Trader Joe's #1 for 2025

Where do the most visible American brands rank in 2025?

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Shifting consumer expectations: what brands must know

New research reveals how consumer expectations are changing, and what brands need to do to keep pace with what people now demand.

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United Airlines lifts purchase intent with better flights

A stronger in-flight experience is paying off for United. New data shows summer travelers more likely to choose the airline.

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Gen Z's Taco Bell order is a whole mood

Limited-time drops and nostalgia keep Gen Z hooked on Taco Bell. New data reveals what's driving the chain's pull with younger diners.

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Mental health: US attitudes and barriers to care

For Mental Health Awareness Month, new data reveals how Americans view mental health, and the barriers still standing between them and care.

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Advertising effectiveness: Survey finds host-read podcast ads drive trust and action among listeners

The podcasting world is seeing major shifts. Data from Statista indicates that in the last four years, podcast listeners have increased by 69%. Millions of consumers are turning to podcasts for entertainment, news, and storytelling. The popular music streaming app, Spotify has opened the door to more podcast listeners. Historically, Apple Podcasts held the top […]

Nearly half of Gen Z and millennials say college was a waste of money—AI has already made degrees obsolete

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Mother's Day: top 10 brands for moms by equity

Searching for the perfect Mother's Day gift? New brand-equity data reveals the ten brands that resonate most strongly with moms.

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COVID-19, five years later: how America has changed

It’s been five years since the Covid-19 lockdowns took hold across the U.S. While the mandates lasted only a few weeks, the ripple effects of the pandemic have left a lasting mark—particularly on Gen Z and Millennials. Not all of those changes have been negative, however. Young adults report that the pandemic had a positive […]

Article 1 min Read

The redirection economy: where spending is shifting

Consumers are not pulling back so much as redirecting. New data reveals where Americans are moving their money, and why it matters to brands.

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Canadian pride surges: standing up defines us

New data reveals a sharp rise in Canadian pride, with people saying that standing up for the country is now central to national identity.

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Chili's: building brand equity through research

See how Chili's partnered with The Harris Poll to turn consumer insight into stronger brand equity and a clearer market voice.

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New Balance Case Study

Dad shoes are cool again How New Balance successfully won over Gen Z. Using data from QuestBrand, we explore how New Balance — once the go-to sneaker for dads everywhere — was able to successfully catch Gen Z’s attention. Download the case study to see how leveraging digital engagement and meaningful strategic partnerships can pay […]

Article 5 min Read

How Our Favorite Healthy Habits Could Shape The Wellness Industry

Eating better: it’s the goal that appears on most New Year’s Resolution lists year after year (63% of U.S. adults according to a recent Harris Poll study). For many, eating healthier wasn’t just a resolution. Heading into 2025, half (51%) of U.S. adults decided to take the leap and choose to make healthier dietary decisions. […]

Article 1 min Read

Celsius Case Study

The Predictive Power Of Brand Equity Celsius’ comeback was hiding in plain sight. Using data from QuestBrand, we explore the positive power of brand equity by closely examining the story of popular energy drink Celsius. Download the case study to see how when data is correctly calibrated, brand equity becomes a central tool for forecasting […]

Article 3 min Read

Dad shoes are cool again: How New Balance successfully won over Gen Z

Haven't you heard? The "dad shoe" is back in style!

Article 5 min Read

The predictive power of brand equity—How Celsius’ comeback was hiding in plain sight

Earnings reports tell you what happened. Brand equity tells you what’s coming. That’s why smart investors, brand leaders, and hedge funds are paying attention to real-time consumer sentiment—because when brand trust, preference, and momentum rise, stock performance often follows. QuestBrand by The Harris Poll tracks thousands of brands globally, capturing these shifts before the market […]

Article 1 min Read

The 100 Most Canadian Brands

Thinking about Canadian companies or brands, what are the top five MOST Canadian brands that come to mind? 1,483 Canadians were surveyed on February 6-7, 2025. Respondents were asked to identify up to FIVE brands that come to mind as the “MOST Canadian” – open-ended responses were collected. While most gave five brand or company […]

Article 1 min Read

Lindt Case Study

Jumping on A Viral Trend Lindt launched their own limited-edition version of TikTok’s popular Dubai Chocolate Bar. Using data from QuestBrand by The Harris Poll, we examined the impact of Lindt’s limited-edition chocolate bar drop. Did leaning into this popular internet trend pay off for the chocolatier? Download our case study to learn more!

Article 1 min Read

Seeking healthcare abroad? Golfdale Consulting put the idea to the test

Golfdale Consulting x QuestDIY Case Study When a Canadian startup set out to offer healthcare services abroad, they turned to Golfdale Consulting to help shape the brand, define its audience, and assess whether the idea would stick.  Using QuestDIY, Golfdale tapped into the mindset of prospective patients to gather fast, actionable insights on their openness […]

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2024 Harris Poll: Data To Remember

 

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Nearing holiday season, Americans weigh family estrangement

The end-of-year holiday season beginning the week of Thanksgiving and running through New Year’s often prompts reflection in a lot of Americans. Normally a time of families coming together, the holiday season can also surface emotional wounds for those who are estranged from family members, friends, and other close relations. Especially coming off the tails […]

Article 3 min Read

A stress-free meal-kit plan that cares: HelloFresh catches Gen Z's attention

Using data from QuestBrand by The Harris Poll, AdAge released their quarterly Gen Z Brand Tracker in November. This tracker ranks the top 20 brands with quarter-over-quarter brand equity growth among Gen Z adults (ages 18-27). HelloFresh ranked second on this quarter’s list. Brand equity measures the value consumers see in a brand at a […]

Article 3 min Read

2024 Happiness Index and the importance of friendship

The Harris Poll has been measuring Americans’ happiness since 2008, analyzing public sentiment about interpersonal relationships, spirituality, health, work, and other factors to calculate an index score by taking an average of those who strongly agree with certain positive statements and strongly disagree with certain negative statements that are asked along an agree/disagree scale. The Happiness Index […]

Article 1 min Read

Tesla Germany Case Study

Tesla Looks To Penetrate the German EV Market …But German consumers show a strong preference for their own automotive manufacturers. Worldwide, the electric vehicle (EV) market is actively expanding, with anticipated global sales growth of 29% in 2024 from the year prior. Despite widespread adoption of EVs, American-owned Tesla is struggling to win over some […]

Article 2 min Read

Cost-conscious Gen Z shoppers look to Costco for supersized savings

In recent months, Gen Z has prioritized cost-conscious grocery shopping amid rising consumer prices. According to data from the Agriculture Department, Americans are spending more than 11% of their personal disposable income on food.  Many young consumers looking to combat growing grocery bills have turned to buying in bulk at warehouse clubs, such as Costco. […]

Article 4 min Read

Examining Americans' Shower Habits

The Harris Poll recently surveyed Americans about their shower habits, and while nearly all (99%) of U.S. adults shower, there are many meaningful differences in how they do it. Several differences in behavior emerge among the generations when it comes to daily shower frequency, time of day, temperature, and more. For example, Gen X is […]

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Do Americans trust where they get their information?

The 21st century news consumer has many avenues to receive information: traditional news media (both national and local), social media, academia, personal connections, politicians, public opinion polls, industry trade publications, businesses, public figures, and more. The Harris Poll recently surveyed a representative sample of American adults to determine which are the most popular—and which are […]

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Mirroring their favorite A-list celebrities, Gen Zers don Polo Ralph Lauren

The classic American brand, Polo Ralph Lauren, was launched in 1967. A staple in many consumers’ wardrobes, it was Polo Ralph Lauren that first popularized the iconic polo shirt. Despite its nearly sixty-year reign, Polo Ralph Lauren remains a popular brand with shoppers worldwide.  At the end of 2023, we saw a surge in Gen […]

Article 4 min Read

Sports are integral to Chicago's identity, but which teams contribute most to its culture?

Chicagoans have long felt a special connection to their city’s sports teams. In a recent Harris Poll survey of Cook County (IL) residents conducted in December 2023, the vast majority identified as a fan of at least one of Chicago’s major professional sports teams. More insights from that and a September 2023 survey relating to […]

Article 3 min Read

U.S. Flyers Are Shaken, but Will Make It Through Turbulence

The past few months have a been stressful time for the airline industry. A string of airline safety incidents at the end of 2023 continuing into 2024 are causing some flyers to worry about their safety, according to recent data from The Harris Poll conducted on behalf of Fast Company. However, there is good news […]

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They’re back! Gen Z is reviving UGG’s popularity

Using data from QuestBrand by The Harris Poll, AdAge released their quarterly Gen Z Brand Tracker in January. This tracker ranks the top 20 brands with quarter-over-quarter brand equity growth among Gen Z adults (ages 18-24). UGG ranked first on this quarter’s list, with a +11.9% increase in brand equity from Q3 to Q4 2023. […]

Article 3 min Read

Interest in MLS Grows Along with the Launch of New Teams

Professional soccer, or “football” depending upon your location, has long been popular worldwide. Soccer enthusiasm is newer in America, but it is rapidly growing along with interest in Major League Soccer (MLS). MLS started in 1996 with only 10 teams. By the 2023 season, there were 29 teams – 26 in America and three in […]

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...Ready For It? In Our Wildest Dreams We Didn’t Expect Young Women’s Interest in the NFL to Surge

Picture a NFL fan. You probably imagine a young man wearing a jersey, maybe holding a beer, and yelling at the TV screen. However, women make up almost half (46%) of the NFL fanbase. While many women are already avid football fans, a very different subject rallied even more female interest in the NFL in […]

Article 3 min Read

Representation of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community on Canadian Screens

As Canadians, we pride ourselves on our diversity, and oftentimes regard it as our strength, as something that sets us apart on the world stage. As we close out Pride month, how well do we see our 2SLGBTQIA+ community represented in Canadian media?  We spoke to Canadian Screen Industry professionals, many of whom identify as […]

Article 4 min Read

New Connection Index suggests Americans closer together than they seem

Run nearly every year since 1966, the Harris Poll has measured how alienated Americans feel and then calculated an Alienation Index based on the results. The questions measure how much, or how little, people feel their interests are heard and addressed by those with power and influence. New this year, however, is an inaugural Connection […]

Article 5 min Read

Is Music Starting to Sound The Same?

Are songs topping the Billboard charts beginning to sound the same? A large portion of American listeners seem to think so. Just over half (52%) agree that there isn’t as much variety in music now as there was in the past, according to a recent Harris Poll.  Country’s resurgence into the pop charts seems to […]

Article 3 min Read

How Parents View Their Children's Mental Health

Over the past few years, there has been growing public concern about the health and safety of American children. Social media’s relationship with young peoples’ mental health, threats of gun violence, and the lingering social effects of COVID-19 have all been raised as points of concern for parents across America.  Parents feel optimistic about their […]

Article 3 min Read

Millennials lead American optimism for the future

With the latest advances in generative AI and large language models, virtual reality, robotics, and more, the role technology plays in modern life is rapidly evolving and expanding. The Harris Poll recently surveyed a representative sample of U.S. adults to get a sense of Americans’ sentiment toward the increased importance of technology in their daily […]

Article 3 min Read

LGBTQ community finds connection through online dating apps

Online dating started in 1995 with the launch of Match.com. Since then, dating apps have gained popularity as casual daters and serious romantics alike have embraced swiping. The largest dating app, Tinder, currently boasts more than 75 million active monthly users.  While dating apps attract users from all walks of life, the LGBTQ community has […]

Article 3 min Read

How does your generation view social media platforms?

Did you grow up watching Bonanza or The Office? Have you ever used dial-up internet? Do you have a collection of VHS tapes? The country has evolved with each generation, shaping consumers’ worldviews, preferences, and norms. Consumers’ unique experiences impact everything, including how they think about and use social media platforms. While over 70% of […]

Article 3 min Read

Do cosmetics brands have personalities?

To the uninitiated, all makeup may look the same. However, a true makeup enthusiast understands each brand’s unique character and value proposition. Three of our top five growth brands in the personal care industry from Q3 to Q4 2022 were makeup manufacturers (determined by QuestBrand brand equity growth) – Estée Lauder (+6.0), Fenty Beauty (+3.4), […]

Article 4 min Read

Are grandmothers who provide childcare key in driving the US economy?

In observance of International Women’s Day, The Harris Poll conducted a poll examining childcare for working parents in the United States for Fortune. Below a few of the key insights that emerged from the study. Grandmothers are providing the next generation with a multitude of support and playing a role in childcare. Four in 5 working […]

Article 4 min Read

Did the launch of LIV Golf change how fans feel about the PGA Tour?

The PGA Tour has remained the gold standard of professional golf tours since the early 1900s, boasting the best players and the largest tournament purses. Their dominance was challenged in October 2021 with the launch of LIV Golf. This Saudi-backed upstart rocked the golf world as it enticed top talent away from the Tour with […]

Article 3 min Read

Sports betting is growing, though majority of Americans believe it shouldn’t be promoted

The explosion of legalized sports betting has hit a fever pitch in the latest NFL season, and as online sportsbooks have sought to capitalize on such an expanding market, The Harris Poll recently surveyed a representative sample of U.S. adults to gauge their opinions about the practice. Below are some of the key findings, including […]

Article 2 min Read

Are Location Sharing Features More Than a Convenient Tool?

Location sharing features are present in almost every device connected to the internet, and a majority of users utilize these features to accomplish certain tasks. However, a notable sum of users see location sharing as more than a convenient tool, according to a new study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the New […]

Article 1 min Read

More Couples Are Signing Prenups Before Saying "I Do"

Few get married expecting to later get divorced, but more couples are entering into a prenuptial agreement — a pre-martial contract outlining the division of assets in the event of a separation — as part of their wedding planning checklist. Of Americans who have been married or are currently engaged, 15% report that they’ve signed […]

Article 1 min Read

Headspace Users Tend to Come from Higher Asset Households

Between the COVID-19 pandemic, on-going cultural wars, and now a war in Europe, the last few years have put a strain on mental health globally. Apps that allow users to actively work on and improve mental health blossomed. This included the popular English-American meditation app Headspace. Headspace guides users through mediations focused on improving mindfulness, […]

Article 4 min Read

Hard Seltzer Wars

Consumption of alcohol has increased during the pandemic, and most Americans who drink plan to hold to their current consumption levels after the final COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. And with the vaccine rollout in full swing, many Americans will soon return to light/limited socialization. As part of QuestBrand’s research into the trends and brands […]

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The Great Awakening

A year of life in the pandemic as documented by The Harris Poll.

Article 4 min Read

Americans Divided on Controversial Brand Name Changes

Aunt Jemima recently announced that the brand's name would be changed to Pearl Milling Company.

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