Unwrapping Holiday Shopping 2024 By Dr. Martin Block, Professor Emeritus, Northwestern University, Retail Analytics Council A recent survey provides insight into how prepared shoppers were by mid-December. Based on data from the 94.7% of people who shop for the holidays, the results reveal a mix of careful planning and last-minute scrambling. Here’s where consumers stood leading […]| Medill Spiegel Research Center
Executive Summary: This report explores consumer behavior and trends surrounding the Thanksgiving and Black Friday holiday shopping events based on the November 2024 Prosper Insights & Analytics survey (n=8,135). Key insights include: Shopping Participation: 3% of adults plan to shop during Thanksgiving weekend; 39.1% “definitely” and 35.2% “maybe.” Planning to shop has grown at an […]| Medill Spiegel Research Center
Executive Summary: This article presents key findings from the October 2024 Prosper Insights & Analytics survey (n=8,191), focusing on early holiday celebration plans, spending behavior, and shopping trends for the winter season. The results highlight evolving consumer preferences, spending patterns, and economic influences as the holiday season approaches. Key Findings: Holiday Celebrations: 92.8% of respondents […]| Medill Spiegel Research Center
Executive Summary: Halloween remains a key retail event in the United States, attracting millions of consumers and generating significant economic activity through costume purchases, decorations, and seasonal festivities, even amidst varying participation rates and broader economic fluctuations. In 2024, 72.4% of adults plan to celebrate Halloween. The most common Halloween activities include handing out candy, […]| Medill Spiegel Research Center
Executive Summary: As the back-to-school and college shopping season unfolds, new survey data sheds light on consumer spending trends and behaviors for 2024. This year, spending continues to be a significant retail event, driven by both necessity and seasonal shopping patterns. • Average back-to-school spending is projected at $874 per family, while college spending averages […]| Medill Spiegel Research Center
Executive Summary: This article examines the impact of private labels and consumer brand preference on retail, utilizing data from Prosper Insights & Analytics across various product categories. The analysis spans from 2014 to 2024, providing insights into trends and shifts in consumer behavior. Private label shares vary across product categories, with categories like napkins and […]| Medill Spiegel Research Center
Executive Summary: The Fourth of July is the second most popular American holiday, following only Christmas. Key highlights include: 87.2% of respondents celebrate the Fourth of July, the same as 2023. Over 68% of respondents have noticed higher prices, particularly in beverages and food. Celebrators are more likely to be male, married, have children, and […]| Medill Spiegel Research Center
Executive Summary: Father’s Day, observed on Sunday, June 16, 2024, is the sixth most popular American holiday, surpassing Halloween but trailing behind the Super Bowl. While participation in Father’s Day celebrations has remained steady, spending is down, particularly on physical gifts. Demographic factors such as marital status, presence of children, and income strongly influence celebration […]| Medill Spiegel Research Center
