Economic uncertainty is rife this holiday, and it’s causing psychological havoc among consumers. At a time when consumers are thinking about creating an “idealized holiday,” they’re being forced to contemplate the realities of a “dealized holiday.” As a result, most Americans are trying to reconcile their quest for the perfect gift with an apprehensive penny-pinching… Read More

The voice of the Millennial has been heard – as nearly 24 million young Americans went to the polls this election – an increase of more than 10% over 2004. This new generation of voters significantly influenced the outcome of the elections in favoring Barack Obama by a margin of more than two-to-one. This outcome… Read More

These are unprecedented times with the credit crunch, declining home equity, stock market volatility and downward spiraling 401(k)s. Consumers are feeling distraught, disillusioned, and emotionally drained. Consumer sentiment, as a predictor of behavioral intent, is near all time record lows. And in a recent national opinion poll three out of four consumers feel “that things… Read More