Thinking Ahead: Your Leading-Edge Insights Podcast

After January's slump, February brought a breath of fresh air with all five measures of the Index on the rise, lifting the overall score to a still chilly -20. The star of the show? Consumers' outlook on their personal finances for the coming year, which jumped a cheerful four points! Views on personal finances over the past 12 months also got a three-point boost, matching the uplift in opinions on the general economy over the same period. But hold onto your hats – despite these sunny spells, the economic forecast remains stormy, with views on the economy still deep in the negative zone and lower than a year ago. Join NIQ's Neil Bellamy and the ever-curious Lucy Green as they dive into the digits, dissecting differences by age group and income level in their regular segment, Data Guru Corner.

2025 kicked off with the Overall Index Score down five points. All five measures that form the Index dropped, with particularly steep falls in consumer views on the wider UK economy, both looking back a year (down 7 points) and at what's in store for the next 12 months (8 points lower). NIQ's Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green review the scores and their underlying causes. In the first Data Guru Corner of the year, they discuss why an index is used to measure confidence and explain it is calculated. With the strict sampling methodology consistent since 1974 at the launch of the Consumer Confidence Barometer, this dataset provides valuable historical comparisons to understand levels of confidence over the last five decades.

December was one of the quieter months this year with consumer confidence up just one point to -17, five points higher than this time last year. In this final podcast of the year, moderator Lucy Green and GfK's Neil Bellamy discuss December's results and what they tell us about consumer sentiment. As December is a key month for retail, there's a review of the Major Purchase Index in the context of GfK's Black Friday point-of-sales data in key categories. In Data Guru Corner, Neil looks at average scores over the year, discussing the variance in each measure and the volatility of key metrics. We never predict what is going to happen, but we do review confidence levels going into 2025.  

All indicators up in November. Something changed in November as consumer confidence rose three points to -18. Moderator Lucy Green asked GfK's Neil Bellamy discuss the measures that feed into the topline figure and how last month's Budget might have impacted the results. In particular, the Major Purchase Index rose five points and we ask if this is normal pre-Black Friday and the holiday season, or is something else happening? In Data Guru Corner Neil analyzed the results by party allegiance which provide some insights into November's improvement.

Key future indicators on personal finances and purchase intentions edge up as general economic situation falls. A drop of one point in consumer confidence to -21 dragged the overall index score back to a low not seen since March 24. Moderator Lucy Green asked GfK's Neil Bellamy to dig deeper into the five measures that make up the overall Index score and explain what is happening. In Data Guru Corner Neil shared fascinating – and rarely published - data examining confidence by party allegiance. Consumers appear despondent this month – how will the imminent Budget change that? Tune in for an analysis of November's results.

Key future indicators on personal finances, economy and purchase intentions all sharply lower   September's results put a halt to the steady improvements in consumer confidence that GfK had been recording since March this year. We saw a sharp fall of seven points in the headline figure, bringing it back close to the -19 recorded in January. GfK's Neil Bellamy talks through the reasons for the falls in indicators on personal finances, the economy and purchase intentions. In our regular feature, Data Guru Corner, we analyse the results by age group and income level, highlighting a massive gap between the highest and lowest earners.    2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>

The Overall Index improved by one point to -13 Anyone expecting a significant leap in confidence levels following July's general election result and England's football team reaching the Euro 2024 final will be disappointed by this month's results. GfK's Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green discuss the topline and measure-level results, especially the positive uptick on the Major Purchase Index. In our regular Data Guru Corner, we look at the top concerns the new government will want to address – the NHS takes the number one slot, surpassing 'having enough money to live right and pay the bills'.   2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>

These are the last results before the general election on July 4th GfK's Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green discuss the June 2024 results. For the third month running the Index has increased, this time by three points to -14, the highest level it has been since November 2021. With an election imminent, in Data Guru Corner we discuss if there has been any change in confidence scores by party allegiance since the election announcement.     2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>    

Consumer confidence, the use of credit since covid and the influence of sustainability on purchase behaviour In this episode of Thinking Ahead, Hannah Olley, a Senior Insights Manager in our UK Retail Market Intelligence team tackles three questions asked at our most recent breakfast event. Each is an important topic, from current levels of consumer confidence and the impact on spending patterns, to the changing face of credit and its users, to the growing importance of sustainability in Tech and Durables markets. Tune in for the latest intelligence.

In this episode of Thinking Ahead, GfK's Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green discuss the May 2024 results. These were in before the announcement of a July 4th General Election. The overall Index score rose two points to -17, driven by significant jumps in the outlook for our personal finances and general economic situation. With an election weeks away, Data Guru Corner focuses on how party allegiance impacts consumer sentiment. 2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>

In this episode of Thinking Ahead, GfK's Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green discuss the April 2024 results of UK Consumer Confidence Index. The overall Index score rose two points to -19, an encouraging development. People's view of their own personal finances in the next 12 months held steady and the other four measures that make up the Index increased by between two and four points. There is a lot of ground to make up to get us nearer to the 50 year index average of -10, but the measures are moving in the right direction for now. In Data Guru Corner we discuss regional data and analyses.   January 2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>

GfK Consumer Life is returning to explore what consumers feel, think, need, and ultimately expect from brands today. Drawing on rich, industry-standard trends data, experts from GfK Consumer Life will look at what's driving consumers, and what your brand can do to connect now and succeed in 2024.  In this episode, we'll talk about:  Technology saga – Leveraging our evolving relationship   Post Gen Z - Gearing up for Gen Alpha If you missed it, part one covered the fundamentals & sustainability! 

In this episode of Thinking Ahead, GfK's Neil Bellamy and moderator Lucy Green discuss the March 2024 results. The overall Index score remained at -21 this month with no move from February. There was some positive news in the view of our personal finances in the next 12 months, which rose two points. However, the Major Purchase Index fell two points and the Savings Index declined by four points. The improvements in the overall Index seen most months last year have now vanished. Neil explains what these scores mean and the impact of the March 6th Budget on them. March's Data Guru Corner focuses on sampling. Tune in!   January 2024 marks 50 years of the UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. There is no other consumer research project with the longevity, rigour and reliability. Get the report now >>

GfK Consumer Life is returning to explore what consumers feel, think, need, and ultimately expect from brands today. Drawing on rich, industry-standard trends data, experts from GfK Consumer Life will look at what's driving consumers, and what your brand can do to connect now and succeed in 2024.  In this episode, we'll talk about:  Focusing on the fundamentals - Getting back to brand basics  The sustainability boost - The circular economy gains momentum  In part two, we'll talk all things tech & gen alpha! 

One-quarter of all UK mobile phones sales in 2023 were for second-hand or refurbished handsets  Explore the dynamic shift in consumer behaviour within the UK mobile phone market in 2023, where a significant 25% of all mobile phones purchased were either second-hand or refurbished, up from the 19% in 2021. Join Lizzie Bailey and Chris Purnell, experts from GfK UK, as they unravel the intriguing statistics that underpin this trend. In this episode of the Thinking Ahead podcast, we delve into the motivations behind the surge in used and refurbished phone acquisitions. Gain valuable insights into the demographics of those opting for pre-owned devices and discover the driving forces behind their choices. Is it solely influenced by price considerations, or are environmental concerns playing a role in shaping this shift? Tune in now to unravel the nuanced layers of this evolving consumer landscape. If you want to find out more, click here to read our press release. 

The Consumer Confidence Index took a knock in February, dropping two points to -21, with all but one of the measures that make up the topline score down. Our expert Neil Bellamy explains what's happened and why the Personal Financial Situation metric remained at zero. In our regular feature, Data Guru Corner, he looks back over 50 years of data to evaluate how long it takes consumer sentiment to recover from a slump, and what this might suggest for a recovery this election year. 

Discover the pulse of the automotive industry in our latest podcast episode, where we unpack the Future of Mobility report from GfK AutoMobility™. From electric vehicle demand to consumer preferences, we dive into key questions shaping the market. Tune in as we explore brand resonance, EV adoption hurdles, and the future of autonomous vehicles. Gain actionable insights for your 2024 business strategies in just a few minutes. 

The Living with Technology report explores how consumer tech sentiment, usage, and adoption have shifted and continue to evolve amid major disruptions. In this episode, we sit down with GfK VP-CMI Veronica Chen to talk about the technology trends marketers should consider for the year ahead.  The sudden acceleration of the digital lifestyle during COVID lockdowns sent the sales of electronics and adoption of streaming services soaring. Then purchases slowed as consumers re-entered the "real" world and prioritized experiences over possessions. And the introduction of ChatGPT last fall was met with both record-speed adoption and deep concerns.

In this episode of Thinking Ahead, GfK's Neil Bellamy and our moderator Lucy Green, discuss the January 2024 results of UK Consumer Confidence Barometer. With the main Index at -19%, UK consumers have started the year feeling positive. Neil explains what's special about January and whether optimism is usual in the first month of the year. We focus on the Personal Financial Situation metric which reached zero after 24 consecutive months of negative scores. Delving into the results by income level tells a more nuanced story. In our regular feature, Data Guru Corner, Neil explains how the Index is composed, and why it is used to report confidence levels in the UK.   

Our CMO Outlook series does a deep dive on GfK's CMO Outlook report! The series covers several areas including sustainability, technology & AI, long-term brand building and more.   In this episode, we sit down with GfK's Managing Director, Consumer Insights to explore the sustainability realm of the report and how global marketers are setting the course for growth.    600+ marketing leaders shared their take on the state of marketing today, as part of our CMO Outlook Survey — the largest global study of its kind. We've distilled their insights here to give you granular coverage into key opportunities, trends, and challenges shaping the landscape across multiple regions and industries.  To learn more about how CMOs are driving change in an evolving world, access the full report.

Tune in to this episode as we explore key areas of the latest GfK Green Gauge report by Consumer Life. Understand how environmental concerns influence consumer attitudes and buying behaviors so you can meet their new expectations.

Drawing on 17 cross-media campaigns across Europe, new research shows that digital advertising drives brand equity. Commissioned by Meta, GfK data reveals the different marketing channels that help with brand building efforts at every stage of the funnel. From brand awareness to brand favorability, join this session to see how marketers can optimize digital advertising efforts for higher impact and efficiency by leveraging the power of a mixed-media approach.

In this Thinking Ahead podcast, Kelly Whitwick and Neil Frackiewicz from GfK UK's retail team discuss the performance of Black Friday in 2023. Using point-of-sale data, they review the results from this year and put them in historical context, reveal the best – and worst–selling items, and analyze sales in the run-up to Black Friday and during the weekend itself. They explain the reason for the results in the Consumer Technology, Durables and Homewares, and share their expectations for the categories as we approach Christmas.  

UK: Why buy in a cost-of-living crisis? In this Thinking Ahead podcast, Neil Bellamy our Consumer Insights expert and Helen Collins our Home Appliances Industry expert, discuss the who, what and why of buying in a cost-of-living crisis. Consumer confidence is still in negative figures as we head into the busiest time of the retail calendar. Understanding what makes people buy is business critical, especially in a ‘Golden Quarter'. They'll talk through the reasons to buy MDA, SDA and CE products, differences in behaviour by consumer group, and emerging purchase patterns. Tune in now! Additionally, if you want to hear full insights from our recent UK Insights Breakfast event where we drill down into even more details please follow this link and listen on demand >>  

How today's consumers – young and old – are defying expectations, and how brands can capitalize Just when you think you know today's generations, they throw you a curve. Digitally savvy Baby Boomers? Gen Z'ers who love to shop in stores? Millennials who enjoy gardening or yard work? The examples of consumers breaking generational molds are numerous, and each one represents an opportunity for agile and savvy marketers.   The episode also takes a look at the newest generation that marketers need to be aware of, Gen Alpha. Who are they and how can marketers adapt to this new generation? 

In this conversation at IFA 2023, we delved into the world of electric vehicles with Tim Kenyon, Vice President, Consulting, GfK. Join us as we explore people's perceptions of EVs, their purchase concerns, and strategies to overcome them. Kenyon highlights the mix of real and perceived barriers hindering EV adoption, including infrastructure challenges, range anxiety, and misconceptions about these eco-friendly vehicles.

In this Thinking Ahead podcast, Trevor Godman from GfK UK discusses the latest findings from the annual Smart Home survey. Now in its seventh year, this collaboration with techUK delves into consumer awareness and interest, ownership and usage of a range of connected or ‘smart' home products. This is an extensive piece of work, so in this 15-minute conversation, we focus on three key highlights: market growth and what's driving it, what we can learn from the success of smart doorbells, and expectations around energy saving.

Sustainability still matters to UK shoppers – despite economic pressures. In fact, the majority of UK consumers in GfK's Consumer Life survey agreed that “It is important that companies take environmentally responsible actions”. To appeal to shoppers today and tomorrow, every retailer, manufacturer, and brand owner needs to understand these sentiments and how they impact purchasing behavior. For some companies, sustainability is already a key part of their ethos, for others, now is the time to review the latest consumer research, identify the opportunities and barriers, and take action. In this podcast, we share the very latest research and suggest how brands and companies should respond. Sam covers a lot of ground, from sourcing to supply chain, packaging to messaging. Whatever category you're in, there are some key insights about what sustainability means for you.

Nearly half of Americans now say that experiences are more important than possessions – and “Enjoying Life” has grown to become a core value among US consumers. After three years of pandemic isolation and uncertainty, Americans seem ready to dive into experiential pleasures – but what exactly are they looking for? Which consumer groups are driving this renewed passion for indulgence – and how does it square with today's inflation-driven focus on cost cutting and bargain hunting? Drawing on five decades of trend insights from GfK Consumer Life, this episode will delve into the consumer moods, values, and desires that underlie a surging “experiential economy,” in the US and around the world. Across genders, generations, cultures, and social classes, we will define this movement and reveal how brands can leverage it wisely.

Join us in our latest episode as we venture behind the scenes of the 2023 NextGen Hackathon. Hear from the winning team of talented undergraduates from CUNY, College of Staten Island as they share their experience, triumphs, and the secrets behind their remarkable victory. Dive deep into their journey, from overcoming obstacles to unveiling their thought-process, all culminating in a well-deserved win! But that's not all – we'll also talk about the #iaAnnualConference, where this exceptional team showcased their winning solution to industry professionals. With a focus on sustainability, they harnessed real consumer data and their data science expertise to develop an impactful solution centered around EVs called "PowerShare." Tune in to discover the inner workings of their revolutionary creation and explore how hackathons like this one provide invaluable opportunities beyond the classroom.

Take your eCommerce to the next level with cutting-edge content that helps your products stand out. Our expert from GfK Etilize shares the most effective ways to “wow” consumers and convert views to sales. Learn how to raise your content game with smart, innovative tactics – and put these ideas into practice with minimum hassle.

In this episode, we sit down with GfK Tim Kenyon of GfK Consumer Life (VP, Consulting) to explore the different and sometimes surprising sustainability profiles of today's consumers. Around the world, people are now making green(er) decisions about their own actions and the products they purchase -- and these concerns also impact how they feel about your brand. Find out how your brand can approach sustainability wisely through a clear understanding of your consumers' needs. 

Sometimes, there is an otherworldly disconnect when marketers talk about data. In a recent GfK/CMO Council study, 80% of global marketing leaders asserted that data, analytics, and insights are very important to winning and retaining customers – yet only 12% reported being “extremely confident” in their own data systems. What is the ghostly force that is keeping whip-smart CMOs and insights pros from fulfilling their data potential? GfK's study found that data access and management – and the persistence of age-old data siloes – are major impediments to efficient marketing today. At times, no one can remember who created these “zombie” siloes or why they still exist; but they continue to interfere with proficient marketing, leading to hodge-podge dashboards and tortured integration schemes. In this episode, we'll reveal what companies can and should do to truly connect their data and drive marketing efficiency. We will look at examples of challenges, tradeoffs, and lessons marketing leaders can take when it comes to:  connecting research to activation to lift measurement integrating survey and behavioral data deterministically addressing data quality in various data sets finding the right insights to feed effective AI analytics Throughout, we will share best practices and inspiring examples to help brands connect data and make high-velocity decision making an everyday reality.

For consumers everywhere, inconsistency has become the new normal. The roller coaster ride of COVID, inflation, and more is not ending anytime soon – so how will your brand stay on top? In GfK Consumer Life's 2023 Outlook episode, we'll discuss the concerns, movements and ideas shaping today's consumers, and help you understand what people will likely be thinking and wanting in the year ahead. Drawing on rich, industry-stand trends data, this episode features GfK Consumer Life experts GfK's Stacy Bereck and Eric Wagatha.

The generational stereotypes around sustainability are straight out of central casting – Gen Z'ers protest over climate change, while Baby Boomers line up to buy gas-guzzling SUVs and Millennials trade recycling tips over Starbucks lattes. How do today's generations really think, feel and act when it comes to the environment? As the Earth heats up and the economy cools down, is it time to revisit our assumptions about these archetypes of culture and marketing? Join GfK for a down-to-earth discussion with marketers and researchers who represent today's key generations – revealing firsthand whether Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers will ever see eye to eye on a host of sustainability issues, from electric vehicles to the circular economy.

GfK is committed to empower sustainable growth for our people, partners, and the planet. Reducing our environment impact is embedded into our company's mission. In our latest episode, we sit down with Jochen Franz, Head of Strategic Projects and Sustainability Director for Procurement & Real Estate, as he talks about GfK's commitment to sustainability, what we've achieved so far, the latest sustainability report & more!

In what seems like an instant, the values and social actions of brands have become make-or-break with even mainstream consumers. From sustainability to global conflicts, the list of concerns brands need to engage with on a daily basis — not just once or twice a year — keeps growing.   How can brands navigate this volatile and unfamiliar world of high emotional stakes — and vast business consequences? Our discussion will cover: The evolution of sustainability — and the challenges of staying a step ahead. Taking social issues to heart — without leaving skeptics behind. Generational transformation — who is really driving the purpose revolution? Skillful messaging and marketing in the purpose world — striking the right balance of commerce and caring. How conventional brands can integrate compassion and activism into deeply ingrained personas. Key takeaways: Best practices on how to approach brand purpose. What are other brands doing in this space. What are the challenges facing brands in this ever-changing landscape.

The volatility of the past two years has raised the stakes for brands of every kind. How can marketers, brand managers and innovators keep up with their customers' evolving demands? What tools do they need to effectively plan and course-correct in real time? Join the trends experts at GfK Consumer Life as they deliver strategies to help brands plan for today – and innovate for tomorrow.   Speakers:  Rachel Bonsignore | VP, Consulting | GfK Consumer Life Tim Kenyon | VP, Consulting | GfK Consumer Life Host: Ana Mazumdar | Digital Marketing Manager - Americas | GfK Learn more about the Built for Success Toolkit Series here. 

In this episode, we sit down with GfK's very own Noah Babbott-Bryan, Megan Szabo and Kiley Rentko to talk about their experiences as Research Associates and how they've navigated their careers thus far. With different backgrounds and ultimately different paths within consumer insights, they offer unique perspectives on how to get started in this growing space and what skills you should possess to succeed. Tune in now!

The 2022 GfK NextGen Hackathon Competition brought together undergraduate teams from different universities to compete against one another in a data analytics showdown. Teams were tasked with developing strategic recommendations for new products or services in the shopper insights space; this year's winner hailed from NJIT — iRecommend, a service that relies on predictive analytics to suggest products to ecommerce shoppers, based on their purchase histories and personal characteristics.  Now in its 11th year, the NextGen Competition gives undergraduates firsthand exposure to solving real-life business problems with consumer insights and data. Tune into this episode as we go behind the scenes to get insights and perspectives from one of our judges Deb, our GfK expert, Neal and team captain of our winning team, An. They talk about their experiences with the hackathon, and more importantly, how marketers, organizations and other students can benefit from taking part in a data competition. Featured Guests:  Deb Eskra, Measurement & Applied Data Science, Oracle Neal Heffernan, EVP, Sales Effectiveness, GfK North America An Tran, Junior, NJIT Host: Ana Mazumdar, Digital Marketing Manager, GfK - Americas

American women across the generations often have very different attitudes and values. The pandemic and a variety of other factors have transformed women's roles and perspectives — changes that marketers need to understand for smarter positioning and targeting "American women, like those elsewhere in the world, have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Diane Crispell, senior consultant for GfK Consumer Life and author of the report. “Despite the disruptions to their jobs and families and resulting stress, they have a generally positive outlook and care about aspects of life that speak to a broader social conscience.” Tune in as Diane offers specific insights and findings from her report that dive deep into the lifestyles, values and attitudes of American women. Guests: Diane Crispell, Senior Consultant, GfK Consumer Life Host: Ana Mazumdar, Digital Marketing Manager (Americas), GfK Resources: The American Women Report More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com

For companies around the world, diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) has moved front and center as a business priority. But for consumer insights specialists, the stakes are higher – because their findings determine products being developed, ads being produced, and even laws being made. Tune in to hear how GfK has worked with Microsoft to put inclusion into action in a practical sense, across a wide range of research activities. Guests: Josh Billig, Market Research Manager, Microsoft Shelley Krasnick, VP - Marketing Effectiveness, GfK Resources: Learn more about GfK More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com

There are big changes coming to the GSA (General Services Administration) Advantage marketplace, and manufacturers need to pay close attention. GSA enables $60 billion in sales annually to federal, state, and local governments – a massive opportunity for suppliers in dozens of categories. How can you use the updated platform to your benefit, and what pitfalls should you watch out for? Get the latest on these important developments as we talk to Josh Royko, GSA's Director of Acquisition Oversight, and Lloyd Wood, Senior Enterprise Account Sales Manager at GfK Etilize. Guests:  Josh Royko, Director of Acquisition Oversight, GSA Lloyd Wood, Senior Enterprise Account Sales Manager, GfK Etilize Resources: www.etilize.com More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com  

Almost every US shopper knows that holiday gifts are harder to come by this year. GfK's Tatjana Wismeth tells how lockdowns in China and around the world caused supply chain issues that have directly impacted the holiday shopping season -- and forced manufacturers and retailers to adapt on the fly. What is this extraordinary disruption teaching us about consumer loyalty, retailer sourcing, and distributor decision making. Guest:  Tatjana Wismeth, Head of Distribution & Supply Chain Intelligence, GfK  Resources: Solutions page More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com

Major brands, including Apple, Mercedes, Amazon, and BMW, all use the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model to go straight to their customers for a branded experience. In this episode, experts from GeekSpeak Commerce and GfK Etilize give us a rich insight into why DTC is successful. In addition, they cover best practices and provide examples of how traditional brands utilize DTC. Tune in for all of the do's, don'ts, and small details you need to succeed.  Guest:  Lloyd Wood, Enterprise Sales and Marketing Manager, GfK Etilize Isaac Wanzama, Founder and Chief Strategist, GeekSpeak Commerce Resources: Leveraging the direct-to-consumer playbook More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) products wrote the playbook for developing and leveraging these closer relationships – bypassing traditional retail outlets and creating a seamless conversation with consumers. In this episode, we hear from Constellations Brands and BeenThereDoneThat about how US shoppers feel about DTC products and services. Guest:  Anim Haroon, Manager, DTC Growth Strategy, Constellations Brands Tara Nolan, Chief Global Growth Officer, BeenThereDoneThat Joe Beier, VP, Consumer Insights, GfK North America Resources: Leveraging the direct-to-consumer playbook More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com

On average, people spend 100 days online in a year. With constant connectivity at the palm of our hands and the roll-out of 5G and VR advancements, online behavior is beginning to blur with real-world engagement. In this episode, trends expert Eric Wagatha explains how we got to today, what consumers want, and how brands should strategically integrate new technologies into their business plans. Guest: Eric Wagatha, Head of GfK Consumer Life Resources: How brands can embrace the phygital reality trend More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com

A panel of global experts discusses dynamic new approaches to data and intelligent automation, and how they empower your business to make better decisions, faster. Our industry experts discussed the data, knowledge, and technology that delivers relevant, actionable insights from data that drive sustained growth and build healthier customer relationships. Guests: Christine Foster, CCO, The Alan Turing Institute  Christoph Aure-Welsbach, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Kaizo Antony Cousins, CEO, Factmata Franziska Divis, Director, Go-to-market, Microsoft Warren Saunders, President, Global Sales, GfK Resources:  Video: Decode the Future Virtual Event More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com

In the past few years, eCommerce listings have become the main window for shoppers, making digital product content a crucial part of the buying process. So how can brands become masters of this newly demanding digital content space? In this episode, eCommerce expert Lloyd Wood goes through the "must-haves" and "have-to-haves" to get the consumers' eyes -and wallets- on you. Guests: Lloyd Wood, Enterprise Sales and Marketing Manager, GfK Etilize Resources:  eBook: Optimize your digital showroom Podcast: How to optimize eCommerce and boost sales More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com

Latin America is often overlooked compared to other regions when it comes to global media coverage. Still, the reality is that it's a large and vibrant region offering an abundance of opportunities for marketers. In this episode, demographics and lifestyles expert Diane Crispell explains the value of LATAM consumers- and how you can grab their attention. Guests: Diane Crispell, Senior Consultant, GfK Consumer Life Resources:  Study: A fresh look at Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com

Defining and aligning with their ideological “tribes” is a growing priority for Americans – and this polarization is driving more and more brand relationships. In this episode, we take a look at how consumers' ideologies affect their choices in brands -- and their opinions about each other. Tune in to hear how Americans are most polarized, how we align – and, ultimately, the role of brands in customers' beliefs and decisions.   Guests: Rachel Bonsignore, VP, and consultant, GfK Consumer Life Resources:  Whitepaper: Divided we stand: Decoding the citizen shopper More on this episode: Get more details about this episode at www.gfk.com/en-us/thinking-ahead  Contact the Thinking Ahead Podcast at marketing@gfk.com