As the COVID-19 pandemic continues on, the effects on people across the globe linger. Not only has it caused a major health crisis, but it has had major economic ramifications and changed the way we go about our daily lives. Below, we take a look at consumer sentiment and behavior from the past six months to understand the shifting shopper landscape.

With September already upon us, the holidays are quickly approaching. As with everything else in 2020, they’re going to look different than normal. While some consumers will continue celebrating as usual, the reality is that many are in a tough economic situation given the circumstances of the pandemic. In fact, according to a study from Brandwatch, 44% of consumers say they plan to spend less on gifts and celebrations compared to 2019.

For nearly 30 years, the Chief Marketer Pro Awards have recognized the world's best in brand activation and promotion marketing. Last week, this year's winners were announced and Inspira was honored with three separate awards!

Each year, Event Marketer's It List highlights the top 100 event marketing agencies across the globe. We're proud to announce that Inspira has been named to the It List for the ninth time in 2020!

According to analysis from Tourism Economics, the U.S. travel economy has suffered over $341 billion in cumulative losses since early March. However, the negative outlook that pervaded in previous months has given way to slight optimism. Travel spending in the week ending 8/15 tallied a total of $12.9 billion, representing a 5% increase from the previous week and the fifth-consecutive week of expansion. Though these numbers are still well shy of last year's levels, it provides some hope for the many Americans looking to get out of town for their next vacation. Below, we take a look at their feelings on flying, the popularity of destinations, and top concerns that persist.

In the latest edition of the Path to Purchase Institute Member Spotlight, Inspira's Maureen Jones took part in a Q&A on subjects ranging from what it means to be an experience agency to the COVID-19 impact and the future of marketing. To find out what she had to say on each subject, read along on Path to Purchase IQ!

For those who have made the trek to the grocery store during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been quite the departure from the typical shopping experience. Masks and occupancy restrictions represent two of the most visible changes, but customers have also noticed the decided dearth of in-store samples available to try out while strolling through the aisles.

It may feel like the summer just arrived, but as we hurdle through August, the holidays are closer than they appear. With Halloween just two months away, parents and children across the country know that the celebration marked by candy, costumes, and pumpkins won’t be the same as usual. In fact, 58% of moms in a recent She Speaks survey indicated that their family’s Halloween plans will look different, and that number seems certain to rise.

As the calendar flips into August, the typical excitement that accompanies back-to-school season has given way to widespread uncertainty. Parents are grappling with concerns about the quality of their children’s education, their social development, and the health of family members. Meanwhile, schools are deliberating whether to continue education in-person, online, or some combination of the two.

For the 56% of consumers who reported missing sports a lot during the pandemic, the return of the NBA, NHL, and MLB has been a welcome change. Fans don't just miss their favorite teams; they also miss the traditions and the escape from day-to-day life. Below, we take a look at how consumers filled their time while sports were postponed, their feelings on the return to action, and their sentiment on returning to stadiums when fans are allowed.