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.

K'Tory Cobb recently joined the Inspira team as Finance Coordinator. To learn more about K'Tory, read along in this edition of the Employee Spotlight!

The pandemic has thrown a wrench into even the best-laid of plans this year, and it has greatly affected those looking to purchase or lease a vehicle. As far back as April, nearly four in five consumers were delaying their next purchase due to COVID-19, but we're starting to see glimmers of hope. For brands and dealerships to maintain their market share, though, they'll need to pay close attention to consumer preferences. Below, find out more about the state of automotive purchase process amidst the pandemic.

While the summer of 2020 bears little resemblance to previous ones here in America, one thing hasn’t changed: demand for ice cream. In fact, according to Nielsen, U.S. retail sales of ice cream were up 26% YoY for the 16-period week that ended 6/20.

Online grocery shopping has gained steam in recent years with the likes of Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, and others offering up their services. However, since the beginning of the pandemic, many shoppers who had previously eschewed online grocery shopping have changed their tune. Below, we take a look at shopper habits with regard to online groceries and see which brands have gained the most ground.