Gulf South Index
Built from research, local perspective and decades of regional experience, the Gulf South Index helps leaders better understand the people, trends and decisions shaping our region.
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Getting Back in the Game
Leisure activities came to a standstill at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and brands are going to great lengths to adjust and continue to conduct business under the current less-than-ideal circumstances. While people are anxious to get out and resume enjoying their favorite pastimes, many consumers are avoiding participating in crowded activities.
We’re Trying Something New
As we continue to adapt to life during a pandemic, consumers are forming new habits as attitudes, values and behaviors evolve. The pandemic has forced us to communicate differently, shop differently and engage in our favorite pastimes in virtual ways. According to The New Consumer, COVID-19 brought on a period of experimentation and loyalties are changing.
Holiday Travel…Should I Stay or Should I Go
What is typically a bustling time for travel, this holiday season will be quite different from years past. With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror as we quickly approach Christmas, consumers are forgoing long-term planning and instead, making last minute decisions for how and where they will spend the holidays. To travel or not to travel is the question weighing on many people’s minds as they consider how to celebrate safely this year.
COVID-19 will not stop Santa
Gift-giving is no doubt going to look different this year as shoppers unwrap a season that has health, safety and financial concerns at the top of their lists. Consumers are re-evaluating when and how to shop this holiday season and remain mindful of discretionary spending. In-store shopping is being replaced by online alternatives.
What Are We Watching & Why it Matters
If you have a grandmother or have ever watched an ABC Afternoon Special, you’ve heard the phrase “you are what you eat.” As grown-ups in 2020, we can change it to “you are what you watch…and read…and share.” A presidential election with an expected record voter turnout combined with a global pandemic last experienced before television and radio even existed, has people consuming more information more quickly than ever.
The Novelty is Gone, But Concern Lingers
As we navigate new phases of our reopening, it is a good time to see where consumers in the Gulf South stand with concern about the COVID-19 pandemic. In this issue, we examine how the health crisis influences decisions on travel, leisure activities and how people are spending their time. In addition, we specifically broke down the information by state to get a further localized picture of how people in the Gulf South are feeling today and about the near future.
Boomers and Millennials are Restless, Surprisingly Alike
Boomers and Millennials in the Gulf South are changing course on their outlooks as the summer months wind down and we approach the end of the year. While there are apparent similarities across both generations, in other areas, the two groups are quite different.
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