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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Businesses key to Gulf South vaccination
As mass vaccination events draw crowds, the Gulf South still has many residents that are not on board with the vaccine. New Gulf South Index research from March 15 shows that while 13% in the Gulf South feel the COVID-19 situation is getting a lot worse compared to just 7% nationwide, our region is still much less likely to get the vaccine. What do we need to do to get more people vaccinated in our region?
People are on the fence about the COVID-19 vaccine
While more people are rolling up their sleeves to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, some Americans are still deciding if they will take the shot. Our upcoming 2021 Gulf South Index report sheds new light on where people stand in our region in terms of getting the vaccine. The latest results reveal that 51% of those surveyed in the Gulf South would be willing to get an FDA-approved vaccine today if it were available at no cost.
Who We Allow into our Information Circle of Trust
Today, everything and everyone has become a news source and consumers are yearning for a return to factual, reliable news they can trust. We are constantly on information overload. It can be a daunting task to decipher what is real and what is considered misinformation. Who should we turn to as our trusted news sources?
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.
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