Culture Forward: Decoding Consumer Trends & Brand Impact
Where culture meets commerce: analyzing the brands shaping our lives.
About This Column
Michael Bennett’s ‘Culture Forward’ dives deep into the evolving intersection of consumer behavior, brand strategy, and cultural moments. Each week, Bennett unpacks the ‘why’ behind the latest trends in retail, fashion, beauty, and experiential marketing – going beyond surface-level reporting to illuminate the broader societal shifts driving consumer choices. The column examines how brands are responding to – and sometimes shaping – these changes, with a particular focus on Gen Z and Millennial audiences. ‘Culture Forward’ isn't just about what people are buying, but why – offering readers a unique perspective on the forces that are redefining modern culture and impacting brand success. Bennett’s analysis provides actionable insights for industry professionals seeking to understand and navigate the ever-changing consumer landscape.
Recent Articles
Beyond a Friendly Hello: Can Small Talk Tackle Canada’s Loneliness Epidemic?
ALDI's Holiday Gamble: Experiential Retail & the Value Shopper
Simple Modern's Holiday Campaign Connects Travel with Charitable Giving
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Gets New Sponsor, Ensuring Holiday Tradition's Future
National Grid's $400K Donation Fuels Food Banks Amid Rising Need, Economic Concerns
Corporate America & Food Banks Unite as SNAP Benefits Wane, Hunger Rises
Beyond Housing: Communities Thrive with Connection, Care – and Thanksgiving Dinner
Beyond the Turkey: School & Grocer Tackle Food Insecurity in Putnam County
AI Tackles Food Waste & Hunger: Tech Firm Links Surplus to SNAP Benefits
Merit Coffee's 'Light the Way' Day Aims to Brighten Holidays for Local Nonprofits
Wisconsin Food Banks Receive Protein Boost as Hunger Rises
SNAP Cuts Threaten Holiday Meals as LA Food Banks See Demand Surge
Beyond Scholarships: Nonprofit Pivots to Fight Campus Hunger – and a Growing Crisis
Island Resilience: Restaurant Steps Up as SNAP Suspension Exposes USVI Vulnerabilities
Pasta & Politics: Winland Foods Steps In As Shutdown Highlights Food Insecurity
Local Partners Unite to Fight Hunger Amidst Economic Uncertainty
SNAP Cuts & Billionaire Tax Breaks: Activists Link Policy Choices to Food Bank Demand
Grocery Outlet Steps Up Holiday Hunger Fight with Feeding America Partnership
Faith-Driven Aid: RRT & GEM Deliver Over 1 Million Meals to Gaza Amid Ceasefire