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 Food Banks: Colorado Partnership Aims to Restore Dignity with Hygiene Access
Crum & Forster’s $10M Donation Tackles Food Insecurity, Empowers Employees
Sperri Donation Addresses Rising Food Insecurity with Nutritious, Plant-Based Meals
Consumers Energy Grant Bolsters Food Delivery Network Amid Rising Michigan Insecurity
Dental Group Launches Food Drive Amid Rising Hunger, Expanding Community Support
Hyundai, Local Dealers Drive Hope with $277M Pediatric Cancer Fight & Community Boost
Sweet Treat, Serious Impact: Culver’s ‘Concretes for a Cause’ Fights Growing Hunger Crisis
Military Families Face Rising Food Insecurity as Shutdown Intensifies; Cohen Clinics Step Up Support
Food Lion’s ‘Score to Give More’ Drives Millions of Meals, Addresses Campus Hunger
Healthcare Groups Invest Millions to Fight Rising Food Insecurity in North Carolina
Investing in Futures: Hyundai’s $40K Gift Bolsters Central Texas Health & Hunger Relief
Beyond the Donation: Duke Energy & the Growing Fight Against SC Hunger
Beyond the Kettle: Walmart & Salvation Army Adapt to Rising Holiday Need
Food Banks Strained as Food Lion Donates $1.6M to Fight Rising Hunger
Beyond the Bill: TXU Energy’s Winter Warmth Program Addresses Texas Affordability Crisis
Beyond the Plate: Chicago Nonprofits Tackle Rising Senior Hunger Amid Benefit Cuts
Beyond the Meal: How One Bank & Food Bank Are Building Community Resilience in North Texas
Healthcare Steps Up as Illinois Families Face Rising Food Insecurity
Texas Food Banks Get $400K Boost as Need Soars, Healthcare Provider Steps Up