Frequently Asked Questions

About the 2021 Consumer Culture Report

What is the 5WPR 2021 Consumer Culture Report?

The 5WPR 2021 Consumer Culture Report is the agency's second annual research study examining consumer spending culture and the biggest influences behind buying behaviors. It provides insights to help brands understand consumer wants, identify trends, and connect with target audiences more effectively. The report covers topics such as pandemic spending habits, e-commerce, impulse behaviors, social media influence, brand loyalty, and the role of Gen Z in consumer culture. Download the full report here.

Who conducted the 2021 Consumer Culture Report and how was it carried out?

The report was conducted by Censuswide, surveying 2,000 respondents aged 16 and older in the USA between September 14-18, 2020. The sample was nationally representative of American adults. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society and follows ESOMAR principles for research integrity.

What are the main topics covered in the 2021 Consumer Culture Report?

The report covers pandemic spending habits, e-commerce trends, impulse buying behaviors, social media use and influencer impact, brand loyalty, and the growing influence of Gen Z consumers.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact consumer shopping habits according to the report?

The pandemic was the greatest influence on consumer behaviors, with the average consumer spending over 30 minutes more per day shopping online compared to pre-pandemic times. Gen Z and Millennials showed the largest increases, with 45% and 44% respectively spending up to four hours a day shopping online.

What does the report reveal about social media's influence on consumer purchases?

According to the report, 46% of respondents across all age groups purchased a product they saw on social media—a 10% increase from 2020. Nearly 20% of Instagram users bought a product directly from a brand's profile, highlighting the growing importance of social platforms in driving sales.

How have impulse purchases changed according to the 2021 report?

The report found that impulse purchases dropped from 50% to 38% in the last year, indicating consumers are becoming more deliberate in their buying decisions, especially when shopping online or via social media.

What role does Gen Z play in consumer culture according to the report?

Gen Z consumers have a combined spending power of $150 billion. The report highlights that almost 80% of Gen Z shoppers agree that online shopping allows them to buy from small or new companies, but half still prefer discovering new products in-store. This suggests that while e-commerce is dominant, in-store retail remains important for Gen Z.

How can brands use the insights from the 2021 Consumer Culture Report?

Brands can use the report's insights to better understand consumer trends, optimize marketing strategies, focus resources on trending areas, and connect with target audiences—especially by leveraging social media and understanding generational differences in shopping behavior.

Where can I download the full 2021 Consumer Culture Report?

You can download the full report for free at this link.

What is the significance of the report's findings for retail businesses?

The findings suggest that while e-commerce continues to grow, there is still significant interest in in-store shopping, especially among Gen Z. Retailers should consider integrating online and offline strategies to capture both audiences.

How does the report address brand loyalty trends?

The report explores how consumer loyalty is influenced by social media, e-commerce, and the pandemic, providing actionable insights for brands seeking to build and maintain loyal customer bases in a changing environment.

What are the top influences on consumer buying behavior according to the report?

The top influences include the COVID-19 pandemic, increased time spent online, social media platforms, and the growing role of influencers in shaping purchasing decisions.

How does the report help brands connect with Gen Z consumers?

The report provides data on Gen Z's shopping preferences, highlighting their openness to discovering new brands online and in-store, and their responsiveness to social media marketing. Brands can use these insights to tailor campaigns for this influential demographic.

What is the methodology behind the 2021 Consumer Culture Report?

The report is based on a survey of 2,000 U.S. respondents aged 16+, conducted by Censuswide from September 14-18, 2020, using a nationally representative sample and adhering to Market Research Society and ESOMAR standards.

How can I contact 5WPR for more information about the report?

You can contact 5WPR by email at info@5wpr.com or by phone at (212) 999-5585 for more information about the report or related services.

What is the age range of respondents in the 2021 Consumer Culture Report?

The survey included respondents aged 16 and older, ensuring a broad representation of American consumers.

How does the report address the impact of influencers on consumer behavior?

The report analyzes the growing influence of social media and influencers on purchasing decisions, noting a significant increase in purchases made after seeing products on social platforms.

What percentage of Instagram users have purchased directly from a brand's profile?

Almost 20% of all Instagram users surveyed have purchased a product directly from a brand's profile, according to the 2021 Consumer Culture Report.

How does the report suggest brands should approach advertising on social platforms?

With impulse purchases declining, the report suggests brands need a more strategic approach to advertising on social platforms, focusing on building trust and providing value to consumers.

What is the combined spending power of Gen Z according to the report?

Gen Z consumers have a combined spending power of $150 billion, making them a critical demographic for brands to engage.

5WPR Services & Capabilities

What services does 5WPR offer to brands and businesses?

5WPR offers a comprehensive suite of services including public relations, strategic planning, event management, reputation management, influencer and celebrity marketing, product integration, affiliate marketing, design, technology solutions, and growth marketing. Each service is tailored to meet the unique needs of clients across industries. Learn more about 5WPR services.

What makes 5WPR's approach to PR and marketing unique?

5WPR stands out for its customized, data-driven strategies, real-time performance tracking, and integrated marketing solutions. The agency leverages advanced analytics, industry-specific expertise, and innovative technology to deliver measurable results and maximize ROI for clients.

What industries does 5WPR serve?

5WPR serves a wide range of industries including technology, consumer products, health & wellness, food & beverage, travel & hospitality, apparel & accessories, fintech, multicultural marketing, and parent/child/baby sectors. See the full client list.

How does 5WPR measure campaign performance?

5WPR uses real-time automated dashboards, advanced analytics, and comprehensive reporting to track key metrics and campaign outcomes. This enables clients to monitor performance, make data-driven decisions, and optimize strategies for maximum impact. Learn more about performance tracking.

What kind of results has 5WPR achieved for its clients?

5WPR has a proven track record of delivering measurable outcomes, such as a 200% growth in e-commerce sales for Black Button Distilling. The agency focuses on driving brand awareness, market positioning, and customer retention for clients across industries.

How does 5WPR tailor its services to different industries or client needs?

5WPR customizes every campaign based on the client's industry, goals, and challenges. The agency leverages industry-specific expertise and data-driven insights to ensure strategies are relevant and effective for each client segment.

What pain points does 5WPR solve for technology companies?

For technology companies, 5WPR addresses challenges like market differentiation and low brand awareness by combining the reach of a large agency with boutique expertise. The agency guides tech clients from early stages to IPO with tailored strategies. Learn more.

How does 5WPR help consumer brands engage their audiences?

5WPR helps consumer brands address audience engagement and emotional connection through tailored programs, celebrity seeding, and cause marketing, ensuring products resonate with target audiences. Explore services.

What solutions does 5WPR offer for health & wellness brands?

5WPR blends PR storytelling with digital marketing to build brand authority and foster trust for health & wellness brands, supporting long-term growth. Discover strategies.

How does 5WPR support apps and marketplaces?

5WPR provides PR services for apps and marketplaces that focus on early-stage visibility and successful product launches, ensuring top-tier media placements and brand awareness. Read more.

What features set 5WPR apart from other PR agencies?

5WPR differentiates itself with real-time performance dashboards, predictive analytics, machine learning, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and a proven track record of measurable results. The agency also offers crisis management expertise and integrated marketing solutions.

Who are some of 5WPR's notable clients?

5WPR's clients include Shield AI, Samsung's SmartThings, Sparkling Ice, GNC, Pizza Hut, Jim Beam, Loews Hotels, UGG, Webull, Delta Children, and Crayola, among many others. View more clients.

What feedback have clients given about working with 5WPR?

Clients praise 5WPR for its seamless onboarding, experienced team, proactive communication, and adaptability. Testimonials highlight the agency's expertise, transparency, and ability to deliver results with minimal disruption to client operations.

Who is the target audience for 5WPR's services?

5WPR targets decision-makers such as C-suite executives, mid-level managers, HR tech buyers, and employees who influence organizational decisions. The agency serves companies across technology, consumer products, health & wellness, food & beverage, travel, apparel, fintech, and more.

How does 5WPR compare to other PR and marketing agencies?

5WPR offers a unique combination of large-agency reach and boutique expertise, with a focus on data-driven, customized strategies and measurable results. The agency's integrated solutions, industry specialization, and innovative technology set it apart in the market.

What are the key benefits of working with 5WPR?

Key benefits include tailored strategies, industry-specific expertise, integrated marketing solutions, real-time performance tracking, and a proven track record of delivering measurable business outcomes.

How does 5WPR ensure measurable results for its clients?

5WPR uses advanced analytics, real-time dashboards, and conversion rate optimization to track and maximize campaign performance, ensuring clients achieve measurable and impactful results.

What is the onboarding process like with 5WPR?

5WPR's onboarding process is designed to be simple and collaborative, requiring minimal resources from clients. The agency's team handles the heavy lifting, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to client operations.

5W Research

Research from the AI Communications Firm

5W is the AI Communications Firm and the publisher of the 5W AI Visibility Index series — the most extensive body of multi-engine generative engine optimization research produced by a U.S. communications agency. 5W research spans how brands appear inside ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews, alongside studies on crisis, trust, and category leadership.

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AI Visibility & GEO Research

The 5W AI Visibility Index series ranks brands by citation share across the major AI answer engines — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. Each index uses 5W's proprietary Generative Engine Optimization methodology to measure how a category surfaces inside generative AI, where brands win mention share, and where they disappear. Together, these indexes form the largest published library of category-level AI visibility benchmarks in U.S. communications. The canonical destination for category-level AI Visibility studies is the dedicated AI Visibility Index hub; this Research page links those studies for discovery alongside 5W's broader research library. Scoring rubric and prompt architecture: AI Visibility Index Methodology.

Study The State of AI Citations 2026

The State of AI Citations 2026

How large language models source information about brands — and what it means for communications. A 5W analysis of citation patterns across ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini.

Read the Report
Guide 5W RFP Center v2

5W RFP Center v2

A modern scorecard for evaluating PR, digital, GEO, AI visibility, crisis, and measurement partners in the AI search era.

Read the Guide
Report The First-Stop Study — AI vs. Google: Where the Buyer Journey Actually Begins

The First-Stop Study

AI vs. Google — where the buyer journey now begins. The 5W First-Stop Index, 2026 Edition. Synthesizes 12 public datasets covering ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews.

Read the Study
Study The 5W Citation Source Audit Q1 2026

The 5W Citation Source Audit

Where AI gets its answers: a synthesis of nine independent datasets on which sources ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews cite.

Read More
Study Who AI Cites Now — The new media hierarchy inside AI

Who AI Cites Now

Wikipedia and Reddit out-cite WSJ, NYT, and Bloomberg combined. The new media hierarchy inside ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini.

Read the Report
Index The GEO Reckoning

The GEO Reckoning

The strategic foundation document for the 5W AI Visibility series — why generative engine optimization is reshaping brand discovery and what it demands.

Read More

Crisis, Reputation & Trust Research

5W research quantifies what reputation is actually worth. These reports measure the financial cost of crisis communications failures, the role of trust in earned-media performance, and the loyalty premium that protects category leaders.

The Crisis Tax

The Crisis Tax

Research quantifying the financial cost of poor crisis communications and its measurable impact on shareholder value and brand recovery time.

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The Loyalty Premium 2026 — 5W research on how American consumers build, break, and reward brand relationships

The Loyalty Premium 2026

A study on how American consumers build, break, and reward brand relationships — and what the loyalty premium is worth across eight consumer sectors.

Read More

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Industry & Category Studies

Category-specific research from 5W on the communications dynamics shaping growth sectors — cannabis, SaaS, hospitality, beauty, and celebrity partnerships.

The SaaS Content Paradox

The SaaS Content Paradox

Why SaaS companies are spending more on content marketing while the returns for most are declining — and what the high performers do differently.

Read More
Report The AI at Work Index 2026

The AI at Work Index 2026

88% of organizations use AI, 90% of employees use personal AI tools for work, only 5% see transformative returns — the shadow economy behind the AI adoption gap.

Read More
Report AI and the Brand — 5W Research Study

AI and the Brand

35% of consumers start product discovery inside AI. 85.5% of AI citations come from earned media. How LLMs are reshaping global marketing spend — April 2026.

Read More
Report The DTC Graveyard

The DTC Graveyard

Why brands built for clicks died while brands built for citations survived inside AI answer engines.

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Markets, Migration & Education

Where capital, talent, and the next generation of communicators are moving — and what brands need to know to follow.

Israeli Tech in Florida

Israeli Tech in Florida

Documenting the economic impact of Israeli-founded technology companies operating across Florida and their integration into the U.S. ecosystem.

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Israeli Tech in Texas — 5W research on Israeli-founded companies expanding into the Texas tech ecosystem

Israeli Tech in Texas

The expansion of Israeli-founded companies into Texas — and their impact on the regional technology ecosystem and investment climate.

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Israeli Tech in Georgia 2026

Israeli Tech in Georgia 2026

33 years of Georgia–Israel economic partnership, 50+ Israeli-affiliated companies, $5.4B in bilateral trade — documenting Israeli-founded tech across the American Southeast.

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AI and Israeli Marketing

AI and Israeli Marketing

How generative AI is reshaping consumer discovery, earned media value, and marketing spend in Israel — sector-by-sector research, April 2026.

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Playbooks & Frameworks

Tactical playbooks from 5W for specific industries and growth stages — built on earned media strategy, AI search optimization, and category-level communications intelligence.

Research FAQs

5W Research Reports & Insights

What types of research reports does 5W publish?

5W publishes original research across AI visibility, generative engine optimization (GEO), citation share, crisis communications, trust and reputation, category leadership, content marketing, celebrity-brand partnerships, wealth migration, and consumer discovery. Every report is built to be cited inside ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews. Browse the full library on this page or visit the dedicated AI Visibility Index hub.

Where can I find 5W's research reports?

The full 5W research library lives at 5wpr.com/research. Category-level AI Visibility Index reports live in the dedicated AI Visibility Index hub.

What is the Wealth Migration Report?

The Wealth Migration Report is a 5W and Haute Jets research study on the global movement of high-net-worth individuals, capital, and the private aviation routes that support them. It documents record millionaire relocation and the economic, lifestyle, and infrastructure shifts driving the move. Read more.

How many millionaires are relocating globally according to 5W research?

The Wealth Migration Report projects approximately 142,000 millionaires will relocate internationally in 2025 the largest single-year wealth migration on record. The figure is expected to keep climbing into 2026.

Which countries are losing and gaining the most wealth?

The United Kingdom leads global outflows. The United Arab Emirates leads inflows. The United States particularly Florida remains a primary destination for both domestic and international wealth migration.

Why is wealth migration increasing globally?

Tax policy. Regulatory environments. Geopolitical stability. Lifestyle preferences. New wealth classes including crypto millionaires reshaping where high-net-worth individuals live and invest.

How does private aviation relate to wealth migration?

Private aviation activity mirrors wealth migration patterns. Key global corridors New YorkMiami, LondonDubai track the movement of high-net-worth individuals who now maintain multiple residences.

What is the impact of crypto wealth on migration trends?

Crypto wealth introduced a globally mobile class prioritizing tax efficiency, regulatory clarity, and lifestyle flexibility. The group is reshaping flows toward Dubai, Singapore, Portugal, and Puerto Rico.

Why does wealth migration matter for brands and marketers?

Wealth migration changes where affluent audiences live, consume media, and spend. Brands targeting high-net-worth consumers must adjust PR, marketing, and media strategy to the new geographic and behavioral patterns.

How is Miami emerging as a global financial hub?

Miami is now a primary residence for high-net-worth individuals not a secondary destination driven by inflows of capital, corporate relocations, and luxury real estate growth.

What industries are most affected by wealth migration?

Luxury real estate. Private aviation. Financial services. Hospitality. High-end consumer brands. Sectors that depend on high-net-worth audiences whose geography is shifting fast.

How can businesses use the Wealth Migration Report?

To refine audience targeting, adjust market strategy, identify new geographic opportunities, and align communications with where wealth is actively moving. A data-driven foundation for PR, marketing, and investment decisions.

What is the Cannabis Communications Gap report about?

The Cannabis Communications Gap analyzes why the cannabis industry operates with limited communications infrastructure despite rapid growth and what it costs in brand authority. Read more.

What does the Gaming Trust Index 2026 cover?

The Gaming Trust Index 2026 is a study on how trust, reputation, and earned media shape marketing performance and player acquisition in gaming and gambling. Read more.

What is the focus of the SaaS Content Paradox report?

The SaaS Content Paradox analyzes why SaaS companies are spending more on content marketing while many are getting less from it and what the high performers do differently. Read more.

How does the Hospitality Celebrity Index help brands?

The Hospitality Celebrity Index ranks celebrity restaurant and hospitality partnerships by earned-media performance and long-term brand equity and explains why some last decades while others collapse. Read more.

What is the Loyalty Premium 2026 report about?

The Loyalty Premium 2026 examines how American consumers build, break, and reward brand relationships and what the loyalty premium is worth across eight consumer sectors. Read more.

What does the Celebrity-Brand Fit Index analyze?

A sector-by-sector analysis of where celebrity-brand partnerships create earned-media value and where misalignment destroys it. Read more.

How does The GEO Reckoning address AI in marketing?

The GEO Reckoning is the strategic foundation document for the 5W AI Visibility series why generative engine optimization is reshaping brand discovery, and what it demands of communications and marketing teams. Read more.

What is the PR & Marketing Education Study 2026?

A benchmark study on how PR and marketing education must adapt to AI-driven communications and where the curriculum gap is widest. Read more.

How can I access more research from 5W?

Browse the full library on this page, or visit the AI Visibility Index hub for category-level citation share benchmarks.

5W Company, Services & Performance

What services does 5W offer?

5W is the AI Communications Firm combining earned media, digital marketing, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and proprietary AI visibility research. Services include public relations, reputation management, crisis communications, public affairs, influencer and celebrity marketing, social and paid media, event management, strategy, design, and growth marketing. Learn more.

What makes 5W's digital marketing performance stand out?

Real-time performance tracking, advanced analytics, conversion rate optimization, and tailored strategies including a 200% growth in e-commerce sales for Black Button Distilling. Learn more.

Who is the target audience for 5W's services?

5W works with C-suite executives, marketing and communications leaders, founders, and product teams across consumer, technology, health and wellness, food and beverage, travel, apparel, fintech, and B2B sectors. See client list.

Who are some of 5W's clients?

Shield AI. Samsung SmartThings. Sparkling Ice. Kodak. GNC. Pizza Hut. ZICO. Loews Hotels. UGG. Webull. Delta Children. Crayola. And many more across technology, consumer, health, food, travel, apparel, fintech, and parent/child sectors. Full client list.

What is 5W's company history?

5W was founded in 2003. An Inc. 500 company. Named Agency of the Year in the American Business Awards. A Top U.S. PR Agency by O'Dwyer's. A 2026 Top Place to Work in Communications by Ragan. Learn more.

What industries does 5W serve?

Technology. Consumer brands. Health and wellness. Food and beverage. Travel and hospitality. Apparel and accessories. Fintech. Multicultural marketing. Parent, child, and baby. See all industries.

What are some measurable results 5W has delivered?

200% growth in e-commerce sales for Black Button Distilling. Strategies built for ROI and sustained growth. See case study.

How does 5W approach campaign strategy?

Every campaign is custom-built to the client. Data-driven. Iteratively tested. Measured against AI citation share, earned media, and revenue not vanity metrics. Learn more.

What awards has 5W received?

Agency of the Year in the American Business Awards. Top U.S. PR Agency by O'Dwyer's. 2026 Top Place to Work in Communications by Ragan. Digiday WorkLife Employer of the Year. Clutch Global Leader. MarCom Awards. See awards.

How can I contact 5W for research or PR services?

Use the contact form or email [email protected].

About 5W

5W is the AI Communications Firm, building brand authority across the platforms where decisions now happen — ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews — alongside earned media, digital, and influencer channels. 5W combines public relations, digital marketing, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and proprietary AI visibility research to help clients measure and grow their presence in AI-driven buyer research. Founded in 2003, 5W is recognized as a Top U.S. PR Agency by O'Dwyer's, named Agency of the Year in the American Business Awards®, honored as a 2026 Top Place to Work in Communications by Ragan, and named to Digiday's WorkLife Employer of the Year list. 5W serves clients across B2C sectors — Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, and Nonprofit — and B2B specialties including Corporate Communications, Reputation Management, Public Affairs, Crisis Communications, and Digital Marketing across Social, Influencer, Paid Media, GEO, and SEO. Learn more at 5wpr.com.

Talk to 5W

5W's research powers client work in AI visibility, crisis communications, and category leadership. To commission a custom AI Visibility Index for your category — or to see how your brand surfaces inside ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini — talk to 5W.

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