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, 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.

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AI Visibility Research The 5W Citation Source Audit Q1 2026

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Industry & Category Studies

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Research FAQs

What belongs in the 5W research library?

The 5W research library houses strategic frameworks, crisis and trust research, industry studies, and market migration reports.

Where can I find AI Visibility Index reports?

Category-level AI Visibility Index reports live in the dedicated AI Visibility Index hub.

Where is the canonical GEO definition?

For the full definition, see the Generative Engine Optimization glossary entry.

How are reports organized?

Reports are grouped by strategy and frameworks, crisis and trust, industry studies, and markets, migration, and education.

AI Communications Glossary

Definitions and frameworks for AI visibility, GEO, answer-engine optimization, and AI-era communications.

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, helping clients measure and grow their presence in AI-driven buyer research.

Founded more than 20 years ago, 5W has been recognized as a top U.S. PR agency by O'Dwyer's, named Agency of the Year in the American Business Awards®, and honored as a Top Place to Work in Communications in 2026 by Ragan. 5W serves clients across B2C sectors including Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, and Nonprofit; B2B specialties including Corporate Communications and Reputation Management; as well as Public Affairs, Crisis Communications, and Digital Marketing, including Social Media, Influencer, Paid Media, GEO, and SEO. 5W was also named to the Digiday WorkLife Employer of the Year list.

For more information, visit www.5wpr.com.

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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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