Why Now Is a Good Time to Rethink Your CRM

Why is CRM so important for brands today? Despite often being overlooked in favor of trendier marketing tactics, CRM remains one of the most powerful tools in a brand’s arsenal. It might not carry the flash of a viral TikTok or a splashy experiential activation, but it offers something far more enduring: a direct, consistent […]
Why Brands Are Doubling Down on Community

Meanwhile, an incessant flood of information and the steady march of AI, promising efficiency but often delivering hollow interactions, are leaving consumers craving genuine connections amid uncertainty. Brands recognize these tensions and are stepping up—some not just by doubling down on spend alone but by creating and investing in a currency that is growing in […]
When Confidence Drops, Loyalty Steps Up

With growing concerns over inflation, tariffs, and economic instability, shoppers are becoming increasingly cautious with their spending. The question for brands is: how do you maintain customer trust when consumer budgets tighten? More Than a Perk In uncertain times, loyalty programs move from being a nice-to-have to a critical advantage. As costs rise and households […]
3 Ways Brands Win the Battle of Perception

In the first half of 2024 alone, private label sales soared to $121 billion, outpacing national brands. Retailers are doubling down on in-house lines—Costco’s Kirkland Signature hit $56 billion in sales, surpassing Nike and Coca-Cola. Target and Aldi are strengthening branding while keeping prices competitive. The message is clear: shoppers no longer feel bound to […]
2025 Trends Report: Part Three

This last set of trends explores the cultural shift toward intentional living—trimming digital excess, embracing simplicity, and reconnecting with the natural world. And we highlight emerging microtrends that hint at even deeper changes ahead. What’s Salient People are seeking richer, more meaningful real-world experiences, balancing digital convenience with a deeper connection to nature, community, and […]
2025 Trends Report: Part Two

This next set of trends reveals how consumers are rewriting the playbook, leaning on peer-driven advice, side hustles, and AI-powered shortcuts to navigate life on their own terms. Meanwhile, workplaces are facing an energy crisis, where motivation, purpose, and human connection risk being sacrificed in the name of productivity. What’s Salient People are taking charge […]
2025 Trends Report: Part One

We’re at a critical intersection of opposing forces—freedom and security, creation and destruction, individual expression and collective belonging. Global polarization, cultural tensions and AI continue to accelerate these divisions. But beneath the noise lies a growing desire for something more lasting, more resonant, more human. This three-part series unpacks the insights set to define the […]
Why Your Financial Services Brand Should Consider a Refresh in 2025

Why don’t people associate strong branding with banks or financial institutions? When people think of great brands, they tend to think of clothing, food, or tech—not their bank. Financial institutions are often seen as functional and transactional, tied to the necessary routines of daily life. They’re rarely viewed as aspirational or exciting. But great brands […]
Creating Emotional Resonance in Your Brand Experiences

The Role of Empathy Empathy is the cornerstone of impactful brand experiences. More than just offering products or services, it’s about diving into the emotional journey of your customers and crafting touchpoints that truly resonate. Modern consumers demand that brands “get” them, understand their struggles, and offer more than just a transaction—they seek genuine relationships. […]
The Human Touch: Integrating Human-Centric Design into Your Brand Strategy

Consumers are changing. And brands can no longer rely solely on product features or aggressive advertising to capture attention. According to Forrester, a staggering 72% of consumers say they’ll abandon a brand after just one bad experience. What customers now crave is an authentic connection — products, messaging and experiences tailored to their specific needs […]