蘑菇AV

A young, culturally influential, and economically powerful group, Black consumers are shaping digital trends through high engagement with streaming and social media while shaping retail with their distinct shopping preferences.

The situation: QSRs are in a tough spot. The restaurant industry had monthly traffic growth in just one of the 12 months through May, according to Black Box Intelligence data cited by CNBC. Our take: QSRs can鈥檛 afford to stand still. In a tough operating environment, brands that act decisively and innovate boldly are best positioned to outpace the macroeconomic headwinds. Even if every move doesn鈥檛 deliver an immediate payoff, momentum matters鈥攁nd sitting on the sidelines is the riskiest strategy of all.

The news: Michaels is getting a head start on the spooky season. The arts and crafts retailer began stocking its shelves with Halloween merchandise this past Friday, marking its earliest-ever rollout of themed items. Our take: Michaels is betting that even as consumers pull back on discretionary purchases, they鈥檒l keep splurging on Instagram-worthy seasonal d茅cor鈥攅specially if they can get it first. From black rose wreaths to candy-colored pumpkins and disco-themed skeletons, the early drop positions Michaels to win over shoppers eager to get a head start on Halloween.

50% of Black consumers say they鈥檝e recently stopped shopping at companies with differing political views, the highest among racial demographics, generations, or political affiliations, according to a February Harris Poll cited by Axios.

US Black adults spend the greatest share of their total TV time watching cable (22.4%), followed by broadcast (21.8%), according to a 2025 Nielsen report.

Black History Month marketing adapts as DEI commitments fade: With corporate DEI programs under political scrutiny, some brands are avoiding public campaigns.

Black consumers find advertisements more helpful than the general population. But Black consumers also feel advertisers aren鈥檛 always genuine when incorporating cultural diversity into their campaigns.