In a surprise move following a series of consecutive downgrades, Brian Wieser has boosted the outlook for U.S. ad-spending growth this year to 6.0%. That’s nearly double the percent change he forecast in March when he downgraded his outlook for the second time following his original 2025 benchmark of 5.3% growth in September 2024.
Citing Strong Half, Brian Wieser Surprisingly Turns Bullish For 2025 06/04/2025
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Sustainability is no longer a one-size-fits-all message. As more consumers become aware of environmental issues, their attitudes and actions toward sustainability vary widely. A recent international report by GlobeScan, backed by a mix of global brands and environment-focused initiatives, sheds light on these differences—identifying four distinct consumer mindsets regarding sustainability. These insights can help brands, including those in the print and paper industries, tailor their messaging and products to better engage customers. Based on a survey of over 30,000 consumers across 31 markets, GlobeScan’s Road to 2025 report categorizes consumers into four groups: Anxious Inactives, Indifferents, Enthusiasts, and Minimalists. Each group requires a unique approach to encourage more sustainable behaviors. Let’s explore each mindset and how companies can effectively reach them. Anxious Inactives (28%) - The largest segment of the population, Anxious Inactives, are environmentally conscious but feel overwhelmed by the scale of the climate crisis. Many of them—especially Gen Z consumers—experience guilt and anxiety about their personal impact, which often leads to inaction.
Carriers pivot to chasing profitable customers rather than protecting market share
Legacy parcel carriers FedEx and UPS have begun to discontinue commercial discounts, previously offered in response to increased market competition, prioritizing instead high-yield shipments and profitability to better meet Wall Street expectations, according to the TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index published this week.
Businesses are paying more per package shipped with FedEx (NYSE: FDX) and UPS (NYSE: UPS) as the couriers’ ground networks lose volume at the bottom end and replace some of that with express volume as customers trade down in service levels. The shift of cost-conscious shippers to alternative providers with slower, cheaper services is reflected in the ground parcel cost per package reaching a record high of 32% above the index’s 2018 baseline during the second quarter.
As the summer comes to a close, hot-button issues like tariffs, manufacturing and pricing are continuing to dominate conversations at fashion brands.
After the chaos of the last few months, some companies are managing to find a way forward. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. recently reported record net sales of $1.2 billion for its second fiscal quarter. Urban Outfitters, Inc. reported a record $252.2 million in net income for its first half of the year. Gap Inc., too, is continuing to reap the rewards of its larger turnaround, reporting positive comparable sales for the sixth straight quarter.
Still, the fashion industry — like much of retail — remains on somewhat shaky ground when it comes to predicting demand and sales. Many apparel and footwear brands manufacture abroad, where new, higher tariffs threaten to throw a wrench in their growth plans. Global supply chain costs are on track to rise up to 7% above inflation by the fourth quarter, per Kearney. And apparel and footwear are considered discretionary categories — meaning that, for many shoppers, clothes or shoes may take a backseat to essentials like food and gasoline.