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SKKU research team demonstrates the powerful engagement and customer-driving effects of ‘micro ads’ in the short-form era

Researchers at SKKU demonstrate that ultra-short micro ads are significantly more effective than longer ads at driving online visits and consumer engagement. Micro ads lasting 10 seconds or less outperformed longer ads in both TV and social media environments, generating more clicks and community engagement.

Shoppers know fast fashion harms environment but keep buying: study

A new study from RMIT University suggests that environmental awareness alone may not stop people from buying ultra-fast fashion. Shoppers weigh sustainability against price and convenience, using budgets and careful planning to make purchases feel more acceptable. The study identifies two psychological patterns, strategic spontaneity a...

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Global Fashion Marketing·TypeCase study·DateSep 20, 2026

First-ever healthy checkout policy shows promise for reducing soda sales, increasing healthy snack purchases

A new study implemented in Berkeley, Calif. supermarkets, drug stores, and mass-market retailers in 2021 found a link between a healthy checkout ordinance and a notable decrease in soda sales overall and small-package candy in supermarkets. The study also found that greater enforcement of the policy is essential for sustained public he...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

How you feel about fast-food brands can predict overall diet quality

A new study suggests that a fondness for well-known fast-food and sugar-sweetened beverage brands can predict poorer diet quality, even among those who rate these brands as unhealthy. The research found that participants who liked fast-food brands not only consumed more fat and sugar but also tended to perceive those brands as healthier.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Health Communication·TypeSurvey·DateSep 10, 2026

Do customer loyalty programs actually work? The benefits are in the eye of the cardholder

A study by Edith Cowan University found that customer loyalty programs work best when retailers offer personalized benefits, provide exceptional customer service, and are transparent about their pricing. The research highlights the importance of trust, commitment, and perceived benefits in customer engagement with loyalty programs.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Marketing·TypeSurvey·DateAug 26, 2026

Alcohol marketing exposure and youth drinking

A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a strong association between alcohol marketing exposure and increased drinking outcomes among youth. The study's findings suggest that reducing alcohol marketing can help mitigate the risk of youth drinking, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this public health con...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 24, 2026

For consumers, distrust outweighs trust

A recent study by Annabelle Roberts found that consumers tend to distrust others after a negative experience, and this distrust can be difficult to overcome. The researchers conducted 21 studies involving nearly 12,000 people and discovered that people learn attitudes from a single trust interaction, whether positive or negative.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 20, 2026

When the rapid adaptation of sales channels pays off

A study by University of Cologne researchers found that sales system agility contributes to higher operating profit only when channel structure and management are aligned. Companies should review their sales channel mix and allocation of responsibilities to reap benefits from rapid adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·TypeSurvey·DateJun 23, 2026

Cannabis branding may appeal to youth despite regulations, study finds

A Washington State University study found that cannabis packaging design features, particularly branding elements, can attract underage consumers, raising questions about existing regulations. Participants preferred colorful logos, bold typography, and images resembling familiar foods over warning labels and nutritional information.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJun 16, 2026

Unintended consequences: Graphic anti-smoking ads may nudge people toward vaping

Research from Washington State University found that graphic anti-smoking ads can lead smokers to vape instead of quit due to the lack of comparable health warnings on e-cigarettes. The study suggests that consumers may perceive e-cigarettes as a safer option when exposed to vivid images of smoking's health consequences.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·TypeSurvey·DateMay 27, 2026

Study identifies product-category differences in language associated with click-through rates in Japanese Instagram advertisements

Researchers analyzed a large dataset of Japanese Instagram ads to identify linguistic patterns linked to click-through rates. The study found that word choices for supplement and cosmetic ads differed significantly, with risk-related words boosting CTR in supplement ads, while motion-related language increased CTR in cosmetic ads.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPLOS One·DateMay 11, 2026

New study suggests ‘freedom framing’ more effective than mandates for vaccine-hesitant Americans

Researchers propose a new approach to overcoming vaccine hesitancy by framing vaccines in terms of personal autonomy and freedom, which showed greater willingness among those with higher concerns. The study suggests that traditional universal approaches may not be effective for everyone, highlighting the importance of individual values.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 6, 2026

Platforms, not boycotts, shape post-scandal music streams

A new Cornell University study reveals that social media boycotts have less impact on music streams than platform sanctions. In several high-profile controversies, scandal-related attention coincided with short-term increases in streams. However, when platforms reduced visibility of the artists' music, clearest declines appeared.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateApr 28, 2026

Odometer inattention costs used car buyers

Research from the University of Texas at Austin finds that consumers pay up to $170 extra per vehicle when buying a used car with nearly identical mileage but one digit off, due to left-digit bias. This phenomenon can result in higher prices for cars just below round numbers like 20,000 or 50,000.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateApr 22, 2026

Reversible words can lower consumer disbelief in ads

A new study reveals that using reversible words in marketing messages can significantly impact how confident consumers feel about believing a claim. Researchers found that when words differ in their reversibility, it can trigger different mental processes when consumers evaluate marketing language.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

The structure of online reviews shapes their helpfulness

A study of nearly 200,000 Amazon reviews reveals that the structure of online product reviews plays a crucial role in their helpfulness. The researchers identified nine possible structures of online reviews and found that different review structures are more or less helpful depending on how highly the reviewer has rated the product.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 8, 2026

Research questions legitimacy of promoting harmful products

Researchers argue that industries promoting harmful products normalize their consumption through marketing strategies, affecting vulnerable populations. They call for greater regulatory oversight and a renewed emphasis on ethics in marketing education to address the systemic role of marketing in public health and social well-being.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalJournal of Macromarketing·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 7, 2026

Digital targeting creeps out customers

Researchers find that personalized digital marketing can evoke a powerful emotional response, leading consumers to feel uncomfortable and less likely to make purchases. To mitigate this 'creepiness,' brands can focus on prevention by designing personalization practices that minimize ambiguity and avoid signals of intrusive surveillance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateMar 2, 2026

New research offers businesses a playbook for surviving social media firestorms

A new study from Binghamton University School of Management provides a framework for organizations to anticipate, interpret, and respond to social media backlash. The toolkit identifies four phases of online social disapproval and offers guiding questions and analytical indicators to aid in early detection, response, and recovery.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Business Strategy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

Women more likely to choose wine from female winemakers

Research from Washington State University found that women are willing to pay higher prices for wines made by female winemakers, particularly those featuring feminine gender cues. The study suggests that promoting women's ownership in wineries can increase sales among the largest group of U.S. wine consumers, who happen to be women.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Augmented reality menus may help restaurants attract more customers, improve brand perceptions

A new study found that augmented reality (AR) menus can significantly increase customer interest in visiting a restaurant and result in positive word-of-mouth marketing. The effectiveness of AR menus also depends on how well the technology aligns with a restaurant's overall brand image.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Claiming your business page on review platforms can have unintended effects on customer reviews, study shows

A study from Florida International University finds that claiming a business page on review platforms like Yelp can lead to a significant drop in average ratings, with a 10% decrease in five-star reviews and a 9.5% rise in one-star reviews. The study also reveals that these lowest-rated reviews become substantially longer and more crit...

SourceFlorida International University·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026