Prosper Insights - Consumer Futures

AI, Customers, and Amazon Price TrendsGary Drenik, a Forbes writer and co-founder of Prosper Insights & Analytics, provides weekly AI and innovation briefings. One article highlights Photoroom's profitability through its customer-focused AI image tools, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs in the generative AI landscape. Another article examines rising prices on Amazon in 2024, attributing this to increased Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees impacting third-party sellers, with Amazon Prime members noticing these increases more than the average U.S. adult and adjusting their online shopping habits.

AI Guardrails & Customer Service Insights

The Forbes articles by Gary Drenik, a writer and co-founder of Prosper Insights & Analytics, for the week ending March 30th 2025 address two key areas at the intersection of technology and business. One article examines the growing need for AI governance and the development of AI guardrails in the face of unclear regulations and consumer concerns about AI safety and reliability. The other piece explores customer preferences in service interactions, highlighting the surprising continued dominance of voice communication over text-based chatbots, even among younger generations, particularly due to advancements in voice AI. Both articles utilize consumer data and expert opinions to support their arguments about navigating technological advancements and meeting evolving consumer expectations.

AI in Commerce: Balancing Personalization and Automation

Gary Drenik's Forbes articles from the week ending March 23, 2025 explore the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in retail, particularly within social commerce and on platforms like Amazon. One article discusses the paradox of personalization, where consumers desire tailored experiences but harbor concerns about data privacy and AI overuse. It emphasizes the need for transparency and a balance between AI-driven efficiency and human oversight to build consumer trust. The other article highlights the rapid adoption of AI by Amazon and Walmart shoppers, as well as the growing trend of brands utilizing "agentic AI" to automate advertising and enhance commerce operations. Both pieces underscore the importance of a strategic and balanced approach to AI implementation to optimize both customer experience and business outcomes in the evolving retail landscape.

Gary Drenik, a Forbes writer and co-founder of Prosper Insights & Analytics, provides insights into AI's impact on business in 2025 based on his recent articles. One article discusses how AI predicts increasing supply chain disruptions across various industries due to geopolitical instability, climate issues, and trade policy shifts. The other article explores the growing role of Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations (AIOps) in transforming enterprises by automating problem resolution and improving IT infrastructure. Both articles underscore the increasing importance of AI in navigating complex business challenges and achieving operational resilience in the coming year.

To read the complete articles, follow Gary Drenikon Forbes.com

Prosper Insights & Analytics' March 2025 Consumer Snapshot reveals a slight dip in consumer confidence compared to the previous month, though it remains stable year-over-year. Despite persistent inflationary concerns leading to increased awareness of higher prices for necessities, consumer spending shows a marginal increase. Consumers are actively employing cost-saving strategies like seeking discounts and opting for store brands, particularly at Walmart and Target. While plans for home improvement and travel are up, auto purchase intentions have declined, indicating cautious spending on big-ticket items. Overall, the report highlights a value-driven consumer mindset influenced by fluctuating gas prices and standard-of-living concerns.

Prosper Insights & Analytics co-founder, Gary Drenik is a seasoned writer for Forbes, focusing on innovation in both large enterprises and small businesses through AI applications for consumer data.

Prosper Insights & Analytics manages the largest ongoing zero-party data set of consumer behaviors, motivations, psychographics, and future spending plans. This data is crucial for the NRF in tracking and trending consumer spending and is also utilized by investment banking analysts and hedge funds. 

This podcast recaps Gary’s Forbes articles for the week ending March 9, 2025

Prosper Insights & Analytics co-founder, Gary Drenik is a seasoned writer for Forbes, focusing on innovation in both large enterprises and small businesses through AI applications for consumer data.

Prosper Insights & Analytics manages the largest ongoing zero-party data set of consumer behaviors, motivations,psychographics, and future spending plans. This data is crucial for the NRF in tracking and trending consumer spending and is also utilized by investment banking analysts and hedge funds. 

This podcast recaps Gary’s Forbes articles for the week ending March 2, 2025

The February 2025 Consumer Snapshot reveals a nuanced consumer landscape marked by cautious optimism. While Consumer Confidence dipped slightly to 43.9% from 44.7% in January, it remains higher than February 2024’s 39.6%. Inflation remains a key concern, with increased awareness of price hikes across essentials, particularly gasoline, which saw a 5.4 percentage point rise in consumer recognition. This has led to continued adaptation in shopping behaviors, with more consumers seeking discounts, store brands, and coupons.