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Welcome to the Channel Media Group Press Room! Here, you’ll find our latest news, press releases and industry insights. Stay up-to-date with how we’re helping brands connect with their audiences through innovative, data-driven marketing solutions. For media inquiries or more information, feel free to reach out.
Value and Promotions Are Reshaping Brand Loyalty in 2026
Channel Media Group Survey Reveals Consumer Spending Habits Shifting Sharply Amid Economic Uncertainty
New national data shows deal-seeking behavior at the forefront as workers rethink everyday food and beverage purchases
CHICAGO, IL, April 1, 2026 – Channel Media Group, a leading provider of targeted marketing solutions helping brands connect with consumers where they work, released findings from a comprehensive national consumer spending survey of 1,364 business administrators across multiple industries. Conducted in February 2026 through At-Work Freebies, the nation’s largest permissioned workplace network, the data reveals that a majority of American workers are actively restructuring their daily spending habits in response to mounting economic pressures, with dining-out frequency, brand loyalty, and workday food purchases all showing measurable declines.
The survey found that more than 43% of respondents describe their current economic outlook as pessimistic, while only 20% report feeling optimistic. Nearly 68% said economic changes over the past year have caused them to dine out less frequently. Meanwhile, 66% of respondents identify themselves as active deal-seekers in everyday purchasing decisions – a behavioral shift with significant implications for foodservice brands and consumer packaged goods companies alike.
“These numbers tell a clear story: consumers aren’t just cautious – they’re strategic,” said Caitlin McCarthy, Founder and President of Channel Media Group. “Brands that meet shoppers with genuine value, whether through pricing, or well-timed promotions, will earn not just a transaction, but trust in a market where trust is increasingly hard to come by.“
Price emerged as the dominant driver of brand switching, cited by 46% of respondents — well ahead of product quality (19%) and limited-time offers (15%). When asked what would prompt an unplanned workday food or beverage purchase, nearly half pointed to a discount or coupon, while 23% said a free item with purchase would seal the deal.
Special offers and coupons were identified as the single most influential media form on workweek purchases, cited by 50% of respondents — outpacing word-of-mouth, social media, and digital advertising combined. In-person counter ordering (38%) and mobile apps (35%) remain the two preferred purchasing methods.
About Channel Media Group Channel Media Group is a leading provider of targeted marketing solutions, helping brands connect with consumers where they work. The company has distributed millions of offers and samples from participating brands to hard-working consumers across the United States.
Please direct all the media inquiries to:
Spending in 2026: Intentional, Influenced, and Opportunity-Rich
Our 2026 Consumer Survey Report reveals a defining shift in consumer behavior—value is driving more decisions than ever before.
With 66% of consumers actively looking for deals and nearly 9 in 10 saying the right offer can influence an unplanned purchase, the message is clear: today’s consumer is highly intentional—but also highly influenceable.
For brands, this creates a powerful opportunity to capture attention and drive action in the moments that matter most.
Explore the infographic and full report below to see what’s shaping purchasing decisions 2026.
Channel Media Group’s Consumer Spending Survey Reveals How Economic Uncertainty Shapes Purchasing Behavior
Chicago, March 2025 – A Survey report, by Channel Media Group, the leading provider of targeted marketing solutions in the workplace, is providing critical insights into how economic conditions are influencing consumer spending habits. The survey, conducted with over 2,000 respondents, offers key findings for brands aiming to effectively engage and retain customers in a rapidly changing landscape.
Changing Consumer Behaviors in a Challenging Economy
- 59% are actively seeking special offers and coupons.
- 51% are cutting back on non-essential purchases.
- 47% are opting for lower-cost alternatives.
Impact on Dining & Beverage Sector
- 74% of consumers are dining out less frequently.
- 64% are purchasing fewer on-the-go beverages.
Price Sensitivity Drives Brand Loyalty
- 58% of consumers are willing to switch brands for better pricing.
- 12% are motivated by promotional deals.
Additional Highlights from Channel Media Group’s National Consumer Survey
- 45% of respondents reported increased spending over the past year.
- 27% maintained steady budgets.
- 26% reduced their expenditures.
- 36% feel pessimistic about the economy.
- 36% maintain a neutral outlook.
- 28% are optimistic about the future.
- 47% of consumers expect to increase spending within the next 12 months.
- 26% plan to spend less, making value-driven marketing more essential than ever.
Expert Insight
“In today’s economic climate, rising costs and stagnant wages, have made consumers more selective about their spending. To overcome these challenges, it is essential for businesses to attract customers with compelling offers that not only draw them in but also leave a lasting impression. By delivering exceptional experiences and showcasing the unique qualities of your brand, you can foster customer loyalty and create long-term relationships,” said Michelle Borczuch, Senior Account Director at Channel Media Group.
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted in February 2025 by Channel Media Group, with participation from 2,075 business administrators from At-Work Freebies, the nation’s largest permissioned workplace network. Participating industries included education, healthcare, construction, and professional & technical services.
About Channel Media Group
Channel Media Group is a leading provider of targeted marketing solutions, helping brands connect with consumers where they work. The company has distributed millions of offers and samples from participating brands to hard-working consumers around the US.
Please direct all the media inquiries to:
Consumer Spending Trends: What Influences Their Decisions?
Our third annual Consumer Survey Report is focused on key trends in spending behavior, economic outlook, and purchasing decisions.
From rising costs pushing 59% to hunt for special offers to nearly 95% saying the right promotion could change their decision to dine out.
Dive into our infographic and detailed report below!
Channel Media Group’s Survey Reveals Popular Catering Events and Priorities for the Fall and Holiday Seasons
An overwhelming 90% of businesses plan to order from local restaurants for their catering needs this coming season.
Chicago, October 2024 – Channel Media Group, the leading provider of targeted marketing solutions in the workplace, has published its latest consumer report, offering valuable insight into catering habits for businesses. With rising concerns of inflation and a slowdown in foot traffic, many restaurants are turning their focus to large groups and catering orders, maximizing profitable sales.
This study suggests that seasonal events are major occasions for catering, with 63.66% of respondents saying their company provides food for Holiday Events. In addition, 67.31% of workplaces order catering for fall meetings, making it the most common event for group food orders.
This signals the need for restaurants to optimize their local store marketing by providing catering visibility and incentives to their community this fall season.
Additional Highlights of Channel Media Groups National Fall Catering Survey
- When choosing a catering service, the survey shows that Price is the most important consideration, with 37.61% of respondents citing it as their top factor. Menu variety and type of food follow with 22.18% and 20.63% respectively.
- In terms of frequency, 72.35% of workplaces reported using catering services for special occasions, such as celebrations and holidays. Meanwhile, 18.42% of businesses reported catering at least monthly. This indicates that over 90% of businesses plan to use catering services during the fall or holiday season.
“Understanding catering habits of employees allows restaurant brands to better serve their essential audiences,” said Caitlin McCarthy, President at Channel Media Group. “We recommend leveraging communication with local businesses to gain brand market share within their footprint”.
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted in September 2024 by Channel Media Group. 1,931 business administrators from At-Work Freebies, the nation’s largest permissioned workplace network, participated in this study. Participating businesses from various industries included education, healthcare, construction, professional and technical services.
About Channel Media Group
Channel Media Group is a leading provider of targeted marketing solutions, helping brands connect with consumers where they work. Our comprehensive reports and consumer insights empower businesses to make data-driven decisions.
For more information, please contact:
How Restaurants Are Adapting to Rising Costs and Declining Foot Traffic
With inflation concerns and fewer diners walking through the door, restaurants can find opportunities in shifting their focus to large groups and catering orders to drive profitable sales.
Our study highlights a key opportunity: Seasonal events are a prime occasion for catering, with 63.66% of respondents reporting their company provides food for Special Events.
Explore the full report below to uncover more valuable insights!
Case Studies| Millions of Offers and Samples Distributed
Revitalizing Lunch Traffic: A Success Story in Strategic Marketing
Discover how corporate and franchise groups within a leading national fast-casual restaurant brand turned a challenging market landscape into a powerful growth opportunity.
By implementing targeted workplace campaigns and leveraging strategic insights, the brand achieved impressive results—boosting lunch traffic, driving significant sales growth, and generating excitement around a highly anticipated menu launch.
Explore the full story to uncover the winning recipe!
Channel Media Group - Consumer Connections
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