Library Guides: Business: Consumer &amp; Market Research

Getting Started with Consumer & Market Research

This page lists databases and reputable news sources for finding information about consumer behavior, demographics, and market research resources. The resources below include UD's subscription databases as well as recommended online sources of data where you can find information about

Consumers & Consumer Behavior
Economic & Demographic Data
Market Research
Articles & Case Studies
and more

Preparing for Your Search

Demographics or psychographics? Determining what type of consumer data you are seeking helps in selecting a database. Demographics are statistical data about a population (age, gender, and income, to name a few), while psychographics consider attitudes and opinions. Resources in the Consumer Research section are useful for psychographic research.

Data, information, or both? Consumer and market researchers use raw data, such as statistical tables provided by the U.S. Census, market reports, scholarly journal articles, news, and more. Defining what format and type of information you need can help you to select the right databases and sources.

Start with a report. Reports provide overviews and high-level statistics that can help you define and refine your search. Mintel is a great place to begin.

Get help from a librarian. Consumer and market research can be complex and nuanced - your librarian is here to help! Send an email or book an appointment for assistance in locating the best resources for your search.

Databases and Sources of Information for Consumer and Market Research

Consumer Research

Consumer information is gathered through quantitative and qualitative research about who consumers are, what they buy, and their market behaviors. The resources in this section include subscription databases available through the UD library and reputable sources of data on the open web.

UD's Subscription Databases

Mintel Academic Access This link opens in a new window
Market reports providing insights & analysis on consumer behavior, market trends, product innovations, & industry opportunities, offering data to support academic research & business strategies.
Search reports, industry trends, expert insights, and national & international news to analyze market drivers, sizes & trends, market segmentation, and consumer attitudes & purchasing habits for the United States and European marketplaces. Filter searches by global regions, trend drivers (experiences, identity, rights, etc.), demographics (ex. age range / generation, marital status), or category (health & nutrition, retail & apparel, travel, leisure & entertainment, and more). Each report combines data and analysis of the competitive landscape, supply chain, market-share size and trends, and consumer profiles.

SEARCH TIP: On the Insights tab, hover over Demographics to filter reports by consumer group. Click on the Consumer Data tab to search consumer databooks by industry and region.

Statista This link opens in a new window
An extensive statistics platform providing data, reports, and charts, using data from market reports, government data services, and trade & research organizations, offering data-driven insights across industries, markets, and consumer trends.
At statista.com, access statistical data for more than 170 industries from over 80,000 topics in areas such as business, education, finance, media, politics, society, and technology. Statista gathers data from over 20,000 sources, including market reports, trade publications, scientific journals, and government databases, and the reports, charts, infographics, and statistics can be viewed online or downloaded.

SEARCH TIP: Search by company or industry keyword or filter all consumer and brand reports by location and industry by hovering over Reports and selecting Consumer & Brand Reports

SageData This link opens in a new window
A dynamic tool to scan and search the contents of billions of datasets from the United States pre-dating January 2022
A dynamic tool to scan and search the contents of billions of datasets from the United States. Compare and contrast variables of interest and create customized views in tables, maps, rankings, and charts. Views also include descriptive summaries of the datasets and data sources. Datasets cover a wide range of subjects – including business, finance, banking, economics, sociology, political science, demography, agriculture, education, international studies, criminal justice, housing and construction, labor and employment, energy resources and industries, and more. Note: access is available for content that predates 12/31/21; any content from 01/01/2022 - present is unavailable.

Resources on the Open Web

American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)
An index of American consumer satisfaction by industry, company, and sector.
American Time Use Survey
The American Time Use Survey (ATUS) measures the amount of time people spend doing various activities, such as paid work, childcare, volunteering, and socializing.
Consumer Confidence Survey
A resource maintained by the University of Michigan which measure consumer sentiment and provides charts and data that can be filtered by demographic.
Consumer Expenditure Surveys
The Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CE) program provides data on expenditures, income, and demographic characteristics of consumers in the United States.
National Retail Federation (NRF) Consumer Research
NRF conducts consumer research throughout the year, staying on the pulse of the retail industry and behaviors of consumers as a whole.
Pew Research
Founded by the Pew Research Center, this website provides various demographic and report data on specific groups in the United States.

Economic and Demographic Data

Demographic data is a statistical expression of socioeconomic information. It is useful in consumer and economic research, and is collected by an array of government, economic, and market entities. The resources provided below include data collected by national governments in a variety of contexts.

United States

Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
Generates maps, data visualizations, and spreadsheets of Census data from 1790-2010. Additional data available up to the 2020 census.
Updated regularly. Provides easy access to historical census data for the United States. Allows users to visually analyze and understand the demography of any part of the United States with access to the following:

* Interactive thematic maps of historical census data
* Customized reports for any chosen area or areas (including aggregates)
* Complete coverage of the United States, down to neighborhoods and streets
* Simple navigation buttons and a find tool make it easy and efficient to study neighborhoods

Users can examine geographic areas while selecting the type of data to be shown, such as population density or income level. The corresponding data tables are also available.
This online research tool is designed to provide quick and easy access to current and historical US census data and demographic information from 1790-2010, generating maps, data visualizations, and spreadsheets. It creates reports at all geographic levels, including the state, county, census tract, block group, zip code, and census place to show population density, income level, and more. Visually analyze and understand the demography of any part of the United States with access to interactive thematic maps of historical census data. Data sources include the U.S. Decennial Census, the American Community Survey, the FBI Uniform Crime Report, American election results, Religious Congregations and Membership Study (RCMS, updated continuously), Vulcan Project carbon emissions data, U.S. Business Patterns, and County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Program Data. International data is sourced from the United Kingdom Census, Canadian Census, Eurostat, World Development Indicators, and Irish religion and population data.

SEARCH TIP: Search by by zip code, county, city, or state in the Demographic Profiles section to find market-specific demographic reports

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Find data on income, employment, productivity, spending, and prices.
U.S. Census Data
View, download, and analyze data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau. Includes statistics about population, housing, industry, business, and employment.
U.S. Economy at a Glance: BEA
BEA produces some of the most closely watched economic statistics that influence decisions of government officials, business people, and individuals. These statistics provide a comprehensive, up-to-date picture of the U.S. economy.
U.S. Economy at a Glance: BLS
National and state-level data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, including unemployment, payroll and earnings information, and price indices.

International

Statistics Canada This link opens in a new window
Access statistical data and information about Canada, covering topics like demographics, economy, health, and social conditions to support research and analysis.
As the national statistical office, this agency ensures Canadians have key information on Canada's population, resources, economy, society and culture, and environment. Discover census data collected every five years; browse information on a specific subject and find all related data, analysis, and reference resources; find data in a wide range of visualisations, including data tables, maps, infographics, and videos. Discover statistics in the following subject areas: agriculture and food, children and youth, crime and justice, education, energy, health, housing, labor and manufacturing, transportation and tourism, accessibility, and so much more.

Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Trusted source for economic data. Download, graph, and track 817,000 US and international time series from 108 sources.
globalEDGE
View economic, political, and demographic information by country or industry.
World Bank Open Data
Statistical profiles of 200 countries and economies

Market Research

Market research typically uses consumer and market information as well as industry information, and so there is overlap in the databases listed here and in other sections of the Business research guide. The resource in this section provide market data and reporting functions appropriate for scholarly and professional research.

UD Subscription Databases

Business Source Complete This link opens in a new window
Access full-text content from scholarly journals, trade publications, company profiles, industry reports, and magazines across business disciplines. Effective May 13, EBSCO databases will debut new features and an updated design. Learn more.
Access full-text articles from thousands of scholarly business journals, magazines, and trade journals from the fields of marketing, management, accounting, finance, and economics. Plus company and industry profiles, SWOT analyses, country economic reports, financial data, and investment reports. This database includes rigorous curation and indexing of open access (OA) journals. Full-text non-journal content includes company profiles, informational records, case studies, industry reports, business executive interviews, working papers, and over 75,000 videos from the Associated Press.

SEARCH TIP: Locate market share data by searching for a company or industry and then selecting Market Research Reports from the Source Types filter.

IBISWorld This link opens in a new window
Industry research database providing comprehensive industry reports for NAICS and specialized industries, including performance metrics, product and market trends, statistics, and detailed information for competitive and external environment analysis.
This industry research database contains reports on industries in the China, Global, and U.S. markets. The U.S. content is further subdivided into: Industry Reports classified by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), Specialized Industry Reports for industries not adequately covered by NAICS, US Industry State Reports, US State Economic Profiles, US Industry iExpert Summaries, US Specialized Industry iExpert Summaries, US Business Environment Profiles, and US Business Environment State Profiles. Global industry reports are strong in the manufacturing sector. Each report contains an “at a glance” overview (including SWOT analysis), performance data, outlook data, products & markets analysis, competitive landscape analysis, lists of major companies, operating conditions, and key statistics. Statistics include financial ratios and industry averages from the Risk Management Association.

SEARCH TIP: Search by industry keyword or NAICS code to view key market information and players.

Mintel Academic Access This link opens in a new window
Market reports providing insights & analysis on consumer behavior, market trends, product innovations, & industry opportunities, offering data to support academic research & business strategies.
Search reports, industry trends, expert insights, and national & international news to analyze market drivers, sizes & trends, market segmentation, and consumer attitudes & purchasing habits for the United States and European marketplaces. Filter searches by global regions, trend drivers (experiences, identity, rights, etc.), demographics (ex. age range / generation, marital status), or category (health & nutrition, retail & apparel, travel, leisure & entertainment, and more). Each report combines data and analysis of the competitive landscape, supply chain, market-share size and trends, and consumer profiles.
Mintel Market Sizes This link opens in a new window
A market research tool providing data and insights on market sizes, trends, and consumer behavior across various consumer industries, supporting strategic business decisions and analysis.
With this portal, easily search market size, market share, market segmentation, and forecast data for thousands of consumer goods categories searchable by product, world region, and/or country. Narrow a search by region (Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America) or industry (alcoholic drinks, beauty, personal goods, toiletries, food, household and home, non-alcoholic drinks, and pharmaceuticals).
Statista This link opens in a new window
Access downloadable statistics and studies from market researchers, trade organizations, and government sources.
At statista.com, access statistical data for more than 170 industries from over 80,000 topics in areas such as business, education, finance, media, politics, society, and technology. Statista gathers data from over 20,000 sources, including market reports, trade publications, scientific journals, and government databases, and the reports, charts, infographics, and statistics can be viewed online or downloaded.

Resources on the Open Web

Beige Book
The Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions by Federal Reserve District, also known as the Beige Book, is a report published 8 times a year providing information on current economic conditions by District. Information includes summaries of anecdotal reports of consumer spending and labor market.
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Consumer Price Index resources from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, including data, charts, news, and publications.
Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Trusted source for economic data. Download, graph, and track 817,000 US and international time series from 108 sources.
globalEDGE
View economic, political, and demographic information by country or industry.
IMF Consumer Price Indices
The International Monetary Fund collects and disseminates national CPI data for all reporting countries.

Market News and Journal Articles

News and scholarly articles can provide additional details on market data and consumer information that you discover elsewhere, as well as case studies and market analyses to deepen your research.

Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window
A vast collection of full-text academic journals, magazines, and other resources across multiple disciplines, supporting comprehensive research needs. Effective May 13, EBSCO databases will debut new features and an updated design. Learn more.
This multidisciplinary resource includes full-text, peer-reviewed journals, periodicals and magazines. Also included are more than 75,000 videos from the Associated Press, including footage from 1930-present. This database offers indexing and abstracts for over 10,000 publications including monographs, reports, and conference proceedings dating as far back as 1865, with the majority of titles in searchable PDF format.
Access World News Research Collection This link opens in a new window
A database offering global news content, including newspapers, broadcasts, and online sources, enabling users to explore diverse perspectives and historical archives.
Research diverse perspectives, topics, and trends in this collection of current news sources, including North American and international newspapers, wire services, and broadcast news transcripts. It covers local, regional, and world issues, politics, government policies, sports, industries, cultural activities, schools, and people and events in local communities. Search curricular areas such as Political Science, English, Sociology, Humanities, Business, and International Studies, or more specific subjects such as African American Studies, Communication, Journalism, and Media Studies, Criminal Justice, Planning, Public Policy, and Public Administration, Social Work, and Sociology.
Business Source Complete This link opens in a new window
Access full-text content from scholarly journals, trade publications, company profiles, industry reports, and magazines across business disciplines. Effective May 13, EBSCO databases will debut new features and an updated design. Learn more.
Access full-text articles from thousands of scholarly business journals, magazines, and trade journals from the fields of marketing, management, accounting, finance, and economics. Plus company and industry profiles, SWOT analyses, country economic reports, financial data, and investment reports. This database includes rigorous curation and indexing of open access (OA) journals. Full-text non-journal content includes company profiles, informational records, case studies, industry reports, business executive interviews, working papers, and over 75,000 videos from the Associated Press.

SEARCH TIP: Use Advanced Search to limit your search to the type of publication you need. Business Source Complete includes Market Research Reports, Newspaper Articles, SWOT Analyses, Trade Publications, and Journal Articles.

EconLit This link opens in a new window
Access literature in economics, including journal articles, books, and working papers, supporting research on economic theory and practice. Effective May 13, EBSCO databases will debut new features and an updated design. Learn more.
Produced by the American Economic Association (AEA), this academic literature abstracting database indexes scholarly English language journals, dissertations, working papers, and books in the field of economics. It encompasses a variety of subjects, including capital markets, county studies, econometrics, economic forecasting, environmental economics, government regulations, labor economics, monetary theory, urban economics, and more. EconLit covers material dating back to 1969 and includes the full-text of book reviews published in the Journal of Economic Literature since 1993. This is the electronic continuation of the print publication "Journal of Economic Abstracts."
New York Times Online This link opens in a new window
Digital access to the renowned newspaper, featuring articles, multimedia content, and archives on news, opinion, and culture from around the world.
Current access to the digital edition of the New York Times, including US and international news, politics, sports, business and economy, health, education, science and technology, opinions, and newsletters. Explore the arts section, including book reviews, pop culture, theater, movies, and television. Listen to podcasts and narrated articles covering news, tech, culture, and more. Browse cooking recipes, advice and inspiration for everyday cooking and special occasions.
Wall Street Journal Online This link opens in a new window
Business-focused, international daily newspaper based in New York City.
This business-focused, international daily newspaper based in New York City publishes news, information, commentary, and analysis. It includes coverage of U.S. and world news, politics, economy, technology, markets & finance, opinion, arts, lifestyle, real estate, personal finance, health, style, and sports. Requires individual login and password set up. Access for UD faculty, staff, and students only. Access to the Wall Street Journal via WSJ.com includes access to video and audio content including all WSJ podcasts.