Whatever happened to Weight Watchers?

Whatever happened to Weight Watchers?

If you trace the long arc of British dieting from the late 1980s to the 2020s, the first thing you notice is that the dieting never stopped. The TGI chart of Trying to Lose Weight, 1987–2022,  shows a steady, relentless rise. By 2022 about 40% of UK adults are trying...
Was 1989 the tipping point in ‘Designer’ Fashion?

Was 1989 the tipping point in ‘Designer’ Fashion?

“There’s no point buying £40 shoes for a £400 suit” says a respondent in a 1989 study for Adidas, who were looking to launch an international lifestyle brand (including shoes). The report, held within AMSR, summarises the UK qualitative research, and...
How popular were the royals 50 years ago?

How popular were the royals 50 years ago?

Recent reports have commented on how the monarchy’s popularity has fallen in recent years – to just 55%, according to one poll. A dip into the Archive of Market and Social Research shows what a shift this is. June 1969 saw the UK broadcast of Royal Family, a TV...
How does Christmas 1969 compare to now?

How does Christmas 1969 compare to now?

A look at two Christmas related research findings published 46 years apart, and accessed from the Archive, finds similarities but also interesting changes in tone. An NOP bulletin poll from 1969 stated that “Most people enjoy Christmas – only 13% said they did not...
The NHS: How have attitudes and expectations changed?

The NHS: How have attitudes and expectations changed?

With the nation applauding from their doorsteps, it is clear that belief in the care and capabilities of the NHS is now very widespread. This is confirmed by an Ipsos MORI poll completed nationwide on 30th March in which people were asked how confident they were in...