Stephen Hinz

Executive Director, Juvenile Products

Stephen Hinz is director and industry analyst for Circana’s U.S. Juvenile Products practice. He focuses on uncovering insights about the retail consumer and crafting stories using Circana’s robust data assets and his own industry expertise. Hinz provides strategic direction consulting and manages relationships across retailers, licensors, and manufacturers to drive thought leadership initiatives.

Hinz joined NPD, now Circana, in 2014, working in both the toys and juvenile products businesses. Previously, he held buying roles at Best Buy.

Stephen Hinz

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How to Effectively Reach Today’s Multicultural Audiences

Reaching the right audience with the right message at the right time is arguably the loudest rallying cry among today’s marketers. Turning that mantra into action, though, involves identifying and connecting with people of all backgrounds as they make their way on their unique shopping journeys.

31 Mar 2026

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82

Circana Research Reveals U.S. Private Label CPG Sales Reach $330 Billion

As we look ahead to 2026, the outlook for private label remains positive, though more balanced

31 Mar 2026

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156

Consumer Passions and Priorities Give Lifestyle Spending New Significance, Reports Circana

The economy is underscoring the changed behaviors and purchase dynamics consumers developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the focus on usage and replenishment has evolved.

30 Mar 2026

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367

Circana Announces Top 50 U.S. Restaurants for 2026

Restaurant operators proved they are highly adaptable and innovative in navigating the widespread uncertainty of 2025. Those who maintain that forward-thinking, resilient mindset in 2026 will continue to find success and drive industry growth.

26 Mar 2026

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188

U.S.: Private Labels: Meeting Consumers Where They Are

Discover how private label is shifting from price-driven to value-driven—and what it means for growth.

25 Mar 2026

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127

Private Label: Category Transformation or Competitive Disruption?

A global view on how private label is reshaping retail—and what it means for brands and retailers.

25 Mar 2026

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318

2026 Definitive U.S. Restaurant Ranking

Uncover which restaurant chains rank among the top in consumer spend and locations

25 Mar 2026

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34

Channel Migration Trends: Where Are Your Consumers Shopping Now?

As consumers continue to migrate in different ways across physical and digital channels, brands can leverage information on these behaviors to uncover hidden growth opportunities, refine strategies, and build lasting loyalty.

23 Mar 2026

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527

GLP-1 Medications are Reshaping the US Apparel Industry, According to Circana

With GLP-1 adoption accelerating, size is changing, but so is identity. GLP-1 usage extends beyond the physical implications; it’s a catalyst for redefining personal style. As consumers rebuild their wardrobes, they’re reassessing what fits, what flatters, and what feels aligned with their lifestyle. Brands that plan for both the physical and emotional elements will lead. This isn’t a trend — it’s a structural change for the apparel industry.

23 Mar 2026

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165

Future of TV

TV is no longer just a reach vehicle—it’s becoming one of the most powerful and measurable commerce channels available to marketers. This report unpacks how linear, streaming, and CTV now work together to drive incremental sales, the audience shifts redefining planning, and how shoppable and immersive formats are changing what TV can do. Powered by Circana’s purchase and behavioral insights, it offers practical imperatives for connecting TV exposure to real business outcomes.

19 Mar 2026

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454

The Most Complete View of the Global Beauty Industry—Now in One Report

Beauty Book 2026 reveals what’s driving growth across prestige and mass beauty—and how to act on it.

19 Mar 2026

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278

Growth Leaders Spotlight: How Premier Protein and Chomps Won in 2025

Two high-growth brands share how they expanded distribution, captured consumer demand, and accelerated category growth.

16 Mar 2026

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274

2025 CPG Growth Leaders: How Small Brands Are Winning

Learn how Milo’s Tea Company achieved multi-year growth in a highly competitive CPG market.

16 Mar 2026

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212

2025 CPG Growth Leaders: Strategies from Top Manufacturers

Hear how leading brands like Freshpet and Georgia-Pacific drove growth in one of the most competitive CPG markets in years.

16 Mar 2026

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343

February Spending Rebounds as Consumer Resilience Drives Market Stability, Reports Circana

Despite headwinds from winter storms and ongoing global uncertainties, U.S. consumers continue to demonstrate their resilience—particularly within categories driven by desire rather than necessity. There is a growing divide between industries where consumers feel value aligns with pricing and those where elevated costs are dampening demand.

16 Mar 2026

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222

How to Utilize Supply Chain Data to Optimize Key Supply Chain Decisions

Circana’s supply chain solutions allow suppliers to set thresholds and alerts so they can focus on the exceptions that matter rather than drowning in data. Furthermore, our consultative approach helps brands interpret what the data is saying about the future, bridging the gap between front-end sales data and back-end supply chain operations.

13 Mar 2026

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SKU Rationalization for Growing Brands: Protecting Margins Without Compromising Growth

What does an optimal shelf look like for a growing brand? While capturing a spot in physical and digital stores is an important milestone for small and mid-market businesses, managing the right type and number of products on the shelf becomes even more crucial as they scale.

12 Mar 2026

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Why Standard KPIs Fall Short for SMBs and How to Measure What Actually Drives Growth

Traditional KPIs often miss the potential of growing brands, while metrics like sales momentum, consumer reach, and repeat purchase rates highlight their true market impact and scalability.

12 Mar 2026

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302

Circana Reports Global Foodservice Traffic Grew in 2025 Despite Economic Headwinds

For operators seeking diversified growth, international markets provide an attractive opportunity. However, careful planning is essential before global expansion. Even geographically close countries like Canada require localized strategies to succeed amid cultural differences. Circana has the local knowledge in international markets to help global clients succeed.

12 Mar 2026

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5

Data‑First Pricing: Diagnose, Measure, and Optimize Profit for Growing CPG Brands

There’s always a moment when a brand realizes its price can’t stay where it is. Costs shift, margins tighten, or category dynamics change. Inflation may have raised input costs, or perhaps your penetration pricing strategy has run its course, requiring a more sustainable approach. Whatever the trigger, pricing decisions carry risk and real impact.

11 Mar 2026

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