Curation

Trend - Luxury fragrance brands are crafting scents that belong to the gourmand category but feature unconventional or unusual food notes. These fragrances boast eccentric compositions, appealing to adventurous individuals seeking olfactory experiences beyond the ordinary.

Insight - Luxury consumers frequently seek unique sensory experiences beyond the norm, showcasing a desire to develop and express their distinct styles. Consequently, luxury brands are creating highly specialized fragrances to attract fresh demographics and provide a means for personal expression through scent. Businesses that cater to the demand for luxury niches can appeal to consumers who value exclusivity and unique experiences.

Trend - Companies are opening new social media services with the intention of fostering more intimate connections between users. In a rebellion against social medias built around endless feeds, these platforms connect users with similar interests and have convenient public and private group chat systems.

Insight - While nearly everyone today engages with some form of social media platform, most agree that the social aspect of the platforms has become secondary to monetization and algorithmically-fed content streams. Many of these users find popular social media platforms isolating, and cite difficulties trying to foster real connections. In recognition of these complaints, smaller social media services are focusing on fostering direct connections between users and communities.

Trend - Restaurants are offering limited-time promotions related to the unofficial 4/20 holiday. These include lowered prices and large food bundles, with a focus on easy-to-eat foods such as burgers or nuggets, which helps build relationships with consumers who celebrate the cannabis-related holiday.

Insight - As more countries and states legalize recreational marijuana use, the number of adults who engage with cannabis-related products increases. This number grows larger on April 20th, leading to many consumers looking for ways to complement their celebrations, such as with fast-food meals or snacks, also known as "munchies." Restaurants are acknowledging the large base of individuals who celebrate 4/20, and are launching cost-effective promotions to capture this market.

Trend - Brands are launching pest control devices designed to integrate seamlessly into modern home designs. Utilizing technologies such as UV light trapping and ultrasonic waves, these devices are pet-safe and minimalist. These passive pest control designs avoid standing out as an eyesore in the home.

Insight - With nearly every device in the home having a smart alternative, consumers are prioritizing investing in devices with robust features at affordable price points, with particular focus on the devices that most seamlessly integrate into their lifestyles. Brands are recognizing the importance of crafting refined smart devices with functionality that does not intrude on the user, and as a result, are launching minimalist pest control devices that do not stand out or require frequent maintenance.

Trend - Smart home companies are releasing baby monitors with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features. Rather than acting as cameras and recording devices, these monitors use AI features for non-intrusive monitoring of breathing or sleeping patterns, body temperature, and more.

Insight - New Millennial and Gen Z parents are tasked with balancing full-time work with social lives and raising their newborns. Rising costs of living have led to these parents often having less free time than previous generations. To alleviate the strain of home tasks, many of these parents turn to smart home or AI-powered products, such as robot vacuum or AI washing machines. In recognition of this demand, smart home and infant care brands are releasing AI baby monitors with time-saving features.

Trend - Retail is entering a "less-is-more" era, driven by consumer desire for curated shopping experiences that simplify decision-making. Consumers, overwhelmed by past excess, now value well-edited selections that simplify decision-making. This trend prioritizes quality and guidance over sheer quantity.

Insight - The fundamental role of the retailer is evolving from supplier to curator. This shift addresses a growing psychological burden on consumers, who are increasingly overwhelmed by excessive choices. By offering a refined selection, retailers can elevate the shopping experience, making it more efficient and satisfying. This strategy not only reduces the stress of choice for the consumer but also strengthens brand loyalty by reinforcing the retailer’s role as a trusted advisor in the consumer’s style and purchase decisions.

Trend - Wallet loyalty programs are gaining prominence as consumers show increasing reluctance to download multiple apps for brand engagements. Brands are offering loyalty cards through Apple Wallet and Google Wallet as a seamless way to integrate loyalty cards directly into consumer smartphones.

Insight - In today's consumer landscape, convenience is a paramount factor that significantly influences brand interactions and loyalty strategies. Modern consumers, particularly digital natives, prioritize efficiency and seamless integration in their transactions, expecting quick and effortless interactions that mesh with their daily routines. This shift has compelled brands to rethink traditional loyalty strategies, which often felt cumbersome or disconnected from a digital-first experience.

Trend - Data storytelling, which combines data visualization with narrative techniques, is emerging as a powerful method for businesses to comprehend and act upon complex data. The growing trend is fueled by advancements in analytical tools like Tableau and Yellowfin, which have integrated data storytelling features, making them more accessible.

Insight- Organizations are looking to bridge the gap between data collection and actionable insights. Despite collecting large volumes of data, a considerable amount remains unused, underscoring the prominent inefficiencies in data management and the underperformance of traditional analytics. This issue is pushing companies to rethink their strategies for handling data and analytics, with a keen interest in improving their ability to understand data through visualization and storytelling.

Trend - Electric bicycle manufacturers are using bamboo in place of aluminum for frames to improve sustainability. Bamboo is lightweight and malleable for bike frames, while also being biodegradable. By using bamboo, brands are aiming to reduce their carbon footprints and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Insight - Each year, more consumers turn to electric micro-mobility solutions rather than gas-powered vehicles. This is often due to rising costs of gas, dense traffic, and environmental concerns. This has led to an increased amount of micromobility repair stores, as well as increased development of public charging infrastructure to mitigate battery constraints. In recognition of this environmental trend, bike brands are furthering their sustainability by turning to materials such as wood and bamboo.

Trend - Following the popularization of injectable cosmetic treatments, brands are now introducing products marketed as elevated and exclusive versions of these procedures. These alternatives include topical serums, creams, or devices that target specific skincare concerns such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Insight - As cosmetic treatments become more accessible to the general public, wealthy consumers are seeking out products that are marketed as alternatives to injectables and commonly available treatments. These consumers seek differentiated, premium solutions that reflect their higher status and discerning taste when shopping. Businesses that cater to the demand for premium and exclusive beauty products can appeal to luxury consumers who prioritize investing in the unique and unattainable.