Many to Many

Trend - Businesses are increasingly investing in fully constructed and finished bathroom units to streamline project delivery and sustainability goals. These units, which are built off-site in a factory-controlled environment, are delivered and installed at construction sites as ready-to-use modules.

Insight - Businesses operating under tight deadlines are increasingly seeking solutions to expedite project completion without sacrificing the quality associated with on-site construction methods. Modular units offer an effective solution for large-scale projects that require efficiency and reduced on-site disruptions, allowing builders to focus on other critical development aspects. Therefore, these companies desire reliable, aesthetically pleasing services that enable them to meet client expectations.

Trend - Boomer-focused digital literacy programs are increasingly embracing conversational approaches, creating a casual environment where learning feels less like a formal class and more like a conversation between friends. Notably, this approach respects varying levels of tech familiarity and confidence.

Insight - Baby boomers are discovering how digital devices can significantly enhance their lives and are actively seeking tools that make this learning process more supportive and less daunting. In response, brands are adopting conversational, companionship-centered approaches to make the experience more engaging and reassuring. This personalized support not only helps consumers become proficient with current products but also fosters a sense of loyalty, encouraging them to embrace future releases.

Trend - Brands are launching retail stores that offer a variety of household and personal care products through bulk dispensers. These stores claim to reduce environmental impact by allowing customers to refill containers and pay by weight, reducing reliance on potentially harmful packaging methods.

Insight - As consumers grow more aware of the environmental consequences of their purchases, they are gravitating towards stores that actively address the impact of consumerism. This trend has led to a rise in "refilleries," which focus on minimizing packaging waste, especially for frequently repurchased personal care products. By catering to the demand for reduced-impact retail stores, businesses can attract environmentally conscious consumers looking to reduce their ecological footprint.

Trend - Dirty sodas, a mix of soda, cream, and flavored syrups, have surged in popularity thanks to TikTok. Originating in Utah, where many abstain from alcohol and coffee, these drinks have evolved into a national sensation. Chains like Swig and Sonic Drive-In have capitalized on this trend, offering various concoctions that combine soda with sweet cream and syrups.

Insight - Consumers are increasingly drawn to indulgent, customizable beverages that offer a playful escape from their daily routines. The rise of these unique concoctions reflects a desire for nostalgic, treat-like drinks that balance sweetness with a touch of novelty. This trend taps into the broader movement of experiential consumption, where the process of creating and sharing the drink is as enjoyable as drinking it.

Trend - Tech companies are revolutionizing affiliate marketing by launching new shopping apps that break down traditional barriers. Platforms like Locker are leading the charge by ditching the follower-count and aesthetic requirements that often exclude potential affiliates. This inclusive approach opens the affiliate ecosystem to a wider range of consumers, empowering everyone to become a brand advocate and earn from their genuine endorsements.

Insight - Today's consumers are savvier than ever. Traditional influencer endorsements, once a marketing mainstay, are losing their luster. Empowering everyday brand advocates fosters trust, engagement, and loyalty. As social commerce continues to evolve, the brands that embrace this democratization can potentially see more engaged consumers and higher long-term value from a more authentic, community-driven approach to marketing.

Trend - Brands are launching online mental health platforms that connect communities facing similar challenges. These platforms enable connections with peers who can relate to one another without judgment. The online community approach is always accessible, making it easy for users to gain support.

Insight - Younger consumers are facing several unique mental health issues due to growing up with the Covid-19 pandemic at pivotal times in their lives. These consumers' familiarity with online services, in part due to remote schooling and remote work, leads them to gravitate toward internet-based solutions for shopping, social interaction, and even healthcare. Healthcare providers are recognizing the online-first, social-focused motifs of Gen Z—in turn launching online mental health networks.

Trend - Social media creators are blending real fruits into coffee to add both flavor and nutritional value. These blended coffees are easy to create, offer a wide range of flavor options, and offer health benefits over traditional coffee. This trend is gaining popularity with consumers on TikTok.

Insight - Social media has a strong influence on younger gen Z and millennial consumers. These consumers are much more likely to be drawn to, and participate in, trends on media platforms, particularly when the trends are low-effort and high-reward. Two of the largest categories of trends on these platforms are food and wellness. When these two categories overlap and satisfy the consumer desire for low-effort, high-reward practices, they become part of users' daily rituals beyond social media.

Trend - E-commerce networks are implementing peer-to-peer (P2P) returns networks that directly connect returned products to consumers purchasing used or previously-owned products. These systems save on items being shipped twice, saving both money and environmental impact for the parties involved.

Insight - As more and more consumers choose to shop online rather than in brick and mortar stores, various costs amount for businesses, including shipping, RMA costs, and the cost of off-setting environmental impacts. On the other hand, consumers who shop online do not want these costs placed onto them and desire more affordable prices than in-stores. In an effort to reconcile these various costs without additionally charging consumers, businesses are turning to third-party solutions.

Trend - Brands are integrating activism and charitable actions directly into business models and consumer loyalty programs. This helps consumers directly influence the amount of charitability from a business, making activist consumers more likely to frequently engage in these brands over others.

Insight - Voting with the dollar is a popular concept in North America. Consumers value brands that are transparent, authentic, and have a positive impact on the world. Some interact exclusively with these brands, while others prefer to do so when possible. Of the brands that engage in charity work, consumers prefer those that demonstrate their values with tangible actions. These consumers are more loyal to brands that integrate activism directly into the core business model.

Trend - Brands across multiple industries are launching consumer-to-business-to-consumer (C2B2C) storefronts. C2B2C offers consumers discounts on products and enables consumers to sell unwanted products while the business handles transactions and verifies the quality of listed items.

Insight - When consumers no longer require products, whether it be clothing, technology, or furniture, they often turn to third-party marketplaces for all-purpose listings. However, these marketplaces pose various risks, causing some users to be wary of misleading products and scam attempts. Some consumers desire streamlined ways to liquidate older goods safely and securely, while others desire quality goods at discounted prices. Brands are responding by launching first-party C2B2C marketplaces.