Leaders Consumer Insights

Trend - Whether for loyalty or the distribution of financial aid, the concept of alternative currency is gaining popularity. Institutions and businesses deploy this in the form of wooden money or digital stimulus to strengthen buying power.

Insight - Many consumers are experiencing high levels of financial stress, both in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic and even before that. Simultaneously, they are recognizing the importance of supporting local and smaller businesses. This, in turn, is creating a demand for timely solutions that will support consumers throughout difficult times, while enabling them to access life necessities and services.

Implications - In a move to connect with millennial audiences, politicians are turning to social media platforms as an approachable communication tactic. Promoting platforms and sparking discussion through sites like Tumblr and Periscope, political campaigns are using digital platforms to not only reach younger consumers, but also engage with them on a level that they can understand and contribute to.

Implications - Political parody has existed for as long as government systems have been in place. This concept is married with the dark, ruthless style of humor on the Internet in political schadenfreude. Distrust for political figureheads is seen communicated in a more mocking tone, allowing skeptical consumers to indulge in the idea of bringing powerful figures down to a level lower than their own.

Implications - Hacktivism is a new form of protest that while non-violent, is extremely powerful. Groups such as Anonymous are one example of the power online hackers can wield, but brands are now also using hacktivism to their advantage. Dove is just one example, having recently created a fake application for Photoshop that was planted on the web.

Implications - Online memes are now catapulting regular people and pets into fully-fledged stardom. Grumpy Cat, Psy (from Gangnam style) and various other online sensations are launching books, product lines and are even appearing on major broadcast networks. While the lifespan of these web celebrities in pop culture may be short-lived, their influence at the their peak is intense.

Implications - Those highly connected individuals in the social media realm can have big pull when it comes to driving their network to action. Marketers are finding ways to engage and reward influencers, spawning VIP perks for those with online clout who can drive social media conversations about new launches and brands.

Implications - When it comes to celebrities and famous figures, we all want a piece, which explains the gigantic market for celebrity products, ranging from clothes to fragrances to even dirty bath water. Another way consumers can now indulge in their celebrity obsession is by purchasing dolls and toys in the likeness of these famous individuals, such as Kate Middleton, Karl Lagerfeld, Steve Jobs, President Obama and more. While these people may not be action heroes, per se, immortalizing them in such a way points to society's reliance on powerful figures who have the potential and ability to create change and influence our decisions.

Implications - Children have traditionally looked up to superheros, who encourage them to be “brave” during times of despair. Today’s adult consumer isn’t afraid to carry on their vigilante obsession, looking for inspiration anywhere they can during times of extreme stress. Luckily, there is a slew of hero-inspired products available to encourage consumers to stay strong and brave no matter how tough life gets.

Implications - Humor today is much more crude and shocking than it used to be. One way to get a few laughs is by decreasing the seriousness of often serious subjects, such as historical figures and occurrences that would normally offend an older generation. Parodied and played with, these historical motifs signify a shift in pop culture and preferred comedy, which is skewing more and more toward playful flippancy.

Implications - When it comes to shock value, some brands are upping the ante with campaigns and branded merchandise focused on religious themes. This level of shockvertising may border on offensive for some, but in a market populated by desensitized consumers, typical attempts at creating shock just don’t cut it. The brand must disturb, even to the point of upset, to make a point—and religion undeniably provides an avenue.