Consumer Insights > Life-Stages

Implications - Finding common ground as squeeze generations, some members of Gen Z and Gen X have a tendency to form stronger, friend-like bonds in their parent-child relationships. This special connection has caught the attention of a select group of brands that are now leveraging this to offer co-play experiences that even further solidify this bond. By facilitating connections in this way, brands are able to develop and strengthen brand loyalty for parents and children alike. [More]

Implications - Going against misconceptions that baby boomers in North America simply golf and go on cruises once they retire, individuals in this cohort are turning to a range of activities and spaces in which they're able to participate in what are traditionally considered to be youth-oriented activities. Such spaces cater to seniors seeking experiences that enrich their lives when they finally have time to do so, while rebelling against the stereotypes associated with their generation. [More]

Implications - Brands associated with gaming and play are aiming to be more inclusive by accommodating the needs of individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities. Opting to become more inclusive via design, these brands are able to expand their consumer base by offering underserved demographics the accessibility they require from brands. [More]

Implications - With interactive products and services related to play or STEM-learning for kids saturating the market, smaller brands are introducing a relatively overlooked art among children – cooking. The empowerment of "kid chefs" through various tools, subscriptions and services allows for the existence of both independent learning and interpersonal bonding within families – based in the preferences of Millennial parents prioritizing individual growth in their children. [More]

Implications - Having a family creates financial strain for the average consumer, especially members of Generation X. This generation finds themselves taking care of their families, while also trying to recover from post-recession debt. Money management services focused specifically on family care aid in this process, speaking to the nuanced priorities of the often-overlooked generation. [More]

Implications - Younger consumers who are just starting to consider their financial goals often find the money management process daunting and stressful. To alleviate this, the finance world is becoming more mindful of mental health and the need for holistic motivation. This shows a more sensitive, informed approach to a youth demographic who is delaying traditional milestones. [More]

Implications - Though common practice in places like Asia, South America, and Europe, living in multigenerational households is not typically seen in North America. A combination of increased biculturality and financial savvy has brought this concept to the mainstream. An offshoot of the communal living boom single Millennials are flocking to, multigenerational living has the added advantage of being family-friendly. This is appealing to Millennials who, despite stereotypes, do want to engage in traditional milestones of marriage and child-rearing, but are not financially capable. [More]

Implications - Consumers, especially Gen X and Y are focusing efforts of reaching wellness through holistic endeavors. Brands taking note of this consumer desire are aiding the process by creating pop-ups designed to elevate moods and create blissful experiences; focusing less on commodities and more on emotion, brands are making concrete consumer connections. This shift in brand marketing will be a direct reflection on the consumer’s brand loyalty. [More]

Implications - More than simply a sensory enhancement, fragrances are being added to products as an added gamified feature. From using smell to add a competitive element to board games to adding incentive to activities like waking up, brands are utilizing the multisensory element of fragrances to add more engagement and motivation to traditionally mundane activities. Targeting the senses, brands are using various scents to reinvent certain experiences into something much more multisensory in nature. [More]

Implications - Brands begin creating cosmetic-like toiletry products for children in the hopes of generating a loyal following from young consumers. Typically adult-oriented products like perfumes are being redesigned for younger demographics, as a way for children to get a head-start on their personal brand and experiment with their personal preferences. Brands that begin to target young consumers first, are likely to remain in the consumers’ mind and therefore more likely to holster a loyal audience. [More]