Consumer Insights > Marketing

Implications - As meme culture continues to be an important part of the lifestyle habits of cohorts like Gen Z, brands are taking note and adapting those cultural references into real-world campaigns and product lines. Meme culture, and the satirical method of communication and humor that embodies it, is something that has become so frequently shared that it’s become it’s own form of communication. As such, brands are taking what was once only online humor and using it for inspiration for clothing lines and marketing campaigns. This showcases a desire from brands to not only connect with younger generations, but also tap into actual lifestyle habits of their consumers to create a more authentic brand experience. [More]

Implications - With veganism not typically being a diet that children choose to subscribe to themselves, brands are aiming to cater to younger demographics via playful designs and offering foods that have historically appealed to kids. This shift offers vegan or ultra health-conscious parents some more effective strategies for introducing their children to vegan eating. [More]

Implications - The ubiquitous nature of pop-up marketing is now apparent in the fact that retailers on extreme ends of the mass-market and luxury scale are embracing it. Where once the former's strong global presence and the latter's aim at exclusivity offered associated brands justification for upholding the status quo, there now exists a role reversal in which mass-market retailers seek to strengthen loyalty via the perceived exclusivity of pop-ups, and luxury retailers seek to broaden their reach and accessibility through this marketing tactic. [More]

Implications - With the oversaturation of coffee and tea products on the market, brands are creating points of distinction through aesthetics – in some cases, offering coffees, teas, and lattes that are completely transparent. The novelty factor of these items caters to experimental foodies and weary consumers alike. [More]

Implications - Given the inevitable crossover between beauty fans and astrology buffs, the incorporation of zodiac references into special edition collections seems like an obvious win for cosmetics brands. In addition to leveraging the current interest in ethereal visual branding in the beauty market, this progression offers consumers a way to self-categorize themselves outside of traditional demographic groupings through astrology that is particularly attractive across categories in the current cultural climate. [More]

Implications - Brands within the entertainment sphere are more frequently using humorous pranks in order to market their services or products. Such campaigns align perfectly with the entertainment industry's inherent purpose, and give consumers incentive to establish authentic connections with the brands in question. [More]

Implications - Social media platforms kept afloat by ad revenue are now creating direct-purchase functions, whether interactive or still in traditional picture or video forms. These functions create additional sources of revenue for the brands and the social media platforms themselves, while offering consumers simplified, convenience-minded methods of purchase. [More]

Implications - Inspired by the cultural obsession with streetwear, iconic art institutions are collaborating to create limited edition pieces that border on wearable art. This progression highlights the need for older institutions to pique the interest of new audiences by offering covetable branded merchandise that patrons will want to acquire for their personal collections, therefore expanding on the experience of the art in a way that makes it feel accessible to all. [More]

Implications - Brands in the fashion and beauty industry are aiming to better customer experiences by offering informative workshops in-stores. The interactive nature of these workshops enables stronger and more authentic relationships between the brands in question and their consumers, enhancing loyalty as a result. [More]

Implications - Brand authenticity continues to be a priority among consumers, and with that, a desire for more inclusive initiatives are on the rise. Showcasing a bolder commitment to inclusivity across various categories, big name brands are adapting their marketing campaigns, packaging and even brand messaging to better reflect people of different genders, backgrounds, and physical ability. These shifts in marketing approaches speak to the growing number of brands working toward not only being more inclusive but also being more transparent and open about it as well. [More]