Boomers Consumer Insights

Implications - The appeal of surprises continues past childhood, as made evident by the popularity of “unidentified features” of certain products or services. This can range from a hidden object embedded within a product, such as inside soap, or risking the chance of getting something fun by ordering mystery gifts.

Implications - This decade has seen a lot of retro revivals, particularly in home and fashion. The fascination with iconic design has now flooded the luxury automotive market. While cars like the Corvette never really lost their appeal, cars that practically disappeared after the 1930s are making a turbocharged comeback.

Implications - A revival of retro has been witnessed across the design industry. From rotary phones to 1970s home decor, designers are heavily integrating the past. Some target boomers who want to relive their youth, others target younger generations who like the quirkiness or romance associated with ‘the olden days.’ New manufacturing techniques make it easier than ever to incorporate retro.

Implications - Designers have boomers reliving their memories with a products that take them back to old fashioned household items like rotary phones. Retro and old-school tech designs have recently made their way back in fashion, some as spoof products for younger generations, others as high-end designer items.

Implications - In a world that’s rocked by growing violence, stress and instability, there’s a need to retreat to a more carefree and innocent time, such as the innocent time of your youth. Products like Hello Kitty appeal because they provide a cute, fun and creative refuge from the grown-up world.

Implications - Single-seater transportation is making its way into the mainstream, appealing especially to the boomer generation. Consumers desire riding all by their lonesome, possibly to acquire much-needed time away from their busy and chaotic lives. As a source of relaxation, single-seater cars allow consumers to feel free and independent--if only for a quick ride.

Implications - Age is no longer something to be feared, as the boomer generation approaches its retiring age and thus, has come into a second adolescence wherein leisure reigns supreme. This has resulted in the glamorization of age, which is taken a step further as artists explore the true beauty behind growing old. This new fascination with aging signifies a shift as growing old becomes a thing to anticipate, instead of dread.

Implications - As the gap between the upper and lower class grows increasingly wider for those arriving at retirement age, the draw of the 'simple' life to the wealthy strengthens as a way to escape the throws of luxury. This is being reflected in opulent mobile homes complete with the luxuries of mansion living.

Implications - While pop culture references and contemporary designs are often what draws in travellers to hotels, the emphasis on technology and mass media can often become too overwhelming for those seeking a more simplistic retreat. Catering to baby boomers who often feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings, these homey hotels offer a more intimate getaway, combining the warmth of home with the excitement of travel.

Implications - With older generations often focusing much of their time on work rather than leisure, making time for relaxation can often be challenging. Catering to baby boomers who pride themselves on hard work and achieving success, vacation-like abodes offer time-strapped individuals the chance to enjoy scenic views and exotic settings without having to actually escape their busy day-to-day lives.