# Lifestyle Trial The try-before-you-buy model moves into unexpected places. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Apr 19, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/lifestyle-trial ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Lifestyle Trial trend? **Lifestyle Trial:** As retail moves into the digital space, more brands are offering the option to try products before buying them. This concept is easier to execute in spaces such as fashion, but what about larger purchase decisions with long-term lifestyle implications? More accuracy, extended sampling, and the use of data come together to make for more thorough trial periods in an era where consumers expect hyper-curated products and services. This model proves particularly strategic in the face of the skeptical Gen X demographic who prefers proof of value before committing to large purchases. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 1, 2015 to Apr 19, 2017 - Published: Apr 19, 2017 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Lifestyle Trial trend ### Try-Before-You-Buy More brands are offering the option to try products before buying them, which can potentially increase sales from skeptical Gen X demographics. ### Rental and Subscription Models The integration of rental and subscription models into traditional retail spaces has created more flexible options for consumers and allowed luxury goods to be more accessible. ### Virtual Try-On Technology The use of virtual try-on technology has made the process of web-based purchasing more personalized, which can increase conversion rates and improve customer satisfaction. ## What the Lifestyle Trial trend means for industry ### For Retail Retailers can integrate try-before-you-buy options, rental and subscription models, and virtual try-on technology to improve the customer experience and potentially increase sales. ### For Automotive Automotive companies can implement test drive options, rental models, and online purchasing with free returns to improve customer satisfaction and potentially increase sales. ### For Eyewear Eyewear retailers can use virtual try-on technology to improve the web-based purchasing experience and increase the chance of the right product purchase. ## Workshop question What can your company do to ensure your offering not only solves a problem for the consumer, but suits their overall lifestyle? ## Trend signals for Lifestyle Trial Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 60%, activity 48%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 60% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Lifestyle Trial trend 5 featured examples from Dec 1, 2015 to Apr 19, 2017. - [Trial-Based Shoe Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-soho): Nike SoHo Lets Consumers Get the Best Shoe Through In-Store Tests (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Adopting trial-based store concepts to enhance the shopping experience and increase customer confidence in purchasing sports equipment. - [High End Rental Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neiman-marcus-outlet): The New Neiman Marcus Outlet Includes Rent the Runway Styles (Category: Business) Implication: Luxury retailers such as Neiman Marcus can leverage fashion rental partnerships to attract a wider range of customers and tap into the growing demand for more affordable luxury fa… - [Virtual Optometry Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-optometry): Ditto Offers Intuitive Frame Recommendation Tech for Retailers (Category: Business) Implication: Ditto's intuitive frame recommendation technology creates new opportunities for retailers in the eyewear industry to personalize the sales process and attract consumers. - [Dog-Borrowing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barknborrow): Bark'N'Borrow Brings Dog Owners, Wannabe Owners and Professionals Together (Category: Tech) Implication: The pet services industry represents a significant opportunity for disruptive innovation with the rise in demand for services that cater to communal pet ownership and professional… - [Testable Car Purchasing Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hellocar): Hellocar Gives Consumers the Chance to Test Out Their Car for a Week (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive industry can embrace the trend of testable car purchasing to attract more potential buyers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)