# FREEconomics Corporate acts of goodwill to keep consumers loyal through a recession. By [Christina Butty](https://www.trendhunter.com/christina) | Published Jun 17, 2009, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/pro-bonovation-corporate-goodwill-acts-that-keep-customers-loyal ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.1/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the FREEconomics trend? **FREEconomics:** With many people cash poor due to the economy, companies are striving to endear themselves to consumers by giving away products. Though it may seem economically detrimental to the vendor, these acts of goodwill are meant to create a connection with customers in a tough spot. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 4 to Jun 16, 2009 - Published: Jun 17, 2009 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the FREEconomics trend ### Promotion through freebies Companies are enticing customers by giving away products, creating a connection with customers in a tough spot. Business professionals can leverage the power of giveaways to attract more customers and generate brand recognition. ### Social media promotions Companies are using social media to promote their products through giveaways and targeting influential tweeters who are willing to host tweetups. Business professionals can explore social media promotions to reach a wider audience and generate buzz about their products or services. ### Freebies during economic downturns As the recession trudges along, fast-food retailers are offering freebies to attract more customers and compete with each other. Business professionals can leverage this trend by offering promotions during economic downturns to generate more sales and gain market share. ## What the FREEconomics trend means for industry ### For Fast food industry The fast food industry is leveraging the power of freebies to attract more customers and build brand loyalty in a highly-competitive market. ### For Fashion industry The fashion industry is using free clothes as a means of advertising, targeting millennials and Gen Z, while also competing with luxury brands. ### For Hospitality industry The hospitality industry is offering unique promotions like free cruises for women who get pregnant on board the ship in order to generate buzz and attract more customers. ## Trend signals for FREEconomics Trend score 4.1 out of 10, from popularity 59%, activity 58%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 59% - Activity: 58% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the FREEconomics trend 8 featured examples from Apr 4 to Jun 16, 2009. - [Fashionable Clothes For Free](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-clothes-free-fashion-tees): FreeFashionTees.com Gives Away Sponsored Tees to Young Adults (Category: Business) Implication: The free fashion trend challenges traditional business models of the fashion industry by offering a new way to promote and distribute clothing. - [Free Hot Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freebies-oscar-mayer-cupons-to-celebrate-taste-test-victory): Oscar Mayer Gives Away $1 Million in Wieners to Celebrate Taste Test Victory (Category: Marketing) Implication: Food and beverage retailers could benefit from hosting similar promotional offers in order to boost foot traffic and customer engagement. - [Free Trips for Pregnancy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tuicruises-free-pregnancy): TUICruises Offers Refund for Women Who Get Knocked up on Board (Category: World) Implication: The travel industry can benefit from offering refund incentives for pregnant passengers, attracting more customers and promoting customer loyalty. - [Free Food Frenzies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arbys-free-food): Arby's Offers Freeby Wednesdays for the Summer (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast-food chains like Arby's are using free food promotions as a marketing strategy to attract customers and boost sales. - [Twitter Pizza Promos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digiorno-twitter): Kraft's DiGiorno Delivers Free Flatbread Pizza to Tweetups (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating social media strategies to enhance brand visibility and engage with customers, offering unique promotional experiences. - [Free Fast Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corporate-food-gifting-harveys-offers-gift-burger-promotion-to-customers): Harvey's Celebrates 50th Birthday With Edible Gifts for Customers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The fast food industry can use free incentives to gain potential loyal customers and increase brand recognition. - [Credit Crunch Caffeine Promos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tim-hortons-free-ice-cappuccinos): Tim Hortons Gives Out Free Iced Coffee in Canada (Category: Marketing) Implication: Restaurants and cafes can leverage free coffee promotions to attract customers and increase sales during economic downturns. - [Gratis Sandwiches for Goodwill](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/good-will-sandwiches-dennys-gives-out-freebie-breakfasts): On April 8, Denny's Will Give Out Freebie Breakfasts Once More (Category: Marketing) Implication: Restaurants can explore the potential of offering free meals or limited-time promotions to attract new customers, increase brand loyalty, and generate buzz. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Sugar Moderation](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sugar-moderation) (Lifestyle) - [Luxury Electrification](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/luxury-electrification) (Autos) - [Effortless Rounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/golf-training-devices) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Lifestyle Subscription Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fab-fit-fun-advent-calendar) - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)