# Relationshopping Consumers opt for the limited, lifestyle-centric products of niche brands. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Apr 23, 2014 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/relationshopping-consumers-opt-for-the-limited-lifestylecentric-products-of ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.1/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Relationshopping trend? **Relationshopping:** The luxury market is expanding at an exponential rate, which is transforming consumers into brand connoisseurs in search of the next exclusive product. Consumer shopping habits are changing to be based more on curation of a whole lifestyle. As a result, a lasting relationship based on a brand's ability to satisfy an entire lifestyle will be formed. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 23, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014 - Published: Apr 23, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Relationshopping trend ### Exclusive Niche Brand Marketing As the luxury market continues to expand, consumers are becoming more brand-specific in their consumption choices and are seeking a curated lifestyle experience facilitated by niche brands. ### Unconventional Marketing Through Quirky and Novel Designs Designs inspired by unique backgrounds, typography and food items such as fortune cookie and mint chocolate packaging can be used to refresh marketing campaigns and provide an unexpected experience to consumers. ### Sustainable Manufacturing With Upcycling Using recycled materials and transforming them into wearable, functional designs not only is eco-friendly but can establish a unique brand image that is focused on ethical, trendy designs. ## What the Relationshopping trend means for industry ### For Luxury Goods and Services Exclusive niche brand marketing can resonate within the luxury goods and services industry, providing new and innovative ways for companies to differentiate themselves and create loyal customer bases. ### For Craft and Artisanal Industries Creating quirky and novel designs can be an effective strategy for companies in the craft and artisanal industries to appeal to a younger, trendier demographic and differentiate themselves from their competitors. ### For Sustainable Fashion and Accessories Sustainable manufacturing with upcycling can be embraced by businesses in the fashion and accessories industry in order to tap into increasing consumer consciousness regarding ethical production methods. ## Trend signals for Relationshopping Trend score 4.1 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 46%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 68% - Activity: 46% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Relationshopping trend 6 featured examples from Nov 23, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014. - [Upcycled Sailcloth Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-bag-design): RAGGEDedge's Recycled Bag Design Uses Durable Carbon Fiber Material (Category: Eco) Implication: Outdoor gear companies can explore upcycling durable materials, like carbon fiber sailcloth, for sustainable and tough product offerings. - [Magnetized Tie Clips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ellsworth-clyde-tie-bar): The Ellsworth & Clyde Tie Bar is Rustically Reversible (Category: Fashion) Implication: The wooden tie clip presents an opportunity to explore innovative designs and materials in the men's accessory industry. - [Social Media Matryoshka Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nesting-twitter): Nesting Twitter by Yiying Lu Tells the Story of a Startup (Category: Social Media) Implication: Toy companies can explore the potential for creating products that celebrate social media platforms or showcase the story of startups. - [Neutral Font Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helvetica-perfume): The Guts and Glory Helvetica Perfume Does Not Smell Like Anything (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The emergence of neutral font fragrances offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for the perfume industry to explore conceptual and unconventional scent compositions. - [Mint Chocolate Beers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mint-chocolate-beer): Flying Dog's Limited Edition Brew is a Mint Chocolate Beer (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Craft beer brewing industry can experiment with flavors and ingredients to create unique and appealing products for beer lovers. - [Fortune Cookie Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fortune-cookie-clothing): The Fortune Cookie Clothing Co. Released Its Cherry Blossom Collection (Category: Fashion) Implication: The Fortune Cookie Clothing Co.'s urban Asian fashion collection presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the fashion industry by fusing cultural graphics with contemporary… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [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) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)