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Insight of the Day: Need holiday-shopping ideas? Gen Z and boomers both love this unlikely brand

Findings

A recent survey of 9,000 consumers from Gen Z to Boomers reveals shared preferences across generations, particularly around certain retailers and shopping priorities. Both Gen Z and Boomers favor Kohl’s for affordability, while Nordstrom attracts Millennials through high-profile brand partnerships. Across all age groups, Nike tops the list for athletic footwear.

Key Takeaway

Despite generational differences, consumers across all ages are drawn to value-driven brands with a strong in-store presence and partnerships that align with their interests, showing that brick-and-mortar retail and quality partnerships remain influential.

Trend

Main Trend: Cross-generational appeal of value-focused retail experiences.

  • Consumer Trend: High importance placed on value, in-store stock availability, and quality partnerships.

  • Consumer Sub-Trend: Increased preference for retailers with brand partnerships, such as Kohl’s with Sephora and Nordstrom with Skims.

  • Big Social Trend: Growing demand for accessible, value-driven retail.

  • Local Trend: Strong loyalty to department stores with easy access and reliable stock in U.S. cities.

  • Worldwide Social Trend: Continued global interest in value-oriented retail with quality brand associations.

Consumer Motivation

Consumers value cost savings, easy access to physical stores, in-stock availability, and quality partnerships with popular brands. These factors drive their choice of stores, reflecting a preference for reliable and value-focused shopping experiences.

Drivers of Trend

  1. Inflation and Budgeting: Economic concerns lead consumers to prioritize value and affordability, increasing department store appeal.

  2. Brand Partnerships: Collaborations with popular brands help stores attract younger customers and refresh their image.

  3. In-Stock Reliability: Consumers want items readily available in-store, with 66% willing to shop elsewhere if stock is unavailable.

People in Focus

Consumers across all generations, with specific preferences among Gen Z and Boomers for affordable department stores like Kohl’s, Millennials for Nordstrom, and all generations for Nike in athletic wear.

Product/Service Description

Retail experiences offered by department stores like Kohl’s and Nordstrom and athletic brands like Nike, focusing on value, accessibility, partnerships, and in-stock availability.

Conclusions

Despite economic challenges, brands can foster cross-generational appeal by offering value-driven shopping experiences and collaborating with high-profile brands. Maintaining in-store availability and promoting accessible locations enhances loyalty across age groups.

Implications

  • For Brands: Partner with popular brands to attract varied demographics and focus on in-stock availability to maintain consumer loyalty.

  • For Society: This trend suggests a broader shift toward value-driven shopping, with consumers seeking balance between affordability and quality.

  • For Consumers: Shoppers benefit from consistent access to value-oriented stores that offer high-quality partnerships, enhancing the retail experience.

  • For the Future: Value-focused retail with high-quality brand partnerships is expected to sustain appeal, especially as consumers seek dependable in-store options.

Big Trend Name

Value-Oriented Retail Revival

Big Social Trend Name

Affordable Quality and Brand Collaboration

Social Drive

Consumers seek affordability, ease of access, and dependable stock, valuing retailers that offer quality partnerships and in-stock items as they shop more strategically.

Strategy Recommendations for Companies in 2025

  1. Build and Promote Brand Partnerships: Collaborate with popular brands to attract younger customers and renew interest in traditional stores.

  2. Enhance In-Store Stock Availability: Ensure popular items are reliably in stock to meet consumer expectations and retain loyalty.

  3. Highlight Value-Driven Messaging: Communicate affordability and value-focused brand attributes to appeal to budget-conscious shoppers.

  4. Strengthen Physical Store Experience: Maintain easy accessibility and a strong in-store presence for Gen X and Millennial shoppers.

Final Sentence

Main Trend Summary: In 2025, retailers should focus on value-oriented shopping experiences with reliable in-store stock and popular brand partnerships, enhancing their appeal across generations by providing both affordability and quality.

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