That time of the year is here again, isn't it? It's a familiar phrase filled with genuine intentions and strong resolve. Now, more than ever, consumers are excited to explore fresh possibilities and eagerly await the latest, hottest products the market has to offer – and they're counting on you to provide them.

It's a challenging spot you're in. What's trendy and new doesn't just shift from year to year or season to season anymore. With the rise of the internet and platforms like TikTok, trends can change in a matter of days.

But here's the good news: while what's trending may be temporary, the creation of a trend tends to have a bit more staying power. Why do consumers make the choices they do? What drives, inspires, and motivates them? The answers to these questions and more boil down to understanding consumer trends. By the end of this blog, you'll have a handle on the trends expected this year, which will undoubtedly influence what becomes popular – and set you on the path to being the trendsetter of 2024. 

Let's dive in!

Not the most exciting news, but brace yourself for a slowdown in consumer spending. 

The past few years have been a wild economic ride. In 2022, we witnessed the surge of "revenge spending" – that spending spree phenomenon post nearly two years of social distancing, financial uncertainty, and squirreled-away savings.  According to the same source, the spree rolled into 2023, but in 2024, it looks like things will ease up a bit. With inflation and economic uncertainty in the mix, Forrester predicts consumers will get choosier about where and how they spend. This means products with a slightly lower cost but a higher perceived value will likely steal the spotlight. Think "more bang for your buck." Armed with this insight, let's craft campaigns that make sense and keep building your brand even during the slowdown.

With the buying power shifting to a younger crowd, get ready for some new shopping habits. 

Millennials currently hold the purse strings, and in the next decade or so, Gen Z is set to take the economic reins.  The change in the age of our core buyers across all markets isn't just a passing trend – it's our new reality. But what's interesting is how their buying habits differ from what we're used to with older generations.

While Millennials and Gen Z have their own quirks, there are some common threads. As per a SalesForce post, both groups have felt the pinch of inflation, resulting in less spending compared to their predecessors.  Interestingly, despite the tightened budgets, they both love doing a good chunk of their shopping online, setting them apart from other age groups. A twist, though, is that Millennials are a bit more into traditional shopping experiences than Gen Z. Lastly, a whopping 69 percent of Millennials and 63 percent of Gen Z feel emotionally connected to the brands they choose. That's why being a trustworthy company and brand is crucial!

So, what's the bottom line for you? The new generations of buyers will likely demand higher quality products (they're choosy with their bucks), emphasize eCommerce solutions and robust online marketing, and you'll need to create unique shopping experiences that show these buyers you value them as individuals.



Is being eco-friendly still a big deal? 

Absolutely! It's more on fire than ever! Lucky for our planet, the whole sustainability movement isn't going away. According to Business Wire, a whopping 60 percent of consumers worldwide think sustainability is a big deal when deciding what to buy.  Additionally, over a third of the market is cool with shelling out extra cash for sustainable products or services.

Let's break it down: If you're not all in on sustainability, it could make or break your sales, brand loyalty, and how long your brand lasts. In this cutthroat market, skipping out on offering sustainable choices in your products and marketing isn't just bad for the planet or even your customers, who will simply go somewhere else. In the end, you're basically cheating yourself. When you're on the hunt for help finding earth-friendlier products and creating messages that give them meaning, you know where to find us!

The more things change, the more they stay the same, right? 

If "new year, new me" is the mantra for consumers, maybe you can find solace in this idea as you navigate the year ahead. As we discussed, what's hot can switch up in a heartbeat, and even long-lasting trends have their ups and downs over time. But the constant factor is that those enduring trends shape the fleeting ones – consumer and social trends lay the groundwork for what becomes trendy.

In a nutshell – stay confident and empowered! The list we went through serves as a starting point for 2024 trends and how to tackle them. But through this blog, you've unknowingly gained something even more valuable – a knack for picking up signals from consumers and responding in your product offerings and marketing strategy. Not every shiny, new thing is for everyone. Your brand story is unique to you, so it's about finding products that help tell that story effectively. Sometimes, a simple combo of a sticky note and pen with a great message might work better at keeping you in people's minds and creating revenue opportunities. Or perhaps a budget-friendly water bottle is the answer. We excel at understanding you, your clients, and their competition, ensuring you present your brand in ways that align with who you are and what you're aiming for. This insight and partnership will not only carry you through the new year, delivering what's hot and new right now, but for many more years to come.

So, what are you waiting for? It's your time to shine and be the trendsetter. 

Explore our collection of top trending products HERE. 

Contact us today to discuss how you can position yourself as a trendsetter in 2024.