Around one-third of the entire world's population is in Generation Z. Therefore, it makes sense that they hold a lot of spending power. This is the generation that has grown up around amazing technology, and therefore they hold high expectations and have become an entirely different type of consumer. If you want to appeal to Generation Z, you need to change in order to fulfill the new set of shopping habits.
What are Gen Z's Shopping Habits?
Generation Z wants an all-around experience that is real. They want to shop with a brand that shares their values, and they will choose to shop this way rather than worrying about the price.
Here are some figures that will shed some light:
- 85% learn about brands and products through social media.
- 58% of people are willing to pay more for products that are tailored just for them.
- 68% of people want brands to help society.
- 78% of people would rather spend their money on experiences than on things.
- 66% say that when they are thinking about buying something, quality is the most important thing.
Have a look at this great video for more information:
Why Should Brands Change For Gen Z?
No longer do older people refuse to change and blame younger people for their new ways of doing things. Gen Z has a lot of money to spend, so stores can't ignore new shopping trends and ways to run their stores that appeal to this group. As students and young professionals in Gen Z start making more money, their buying power and influence in the market will only grow, and they will remember the stores and brands that welcomed them. Businesses that don't understand how this generation will change things will see it in their bottom line.
What Makes Gen Z Want To Buy?
Traditional marketing strategies that work with older customers might not work with Gen Z. Teenagers and people in their early 20s aren't interested in FOMO marketing, expensive high-value goods, or national clothing ads. Instead, what drives Gen Z shoppers is a mix of value, scarcity, and influencers. In fact, 46% of Gen Zers said they would buy something from a celebrity or celebrity influencer they saw on social media, while 75% said they would buy anything shared by a family member, friend, or coworker.
Influencers and brand ambassadors are important to Gen Z, Millennial, and even Boomer shoppers. In fact, 38% of all consumers say they trust social media influencers more than brands. This is just one of the many changes that Gen Z have come to expect when they go shopping.
- Influencer buying trends for retailers
- Influencer buying trends for retailers
- Buying through Influencers
- Supporting local causes
- Online-in-store integration
How can retailers serve the omnichannel generation? By integrating in-store and online purchasing experiences.
- Use QR codes to connect your retail business to the digital world. They can access product info, similar items, and discount codes.
- Create unique immersive experiences: A distinctive store layout or the merchandising display might entice Gen Z to shop in-store.
- Generation Z wants fast, responsive customer service. By staffing stores and offices with helpful, engaging people, merchants may improve customer service and boost loyalty.
- Set the Standard for Stores: Whenever a retail business has consistent and trustworthy standard operating procedures, Gen Z'ers (and other demographics) will want to shop there. Enabling seamless online-to-store transitions can boost revenue and customer happiness.
Payment Options
Cash and cheques were replaced with cards and tap-to-pay at stores. You never want a shopper to leave their cart (in-store or online) because they can't pay how they wish. 70% of Gen Zers plan to continue using contactless payments and other electronic wallet services after COVID-19. Modern payment methods help automate shopping and boost revenues.
Embracing Reviews
Customer reviews are a fantastic way to interact and engage with your Gen Z customers. Give them the opportunity to get in touch with you and leave some information for other future customers with reviews. Whether you get good or bad reviews, embrace them and use them as a way to show your Gen Z customers they should be shopping with you.
