Money

Surveys show that a significant number of Gen Zers are unable to return home for the holidays because of student debt obligations. As the cost of living crisis affects the holidays for the second year in a row, the way young people celebrate and create holiday traditions is changing.

Despite financial concerns, consumer spending is expected to remain high this year – with many turning to BNPL services to finance their expenses. There’s an opportunity for brands to encourage responsible spending while acknowledging the desire to indulge over the holiday season.

Despite a struggling economy, US online shopping hit record highs on Black Friday 2023, pointing to changes in consumer behavior for the holiday season. Shoppers are planning ahead to find deals due to the cost of living crisis, and brands are responding with increased flexibility.

Lidl has launched a rental service for its popular Christmas jumpers, allowing customers to rent their back catalogue of jumpers for the holidays. As circular aspirations grow, consumers are looking for ways to get around one-time purchases, including rental and resale.

Make My Money Matter has released an ad starring Olivia Colman, uncovering the pension industry’s role in driving fossil fuel profits. As people attempt to spend their money more thoughtfully in a cost of living and climate crisis, they will expect companies to lead with transparency.

Research has revealed that Americans are increasingly unlikely to believe that those who work hard will get ahead and that their children will be better off than they are. As the American Dream edges further out of reach, people redefine their ideas of success and fulfillment.

While the Christmas season may be deemed festive for some, a study has shown the struggles some families are anticipating. Such bleak findings demonstrate the need for support so people can have the Christmas that they desire, opening opportunities for brands to help and support.

Wholesome is rebranding to make sustainable products more accessible to consumers. Recognising that eco-friendly eating habits shouldn't come at a higher cost, the brand offers a curated selection of top-quality products at wholesale prices, supporting the buyer, the community, and the planet

As part of a downturn in demand across the luxury apparel industry, Burberry is lowering expectations for operating profit in 2023. With luxury resale proving more attractive to cost- and sustainability-conscious consumers, the sector is increasingly adopting and encouraging circular consumption.

The National Cyber Security Centre campaign uses humour to empower individuals and organisations to protect themselves against cyber-attacks. With online scams increasingly rife but attention and interest in cyber security low, humour can help build interest in online safety.

A survey has found that younger Gen Zers and Gen Alphas in Korea increasingly use their personal credit or debit cards for everyday purchases. There’s a need to teach smart spending habits and encourage children to take ownership of their money from a younger age so they build financial resilience.

Boots' 2023 Christmas campaign features a story of a mother and daughter on a mission to pay back Santa, ensuring they extend the same generosity to others along the way. Building on the longstanding Boots Christmas theme of 'giving joy,' the ad highlights the importance of everyday empathy.

Reports show that Canadians are planning on keeping their 2023 holiday spending virtually the same when compared with 2022. However, an air of thriftiness has emerged as consumers turn to technologies for personalised recommendations that help them source great gifts on a budget.

Britons are starting Christmas shopping early in 2023 as more people seek to plan and budget in the face of continued price rises. With inflationary pressures set to shape spending, brands are acknowledging constrained consumer appetites and celebrating what really matters at Christmas.

Deft is an online search tool that aims to make it easier than ever to find a product online thanks to its uses of AI and visual search. As convenience and immediacy become ever-entwined in all aspects of life, people expect to get what they want as quickly as possible, and not a moment later.

Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34 have indicated higher rates of stress about their debt, causing them to turn to side hustles to keep up with their standard of living. With multiple jobs and income streams normalised, increased stress levels provide an opportunity for brands to offer support.

Sainsbury's has extended its hyper-personalised Nectar price deals online after previously only offering them in-store. As the cost of living crisis rumbles on, supermarket loyalty schemes and deals have become essential as people's loyalty is tested amid financial hardship.

While buying gold is primarily associated with older cohorts in China, Gen Zers are increasingly purchasing the element as a stable, long-term investment. Amid financial anxiety in a volatile economy, people's investment priorities are shifting as they seek out greater stability and peace of mind.

Many older adults in Japan are being deceived by 'dark patterns' online, which trick them into unknowingly parting with their money or providing false information on purchases. Educating less digitally fluent shoppers on these techniques could empower them to make more informed financial choices.

With eating out becoming a luxury amid the cost of living crisis, young Americans are choosing to cook at home to save money. This budgeting choice is made in the hope that it will help them achieve financial success, offering a chance to support young people in their long-term financial goals.

Investment app Chip has extended its ‘Real Assets’ campaign from advertising on London’s Underground to include two 30-second spots. The campaign’s focus on community and experiential joy sets an example for finance advertising that speaks to desires for moments of joy, not savings.

As people remain wary of splashing out on eating out, they want brands to help them create dining out experiences at home. With this in mind, Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Gymkhana has made its signature ingredients for fine Indian cuisine available for purchase at supermarkets.

Survey findings show that most Gen Y and Zers in Singapore still hope to live in private housing despite sky-high prices. It’s reflective of their complicated sentiments towards home-buying, and brands can step up to help them find their footing while they navigate complex financial realities.

Declining sales among major luxury designers are indicating the end of a global luxury bubble, as money worries are causing shoppers to nix aspirational purchases. As recessionary spending practices come for 'inflation-proof' industries, luxury brands are learning how they must meet consumers.

US fintech company Circle and Filipino crypto platform Coins.ph are teaming up to promote the use of USDC for remittances. As Web3 plays a greater role in financial inclusion, companies are prioritising financial literacy and anti-scam measures to help customers make sound financial decisions.

A survey from PYMNTS Intelligence revealed that American consumers plan to utilize installment plans to rein in their holiday spending. There’s an opportunity for brands to encourage cautious splurging while also meeting the demand for more precise and helpful product recommendations.

A survey has revealed that Britons plan to spend less on non-food purchases this Christmas, turning to online and secondhand marketplaces to find better deals. However, as consumption jars more with climate anxiety, brands may have to take a more circular approach to the festive period.

Target has launched an immersive shopping experience for kids in the form of a virtual room of toys, most of which are under $25. While the cost of living crisis shows no sign of ending before the holidays, brands are looking to help price-conscious parents discover gifts for their children.

While Generation Rent has a bleak outlook on owning their own home, Gen Zers are more hopeful, and many are ahead of the home-owning game. While Zers have been criticized for adopting backward lifestyles, their techniques are helping them achieve their long-term goals once thought out of reach.

Fenty Beauty is now available at Ulta Beauty locations situated within Target stores as part of an effort to reach a wider audience of shoppers. But the partnership also brings affordability to consumers, who can purchase mini versions of best-selling Fenty Beauty products.

Gen Yers and Zers have been turning to BNPL schemes as they continue to spend on little luxuries to cope with economic permacrisis. However, this coping mechanism may have an adverse effect as users struggle to keep up with debt payments via all-too-easy-to-access credit options.

According to research, half of US adults are open to signing a prenup – a marked uptick from earlier years – signaling a change in popular notions about marriage. Financial worries are affecting the way Americans make long-term family planning decisions in ways that are just coming to light.

French supermarket chain Carrefour has slapped price warnings on 26 products across its stores to shame suppliers and make consumers more aware of shrinkflation. The move is set to resonate with its customers, who are cutting their shopping costs due to the cost of living crisis.

A survey has found that nearly half of all young adults in the US are living with their parents – and they’re not ashamed to say it. With rising living costs and a shaky job market, delaying traditional life milestones is no longer seen as a sign of individual failure among younger cohorts.

A study has shown troubling patterns in the habits of buy now, pay later (BNPL) users, revealing a 50-point gap on average between those who frequently use the services and those who do not. The cost of living crisis has driven up BNPL debt among Gen Zers looking to brands for financial leadership.

A survey has shown that while more Canadians are warming to the idea of biometric payments, general sentiment around the topic continues to be divided. While people appreciate a faster shopping experience, many are concerned about their data being misused and the potential for identity theft.