What’s next: Consumer trends to watch in 2010

December 24, 2009

Trendwatching.com, a leading trend firm, recently released its list of “10 Consumer Trends for 2010.” Ranging from the expansion of urban culture to going even greener, the list promises a year that will be full of opportunity and innovation.
 

1. Business as unusual: Forget the recession: the societal changes that will dominate 2010 were set in motion long before we temporarily stared into the abyss. And even when the downturn ends, there won’t be a return to ‘business as usual’.
2. Urbany: Extreme urbanization will lead to more sophisticated and demanding consumers around the world.
3. Real-time reviews: Whatever new product or service gets launched in 2010, it will be reviewed in real time. Transparency tyranny (or triumph) is upon us.
4. (F)luxury: With status symbols becoming more fragmented, luxury is whatever consumers want it to be in 2010.
5. Mass mingling: Online lifestyles are actually fueling real world meet-ups, shattering all predictions about a virtual and socially isolated future.
6. Eco-easy: In 2010, corporations and governments will force consumers to be more green by restricting the alternatives.
7. Tracking & alerting: Tracking and alerting are the new search. Next year, consumers will further expand their sphere of control.
8. Embedded generostiy: Generosity as a trend will further adapt to the zeitgeist, leading to more pragmatic and collaborative charity.
9. Profile myning: With hundreds of millions of people now nurturing their online profiles, 2010 will be about consumers making money from these profiles, from intention-based models to digital afterlife services.
10. Maturialism: 2010 will be even more opinionated, outspoken and raw than 2009; thank the anything-goes online world for that. Which brands will be equally daring?
 

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