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How Every Era Outlets in 2022 [New Data from Our State of Consumer Trends Report]


With new advertising and marketing channels and traits continuously popping up, it may be troublesome to know the place your target market truly is.

Not solely do you could know the place they spend their time, but in addition how they like to buy –- and that largely depends upon their age group.

That will help you decide the place to satisfy audiences the place they’re, we surveyed hundreds of US shoppers of all generations throughout to study their purchasing habits, media consumption, and the most recent traits they’re following.

Whilst you’ll discover much more knowledge in our State of Shopper Tendencies Report, we wished to provide our readers a deep dive into every generations and the distinctive themes that make them completely different. 

So let’s check out the place and the way every era likes to buy — and what actually impacts their buying choices.

Download Now: Free State of Marketing Report [Updated for 2022]

We’ll get began with a fast breakdown of the purchasing habits of every era and name out the most important variations and similarities between them, then dive deeper into every age group.

For these in a rush, we have put a fast generation-by-generation overview beneath with hyperlinks to the deep dive of every age group. To leap to a broader side-by-side take a look at how all generations deal with every stage of product discovery and purchases in another way. click on right here to leap to our comparability part.

Purchasing Habits Overview

Gen Z Overview (ages 18-24)

  • Social media, YouTube adverts, and web search are the highest methods Gen Z uncover new merchandise
  • Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are the highest social media apps amongst Gen Z
  • 33% of Gen Z have purchased a product primarily based on an influencer’s advice prior to now three months, and 28% have purchased by means of an in-app store
  • 1 in 2 Gen Zers need firms to take a stance on social points, particularly racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, gender inequality, and local weather change. When firms advocate for these points, it has a robust impression on Gen Z buy choices
  • Adverts on streaming companies beat cable TV for reaching Gen Z. Retail discovery remains to be related, however much less frequent than digital channels

Soar to our Gen Z deep dive >>

Millennials Overview (ages 25-35)

  • Social media, web search, and YouTube adverts are additionally the highest methods Millennials uncover new merchandise
  • Fb, YouTube, and Instagram are the highest social media apps amongst Millennials
  • 28% of Millennials have purchased a product by means of an in-app store prior to now three months and 26% have purchased primarily based on an influencer’s advice
  • 41% of Millennials need firms to take a stance on social points, particularly racial justice, revenue inequality, local weather change, reasonably priced healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights. When firms advocate for these points, it has a robust impression on Millennial buy choices
  • Adverts on cable TV beat streaming companies for reaching Millennials by a small margin. Retail discovery remains to be related however much less frequent than digital channels

Soar to our Millennial deep dive >>

Gen X Overview (ages 35-54)

  • Gen X prefers to find new merchandise by means of search, tv adverts, and in retail shops
  • Gen X discovers new merchandise on social media extra often than another channel, though it isn’t most well-liked
  • 90% of Gen X use social media – Fb, YouTube, and Instagram are their favourite apps
  • 18% of Gen X have purchased a product by means of an in-app store prior to now three months. The identical quantity purchased primarily based on an influencer’s advice in that interval
  • 35% of Gen Xers say firms ought to take a stance on social points, particularly local weather change, reasonably priced healthcare, racial justice, and revenue inequality. 38% say firms shouldn’t interact with social points, and 26% aren’t positive

Soar to our Gen X deep dive >>

Boomer Overview (ages 55+)

  • TV adverts, web search, and retail shops are the highest methods Boomers uncover new merchandise
  • Social media falls flat for boomers –  simply 17% have found a product on it prior to now three months, and solely 4% have bought a product on a social app in that point
  • About half of boomers say firms shouldn’t take a stance on social points. On the subject of influencing their buy choices, social points merely haven’t any impression on a majority of Boomers.

Soar to our Child Boomer deep dive >>

A Generational Comparability of In the present day’s Purchasing Tendencies [Side-by-Side Data]

The place Do Shoppers Uncover Merchandise?

Social media, web search, and Youtube adverts are key for reaching Gen Z and Millennials, whereas TV, search, and retail are favored by Gen X and Boomers.

where each generation discovers products

So far as social media, Boomers, Millennials, and Gen X all use Fb greater than another app.

which social media platforms consumer use

In the meantime, Gen Z is all about YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Not solely is Gen Z speaking with buddies and being entertained, however they’re additionally discovering (and shopping for) merchandise on social greater than another era.

which generations bought the most on social media

What Drives Shoppers to Purchase Merchandise?

On the subject of making buy choices, all generations are extremely influenced by worth, high quality, and product evaluations. Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X additionally worth manufacturers which have energetic communities round them and a social media presence. Moreover, whether or not a proportion of the proceeds from their buy will likely be donated to charity is very vital to Gen Z.

what are the most important factors in purchasing

The place Do Shoppers Prefer to Purchase Merchandise?

All generations favor shopping for merchandise in-person at a retailer over another channel, however this desire decreases considerably with age. Shopping for by means of on-line retailers like Amazon and straight from an organization’s web site can also be widespread. Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X are most occupied with shopping for by means of social media and from an organization’s cellular app.

how do consumers in each generation prefer to buy products

In case you’re prepared for extra of the insights you could attain your target market, let’s take a deep dive into the purchasing habits of right this moment’s shoppers, in addition to how every era compares, primarily based on knowledge from our 2022 Shopper Tendencies Survey of over 1,000 shoppers within the U.S.

Purchasing Tendencies by Era (A Detailed, Knowledge-Pushed Breakdown)

Gen Z Purchasing Habits 2022 (ages 18-24)

So the place is Gen Z discovering new merchandise? Let’s begin with the digital elephant within the room – social media.

Social Media Drives Gen Z Product Discovery

57% of Gen Z has found new merchandise on social media prior to now three months, and 71% of them say it’s the place they uncover merchandise most frequently. 

gen z product discover channels

Social media can also be the #1 means Gen Z prefers to find new merchandise, in keeping with 38% of these age 18-24. 

All of this actually isn’t shocking contemplating 93% of Gen Z use social media, for a mean of 4 hours and 20 minutes per day. 

 

You may additionally be questioning which platforms they’re utilizing, so let’s take a look:

gen z social media apps

 

YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are the highest three platforms by utilization prior to now three months. Over half of Gen Z have used Snapchat and Fb prior to now three months, and 48% have used Twitter.

On the subject of the social media apps Gen Z makes use of most, TikTok, IG, and YouTube come out on high once more, however in a distinct order.

 

TikTok is used most, probably as a result of its deal with short-form movies and highly effective algorithm, making it onerous to place down.

However TikTok and Instagram are solely essentially the most used social media apps amongst Gen Z ladies, whereas males spend rather more time on YouTube.most used gen z social apps

Lastly, we requested Gen Z which social media app is their favourite. 

what is Gen Zs favorite social app

Whereas TikTok is used most, Instagram is the favourite social media app amongst Gen Z as an entire. 

However there are such a lot of methods to work together with Gen Z on social media that it’s extra vital than ever to make use of a format that captures their consideration and makes your model stand out. 

We requested how Gen Z social media customers choose to find new merchandise, and right here’s what we discovered:

how does gen z prefer to discover new products on social media

Our analysis from earlier this yr reveals that short-form video and influencer advertising and marketing are the highest advertising and marketing traits of 2022, so the truth that Gen Z is absolutely embracing these channels to find merchandise isn’t shocking.

41% of Gen Z say they like to find new merchandise on social media by means of short-form movies, and 1 in 4 choose to search out out about merchandise from influencers.

On high of that, 33% of Gen Z have made a purchase order primarily based on an influencer’s advice prior to now three months, the best of any age group. 

The indicators to spend money on these channels couldn’t be clearer. Did I point out that additionally they have the best ROI of any advertising and marketing pattern? One other highly effective pattern we recognized in our Social Media Tendencies 2022 analysis is promoting straight on social media. 

Contemplating 28% of Gen Z has purchased a product on social media straight on the app prior to now three months and 29% choose to find new merchandise by means of social media outlets, there’s by no means been a greater time to get began.

gen z activities in the past three months

Our latest Instagram Advertising Report explains why the app presents such an unbelievable alternative for social promoting, and we even revealed a data-backed information on the highest instruments and methods for promoting on Instagram.

YouTube Adverts Trump Social Media For Reaching Gen Z Males

46% of Gen Z has discovered new merchandise by means of YouTube Adverts prior to now three months, and 56% say it’s the place they uncover merchandise most frequently. 

what channels do gen z discover new products on

On high of that, 34% of Gen Zers say YouTube adverts are their most well-liked approach to uncover new merchandise.

Total, YouTube Adverts observe social media because the 2nd greatest approach to attain Gen Z. In case you can’t leverage each, right here’s an perception that will help you determine which to make use of:

Gen Z ladies choose to find new merchandise on social media, whereas discovering merchandise by means of YouTube Adverts is strongly most well-liked by younger males. 

channels gen z prefers to look for products on

search engine marketing Nonetheless Issues For Gen Z

42% of Gen Z has discovered new merchandise by looking out the net prior to now few months, and 50% say it’s the place they discover merchandise most frequently. 

26% of Gen Z say looking out the web is their most well-liked means of discovering new merchandise, however how precisely is Gen Z looking out on-line? A whopping 74% of Gen Z use their cell phones most frequently when purchasing on-line, whereas simply 15% use a pc.devices gen z uses most

 

Moreover, 72% of Gen Z use their telephones most frequently when trying up a query on a search engine.

This implies you ought to be optimizing your web site to be mobile-first to supply the most effective expertise to your customers. To study extra concerning the high search engine marketing methods, take a look at our Net Visitors & Analytics Report.

Retail Discovery is Much less Frequent, However Nonetheless Related For Gen Z

Whereas 36% of Gen Z has found new merchandise in retail shops prior to now three months, after we requested the place they uncover new merchandise most frequently, it got here in at #8. 

So Gen Z remains to be visiting retail shops, however they’re discovering merchandise by means of on-line sources rather more usually.

Does that imply hope is misplaced for retail? Not fairly. 19% of Gen Z nonetheless say it’s their most well-liked approach to uncover new merchandise, behind social media, YouTube adverts, and looking out the net.

gen z product discovery channels

Adverts on Streaming Providers Beat Cable TV for Gen Z

23% of Gen Z has found new merchandise on movie/TV present streaming companies prior to now three months, and 33% of them say they uncover new merchandise by means of streaming most frequently.

19% of Gen Z have additionally found new merchandise on music streaming companies like Spotify, with 55% of them saying that music streaming is the place they uncover new merchandise most frequently.

Does that imply cable TV adverts are misplaced on Gen Z? Contemplating lower than 1 in 5 have found a brand new product by means of their tv prior to now three months, it isn’t the most effective channel to achieve these age 18-24 (although nonetheless very related for older age teams).

1 in 2 Gen Zers Say Firms Ought to Take a Stance On Social Points

Gen Z is thought to be vocal concerning the causes they consider in, however does that tenacity for the atmosphere and social justice translate to their buy choices? Let’s have a look.

We requested whether or not firms ought to take a stance on social points, and 50% of Gen Z say they need to, the best of any era. 

does Gen Z think companies should take a stance on social issues

We then requested those that need firms to take a stance on social points which points are most vital to them. Racial justice was by far the highest concern for Gen Z (69%), adopted by LGBTQ+ rights (50%), gender inequality (46%), and local weather change (42%).

social issues gen z cares most about

 

The burning query is whether or not these sentiments translate to buy choices, and we discovered that they’ve a major affect on Gen Z, dwindling slowly with every era. 

gen z purchase motives

  • 60% of Gen Z have chosen a product primarily based on it being owned by a small enterprise prior to now three months
  • 50% of Gen Z have chosen a product primarily based on the model’s dedication to range/inclusion prior to now three months
  • 49% of Gen Z have chosen a product primarily based on the model being owned by an individual of colour prior to now three months.
  • 43% of Gen Z have chosen a product primarily based on the model being woman-owned prior to now three months.
  • 30% of Gen Z have chosen a product primarily based on the model being owned by a member of the LGBTQ neighborhood prior to now three months.

Not solely that, however manufacturers taking a stance on these points additionally makes a good portion of Gen Zs extra prone to buy. We requested all of the Gen Zs in our survey how the next attributes impression their buy choices, if in any respect, utilizing a 5-point scale from a lot much less prone to more likely. Right here’s what they mentioned: 

gen z more likely to purchase from brands that

Beneath are only a few of the elements that impression Gen Z buy choices, other than the product itself:

  • Company Belief: 84% of Gen Z say they’re extra probably to purchase from an organization that treats its workers nicely, whereas 83% say they’re extra probably to purchase from an organization that they’ll belief with their knowledge
  • Financial and/or Environmental Impression: 60% of Gen Z say they’re extra probably to purchase from a model actively making an attempt to cut back its environmental impression, whereas 46% usually tend to buy merchandise from small companies.
  • Excessive DI&B Requirements: 53% of Gen Z say they’re extra prone to buy primarily based on a model’s dedication to range/inclusion, whereas 51% say a model advocating for racial justice makes them extra prone to turn into a buyer. Moreover, 39% of Gen Z say they’re extra probably to purchase merchandise from manufacturers owned by an individual of colour.
  • Gender and LGBTQ+ Advocacy: 42% of Gen Z say manufacturers that advocate for gender equality usually tend to get their purchases, whereas 37% of Gen Z usually tend to purchase from manufacturers that advocate for LGTBTQ+ rights.

Whereas Gen Z is strongly influenced by Environmental, Social, and Governance (or ESG) initiatives, there are different elements of their buy choices which might be much more vital – let’s have a look.

What Drives Gen Z Buy Selections?

The highest elements in Gen Z’s buy choices are unsurprising, with worth, high quality, and look/really feel taking the lead. 

what factors are part of gen z purchase decisionsHowever after we ask Gen Z to decide on the three most vital elements of their buy choice, we discover some attention-grabbing insights. Check out the highest 8 most vital elements when Gen Z is pressured to decide on simply three of these they contemplate:

gen z purchase considerations

Whereas worth and high quality nonetheless lead, we see that donations to charity, an energetic neighborhood, suggestions from influencers, and the way manufacturers deal with their workers rise to the highest. 

Granted, these are nowhere close to the highest elements on this group’s buy choices, however for individuals who contemplate them, they’re important.

One different factor to notice is that suggestions from influencers drive Gen Z buy choices much more than suggestions from their family and friends (55% vs. 24%, respectively) – one more motive to leverage influencer advertising and marketing.

How Does Gen Z Favor to Buy Merchandise?

On the subject of making purchases, 55% of Gen Zers nonetheless choose to purchase issues in-store (the bottom of any era), however on-line channels are shut behind. 

how does gen z prefer to purchase products

One in two Gen Zers choose to make purchases by means of on-line retailers like Amazon, whereas 37% prefer to go on to an organization’s web site.

23% of Gen Z prefers to purchase by means of social media apps, whereas 22% favor going by means of an organization’s cellular app.

How Does Gen Z Like To Pay?

47% of Gen Z has bought a subscription for a bodily product prior to now three months, the best of any era. 

how does gen z like to pay for products

However after we requested which cost mannequin they like, Gen Z nonetheless largely favors shopping for a product for full worth as wanted.

which payment model does gen Z prefer

And that wraps it up for Gen Z! Now we will discuss their barely older, but noticeably completely different counterparts, Millennials.

Millennial Purchasing Habits 2022 (ages 25-34)

Social Media Drives Millennial Product Discovery

50% of Millennials have found new merchandise on social media prior to now three months, and 59% of them say it’s the place they uncover new merchandise most frequently. 

which channels have millennials discovered products on

Social media can also be the first means Millennials choose to find new merchandise, in keeping with 33% of these 25-34.

Much like Gen Z, 90% of Millennials use social media, for a mean of 4 hours per day, barely decrease than that of Gen Z.

how many hours do millenials spend online

So far as the platforms they use, Fb, YouTube, and Instagram are the highest platforms by utilization prior to now three months. Over half of Millennials have used TikTok prior to now three months, and 44% have used Snapchat.

the top social media apps of millennials

On the subject of the social media apps Millennials use most, Fb, YouTube, and Instagram prepared the ground.

However identical to with Gen Z, the app used most differs sharply by gender. Millennial ladies use Fb essentially the most, adopted by Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. In the meantime, Millennial males use YouTube essentially the most, adopted by Fb, Instagram, and TikTok fourth.

social media apps millenials use most

 

We additionally requested Millennials which social media platform is their favourite.

On the subject of Millennials’ favourite social media app, Fb stays at #1, however Instagram pulls forward of YouTube.

Now that you recognize which platforms Millennials choose to search out new merchandise on, listed here are the codecs they wish to see on social media, amongst those that use it.

How Millenials prefer to discover products

Millennials favor feed posts, adverts, and social media marketplaces when seeking to uncover new merchandise.

In addition they flip to influencers and social media outlets to find and purchase issues:

Since Millennials are inclined to favor Fb and Instagram, constructing a presence on these platforms is vital. Establishing a web-based store on each platforms and leveraging influencer advertising and marketing are among the many highest ROI methods you should use to get your merchandise seen and purchased.

Millennials Uncover Merchandise By way of Search Barely Much less Than On Social

Discovering new merchandise by means of looking out the web comes second to discovering them on social media, however simply by a hair.

For starters, search and social are tied at 50% for the highest channel Millennials have found new merchandise on prior to now three months. And 58% of Millennials say they uncover new merchandise most frequently by looking out the web, simply 1% behind social media.

After we requested what Millennials’ most well-liked channel for locating new merchandise is, 32% mentioned looking out the web, additionally lagging behind social media by 1%.

So search is a number one channel for product discovery for Millennials, however how are they looking out? 74% use their cell phones most frequently, in comparison with simply 16% who use a pc, highlighting the significance of optimizing your website to be mobile-first.

which of these devices do millenials use most

On the subject of on-line purchasing, 68% of Millennials use their telephones most frequently, whereas 22% use a pc.

YouTube Adverts Is the Third-Finest Means To Attain Millennials, Particularly Males

44% of Millennials have discovered new merchandise on YouTube prior to now three months and 54% say they uncover new merchandise on YouTube essentially the most.

which channels do millennials purchase products on

On high of that, 23% of Millennials say YouTube is their most well-liked channel for locating new merchandise.

Total, YouTube adverts are the #3 greatest approach to attain Millennials, however identical to for Gen Z, with regards to concentrating on Millennial males, YouTube rises to the highest.

Retail Discovery is Much less Frequent, However Nonetheless Related For Millennials

Whereas 43% of Millennials have found new merchandise in retail shops prior to now three months, after we requested the place they uncover new merchandise most frequently, retail is available in at quantity six.

Like Gen Z, Millennials are nonetheless going to retail shops, however they’re discovering merchandise on-line extra usually. 22% of them say they like discovering new merchandise in retail shops, behind social media, looking out the web, YouTube Adverts, and phrase of mouth.

Cable TV is Barely Higher for Reaching Millennials than Streaming Providers

36% of Millennials have found new merchandise by means of TV/movie streaming companies prior to now three months, and 34% of them say that’s the place they uncover new merchandise most frequently. Moreover, 13% of Millennials say video streaming is how they like to find new merchandise.

where do millenials prefer to find products

 

On the subject of cable TV, 34% of millennials have found new merchandise by means of their tv prior to now three months, and 47% of them say that is the place they uncover new merchandise most frequently, comfortably forward of streaming companies. Moreover, 18% of Millennials say cable TV is the place they like to find new merchandise, beating video streaming companies by 5%.

Promoting on music streaming companies can also be a good way to achieve Millennials – 21% of them have found new merchandise by means of music streaming companies prior to now three months. Of that group, 29% say that’s the place they uncover new merchandise most frequently. Total, 11% of Millennials say music streaming is how they like to find new merchandise.

ESG Issues To Millennials

41% of Millennials say firms ought to take a stance on social points, down from 50% for Gen Z.

do millennials think companies should take stances

We additionally requested Millennials who wish to see firms partaking in advocacy which social points they wish to see firms {that a} stance on most.

Amongst Millennials who need firms to advocate for social points, 60% wish to see manufacturers take a stance on racial justice, adopted by revenue inequality (52%), local weather change (39%), reasonably priced healthcare (37%), and LGBTQ+ rights (36%).

gen z vs. millennial, which issues should companies take a stance on

Whereas racial justice is high of thoughts for each Gen Z and Millennials, Millennials put much less of a precedence on different identity-based points like gender and sexual orientation. As an alternative, they like to see firms sort out points like revenue inequality, local weather change, and reasonably priced healthcare. 

This may be as a result of Millennials are older and extra prone to be a part of the workforce than Gen Z, making them extra aware of wealth inequality and the price of healthcare.

Whereas a large group of Millennials desires to see firms taking a stand, do these sentiments truly have an effect on their buy choices? Similar to with Gen Z, the reply is sure.

millennial product choice preferences

  • 59% of Millennials have chosen a product primarily based on it being made by a small enterprise prior to now three months
  • 49% of Millennials have chosen a product primarily based on the model’s dedication to range/inclusion prior to now three months
  • 47% of Millennials have chosen a product primarily based on the model being woman-owned prior to now three months
  • 42% of Millennials have chosen a product primarily based on the model being owned by an individual of colour prior to now three months
  • 27% of Millennials have chosen a product primarily based on it being owned by a member of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood prior to now three months

On a 5-point scale from a lot much less prone to more likely, we requested all Millennials in our survey how the next attributes impression their buy choices, if in any respect. Right here’s what we discovered:

millennial brand purchase motives

  • Company Belief: 82% of Millennials usually tend to purchase from an organization that treats its workers nicely, and the identical quantity usually tend to purchase from an organization that they’ll belief with their knowledge.
  • Financial and/or Environmental Impression: 51% of Millennials usually tend to purchase a product made by a small enterprise, whereas 48% usually tend to purchase from an organization that actively tries to cut back its environmental impression
  • Excessive DI&B Requirements: 47% of Millennials usually tend to buy from a model dedicated to range/inclusion, whereas 43% say a model advocating for racial justice makes them extra prone to turn into a buyer. Moreover, 42% of Millennials say they’re extra probably to purchase merchandise from manufacturers owned by an individual of colour.
  • Gender and LGBTQ+ Advocacy: 46% of Millennials say manufacturers that advocate for gender equality usually tend to get their purchases, whereas 36% of Millennials usually tend to purchase from manufacturers that advocate for LGTBTQ+ rights.

Whereas ESG strongly issues to Millennials, let’s see how these points stack up in opposition to different elements of their buy choices.

What Drives Millennial Buy Selections?

Simply as they do for all generations, worth and high quality are the highest elements with regards to Millennial buy choices.

millennial purchasing decision impact

Now let’s see which of those are most vital to Millennials by forcing them to decide on simply three of the elements they contemplate.

the most important purchasing factors

Unsurprisingly, worth, high quality, evaluations, and options stay within the lead. However a model’s social media presence, whether or not a model has an energetic neighborhood round it, whether or not the model donates to charity, and suggestions from influencers rise. 

Whereas these aren’t even within the high 8 elements in Millennials’ buy choices, amongst those that contemplate them, they’re extremely vital.

How Do Millennials Favor to Buy Merchandise?

65% of Millennials choose to purchase merchandise in-store, whereas 55% favor going by means of on-line retailers like Amazon. About 1 in 3 prefer to buy straight from an organization’s web site.

how millennials prefer to purchase

On the subject of cellular apps, 21% of Millennials choose buying by means of social media, and 1 in 5 prefer to undergo an organization’s cellular app.

How Do Millennials Like To Pay?

44% of Millennials have bought a subscription for a bodily product prior to now three months, barely beneath Gen Z, however comfortably increased than Gen X and much forward of Boomers.

subscription and physical product purchases

However with regards to the cost mannequin they like, 51% of Millennials say they favor shopping for merchandise at full worth once they want them.

Alternatively, Millennials are the most definitely of any era to choose buying a product in cost installments (28%) and on a subscription foundation (21%).

Now that we’ve lined Millennial buy habits, let’s check out how Gen X likes to buy, which differs considerably from what we’ve seen so removed from the youthful age teams. 

Gen X Purchasing Habits 2022 (ages 35-54)

Gen X Prefers to Uncover Merchandise By way of On-line Search, With Different Channels Shut Behind

One in three Gen X’s say they like to find new merchandise by looking out the web, and 58% say that search is how they uncover new merchandise most frequently – tying with social media because the channel they uncover new merchandise on most often. 

Moreover, 40% of Gen X have found new merchandise by means of on-line search prior to now three months, inserting it among the many high discovery channels.

where gen x discovers new products

So we all know Gen X is all about looking out on-line, however which units are they utilizing most when purchasing on the internet?

gen x shopping devices

Two thirds of Gen Xers say they use their cell phones most for on-line purchasing, whereas 21% are on a pc and 9% use a desk most often. That is just like what we noticed with Gen Z and Millennials.

However not like these youthful age teams, the place social media is the clear favourite channel for product discovery, Gen X likes to search out gadgets by means of a a lot wider vary of channels, so let’s check out the others which have a significant impression on these age 35-54.

Tv Adverts Are Extremely Related For Gen X

41% of Gen X have found new merchandise by means of TV adverts prior to now three months, and 55% of them say that TV adverts are the place they uncover merchandise most frequently, barely behind social media and looking out the net. 

Gen x channel preferences

Moreover, 30% of Gen X say they like to find new merchandise by means of TV adverts, tying with retail shops for the second hottest channel.

Retail Has the Widest Attain For Gen X, However Digital Channels Are Seen A lot Extra Continuously

Retail is the highest channel Gen X has found new merchandise prior to now three months. However whereas 43% of Gen X discovered a brand new product in a brick and mortar retailer in that interval, with regards to the channels Gen X discovers new merchandise on most frequently, retail is behind digital mediums like social media, web search, TV adverts, YouTube adverts, and streaming adverts.

gen x product discovery channels

Does that imply that retail is being forgotten by Gen X? Not precisely, as a result of 30% of Gen X nonetheless choose to find new merchandise in retail shops, tied at #2 with TV adverts.

Nevertheless it does sign that Gen X is purchasing on-line extra usually than they go to retail shops, even when they like the latter. Whereas this may very well be about comfort, a symptom of the pandemic, or a mirrored image of our more and more digital world, you will need to attain Gen X just about whereas maintaining in thoughts their affinity for a real-life purchasing expertise.

Gen X Discovers Merchandise On Social Most Typically, Although It Isn’t Most popular

Whereas Gen Z and Millennials uncover merchandise most frequently on social – and like it that means – Gen X is a little more conflicted.

Social media is the primary channel Gen X discovers new merchandise on essentially the most, in keeping with 58% of these 35-54. However on the similar time, simply 1 in 4 Gen Xers say they like to find new merchandise on social media, coming in at #5 on the checklist of their favored channels. 

This may be defined by the truth that 90% of Gen X use social media. Whereas 14% spend beneath an hour on it each day, the remaining common 3 hours and 25 minutes of every day use. So Gen X is utilizing lots of social media and seeing adverts on it greater than anyplace else, but it surely isn’t the best way they like to find merchandise. 

how many hours does gen x spend on social

Regardless, 42% of Gen X have found a product on social media prior to now three months. On high of that, 18% of Gen X have purchased a product straight in a social media app in that very same interval. So let’s check out which social media apps Gen X is utilizing.

most commonly used gen x social apps

So Gen X is certainly on Fb and YouTube, whereas slightly over half are on Instagram, and 38% visited TikTok and Twitter prior to now three months. Now let’s check out which social media platforms Gen X makes use of most:

 

Fb and YouTube keep within the lead, a pattern that continues after we take a look at Gen X’s favourite social media apps.

gen x favorite social app

Now that we all know which platforms are hottest amongst Gen X, right here’s a take a look at how the age group prefers do uncover new merchandise on social media, amongst those that use it.

where does gen x prefer to find new products

Whereas the present pattern for promoting to Gen Z and Millennials is “make content material, not adverts,” Gen X isn’t bothered by being marketed to extra straight, preferring to see adverts on social media. However for the reason that pattern is to make adverts as satisfying and un-intrusive as doable, it’s best to nonetheless attempt to make your Gen X advert campaigns really feel genuine, enjoyable, and relatable, making for a greater expertise no matter era. 

Coming in second, 39% of Gen X additionally favor discovering new merchandise by means of social media marketplaces the place purchases occur outdoors of the app. This reinforces the earlier perception we uncovered about Gen X preferring real-life purchasing experiences, even when they’re discovering merchandise on social media. 

Nonetheless, 35% of Gen X choose to find new merchandise by means of in-app outlets, the best of any era, however remember that is solely amongst social media customers. 

Up to now three months, 18% of Gen X social media customers have purchased a product straight on a social media app, and the identical quantity made a purchase order primarily based on an influencer’s advice.

gen x activities

The impression of influencers is one other main level of distinction between Gen X and youthful generations – simply 14% of Gen X choose discovering new merchandise by means of influencers, in comparison with 25% and 28% for Gen Z and Millennials, respectively. However all three of those generations nonetheless look to influencers greater than Boomers.

what portion of generation prefers to discover products on social media

1 in 3 Gen Xers Say Firms Ought to Take a Stance On Social Points

35% of these in Gen X say firms ought to take a stance on social points, whereas 38% say they shouldn’t, and 26% aren’t positive.

does gen x think companies should take a stance

We additionally requested those that wish to see firms take a stance which social points are most vital for companies to champion, right here’s what they mentioned:

Not like Gen Z and Millennials, for whom racial justice topped the checklist by a big margin, Gen X is unfold extra evenly amongst their high points. Whereas Gen X desires to see firms take a stance on local weather change greater than another concern, reasonably priced healthcare, racial justice, and revenue inequality are all equally vital to them.

Now let’s check out whether or not these beliefs truly impression Gen X’s buy choices. Amongst all Gen Xers in our survey:

  • 42% of Gen X have chosen a product primarily based on it being made by a small enterprise prior to now three months
  • 36% of Gen X have chosen a product primarily based on it the model’s dedication to range/inclusion prior to now three months
  • 28% of Gen X have chosen a product primarily based on the model being woman-owned prior to now three months
  • 28% of Gen X have chosen a product primarily based on the model being owned by an individual of colour prior to now three months
  • 21% of Gen X have chosen a product primarily based on the model being owned by a member of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood prior to now three months

Whereas these numbers are decrease than what we’re seeing with Gen Z and Millennials, social elements are current elements in Gen X’s buy choices. We additionally requested all Gen Xers in our survey how the next attributes impression their buy choices if in any respect, utilizing a 5-point scale from a lot much less prone to more likely.

brands gen x is most likely to purchase from

  • Company Belief: 82% of Gen X usually tend to purchase from an organization that they’ll belief with their knowledge, whereas 81% usually tend to buy from manufacturers that deal with their workers nicely.
  • Financial and/or Environmental Impression: 43% of Gen X usually tend to purchase a product made by a small enterprise, and the identical quantity usually tend to purchase from a enterprise that actively tries to cut back its environmental impression
  • Reasonable DI&B Requirements: 36% of Gen X usually tend to buy from a model dedicated to range/inclusion, and 36% say a model advocating for racial justice makes them extra prone to turn into a buyer. Moreover, 32% of Gen X say they’re extra probably to purchase merchandise from manufacturers owned by an individual of colour.
  • Gender and LGBTQ+ Advocacy: 36% of Gen X say manufacturers that advocate for gender equality usually tend to get their purchases, whereas 31% of them usually tend to purchase from manufacturers that advocate for LGTBTQ+ rights.

We all know that social points are a part of Gen X’s buy choices, however which different elements do they contemplate, and that are most vital? Let’s have a look.

What Drives Gen X’s Buy Selections?

Unsurprisingly, worth and high quality are the highest elements with regards to Gen X buy choices.

what drives gen x purchasing decisions

However let’s check out which elements Gen X discover most vital when pressured to decide on simply three of these they contemplate of their buy choices.

Whether or not a model has an energetic neighborhood round it, a model’s dedication to range and inclusion, and whether or not a model donates a portion of its earnings to charity all rise to the highest. Whereas these are nowhere close to the highest elements in Gen X’s buy choices, for individuals who contemplate them, they’re extremely vital.

How Does Gen X Favor to Buy Merchandise?

73% of Gen Xers choose to buy merchandise in-store. 53% favor on-line retailers like Amazon, whereas about 1 in 4 prefer to go straight by means of an organization’s web site, and simply 13% choose to buy merchandise by means of social media apps.

How Does Gen X Prefer to Pay?

63% of Gen Xers choose to buy a product for full worth as wanted, whereas 27% favor cost installments, and simply 10% like to make use of a subscription plan.

However on the similar time, 37% of Gen X has bought a subscription plan for a bodily product prior to now three months. 

Now that you recognize all about Gen X buy habits in 2022, let’s finish with a deep dive into the purchasing habits of Child Boomers.

Child Boomer Purchasing Habits in 2022 (ages 55+)

Cable TV Drives Boomer Product Discovery

Boomers’ purchasing habits stand out essentially the most of any era. Whereas Gen X shares some similarities with Gen Z and Millennials by way of often purchasing on social media, Boomers are discovering merchandise in their very own means – by means of cable TV adverts. 

channels baby boomers use

Over half of Boomers have found new merchandise by means of tv ads prior to now three months, and 62% of them say their TV set is the place they uncover merchandise most frequently. On high of that, 45% of Boomers say they like to find new merchandise by means of TV, the best of any channel and much above another era.

Leveraging On-line Search Is Second-Finest For Reaching Boomers

Boomers fall again in keeping with youthful generations with regards to looking out the web, with 45% of them having found a brand new product by means of on-line search prior to now three months.

59% of those that uncover new merchandise by means of on-line search say it is the channel they discover issues on most frequently, coming in 2nd after TV adverts. It’s also the 2nd most most well-liked channel for product discovery amongst Boomers, with 40% of them saying they like to search out gadgets by means of on-line search greater than anyplace else. 

So which units are Boomers utilizing most frequently when purchasing on-line? 

boomer shopping devices

Not like all different generations, over half of Boomers use their computer systems most frequently for on-line purchasing, whereas 1 in 4 use their telephones extra often.

Boomers Favor Retail Purchasing Extra Than Any Different Era

44% of Boomers have found new merchandise in retail shops prior to now three months, and 38% of them say that’s the place they discover new gadgets most frequently. Moreover, 37% of Boomers choose discovering new merchandise in on-line shops over another channel.

boomer shoping channels

Social Media Falls Flat For Boomer Product Discovery

After we ask Boomers about their most well-liked approach to uncover new merchandise, simply 10% say by means of social media, and it ranks behind all of the channels we simply talked about, in addition to phrase of mouth and unsolicited mail (snail mail). 

On high of that, simply 17% of Boomers have found a product on social media prior to now three months, and solely 4% have bought a product on a social app.

Regardless, two in three Boomers use social media. Whereas a few third of them spend lower than an hour on social media a day, the opposite 65% are spending over an hour on it every day.

hours baby boomers spend on social media

However which apps are they utilizing?

what social media apps have boomerrs used in past 3 months

91% of Boomers who use social media are on Fb, increased than another era. Over half use YouTube, and about one quarter are on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. 63% of Boomers who use Fb additionally say it is the app they use essentially the most, with YouTube coming in second at 21%.

We see the identical image when trying on the social media apps Boomers contemplate their favourite, with 58% of them selecting Fb, adopted by YouTube at 20%.

boomers favorite social media apps

So you recognize the place to search out Boomers on social media, however what sort of content material do they wish to see when discovering new merchandise?

Much like Gen X, Boomers are completely content material with being marketed to extra straight, although the present pattern of “making content material, not adverts” widespread with Gen Z and Millennials is bound to enhance their expertise. 

Boomers additionally favor shopping for by means of social media marketplaces the place purchases occur outdoors of the app, showcasing their desire for real-life purchasing experiences.

Unsurprisingly, Boomers are the least of any era in discovering new merchandise by means of in-app outlets or by means of influencers, with 13% saying they like to search out merchandise this manner 

Nearly Half of Boomers Say Firms Should not Take a Stance on Social Points

Boomers are sometimes thought of the polar reverse of Gen Z, and within the case of whether or not firms ought to take a stance on social points, the 2 teams are fully at odds. Whereas 1 in 2 Gen Zers assume firms ought to interact in advocacy, about half of Boomers say they shouldn’t.

many boomers say companies shouldn't take a stance on social media

Nonetheless, one in 4 Boomers wish to see firms taking a stance on social points, so let’s check out which of them they wish to see companies converse on essentially the most.

which social issues do boomers want to see companies talk about

The social points Boomers wish to see firms advocating for many are local weather change, reasonably priced healthcare, racial justice, and revenue inequality. That is proper in keeping with the problems we noticed had been vital to Gen X, although local weather change is considerably extra vital to Boomers than another era.

Have in mind the above is simply amongst Boomers who wish to see firms take a stance on social points, which is simply 25% of them. For the remaining, social points are both irrelevant or just aren’t one thing they wish to hear about when interacting with manufacturers.

product purchase considerations of boomers

  • 20% of Boomers have chosen a product primarily based on it being made by a small enterprise prior to now three months
  • 10% of Boomers have chosen a product primarily based on the model’s dedication to range/inclusion prior to now three months
  • 6% of Boomers have chosen a product primarily based on the model being woman-owned prior to now three months
  • 5% of Boomers have chosen a product primarily based on the model being owned by an individual of colour prior to now three months
  • 5% of Boomers have chosen a product primarily based on the model being owned by a member of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood prior to now three months

Whereas one in 5 Boomers have chosen a product primarily based on the model being a small enterprise prior to now three months, identity-based points are clearly not resonating with Boomers. 

However is that as a result of Boomers being averse to firms taking a stance on social points, or is it as a result of they merely don’t contemplate them of their buy choices?

To seek out out, we requested all Boomers in our survey how the next attributes impression their buy choices, if in any respect, utilizing a 5-point scale from a lot much less prone to more likely.

purchase considerations of boomers

When taking a look at points associated to identification, from the center to the fitting aspect of the graph above, Boomers are overwhelmingly prone to say they haven’t any impression on their buy choice. A small proportion of Boomers say they’re extra prone to buy with regards to identity-related points, whereas an excellent smaller group say they’re much less probably to purchase. 

So it’s a lot much less about whether or not they’re for or in opposition to a sure social trigger – these points are merely simply not a part of their buy choices, with just a few exceptions.

It seems Boomers are overwhelmingly extra probably to purchase from firms they belief with their knowledge and those who deal with their workers nicely. Boomers are additionally extra probably to purchase from firms that donate a portion of their earnings, attempt to cut back their environmental impression, and are small companies, although many additionally say these actions haven’t any impression on their buy choices. 

Since Boomers typically aren’t impacted by ESG initiatives, let’s dive into the elements they do contemplate of their buy choices and discover out that are most vital.

What Drives Boomers’ Buy Selections?

Value and high quality are essentially the most thought of elements in Boomers’ buy choices, far above another era.

boomer purchasing decisions

However that are an important? Let’s check out what Boomers prioritize when pressured to decide on simply three of the elements they contemplate when making purchases:

Right here we see an analogous image as earlier than, with the addition of the best way a model treats its workers and whether or not a product is a necessity or a luxurious. Whereas the latter is a part of 29% of Boomers’ buy choices, simply 6% of them take how a model treats its workers into consideration, although it’s extremely vital for individuals who do.

How Do Boomers Favor to Buy Merchandise?

81% of boomers choose to buy merchandise in-store. 53% favor on-line retailers like Amazon, and one other 36% like to buy straight from an organization’s web site. Boomers additionally choose utilizing an organization’s cellular app over ordering by cellphone or by means of social media.

how boomers prefer to buy products

How Do Boomers Prefer to Pay?

Boomers overwhelmingly choose shopping for merchandise at full worth every time they want them, in keeping with 86% of these over age 55. 10% of Boomers choose paying in installments, and simply 4% favor a subscription mannequin.

Nonetheless, 13% of Boomers have bought a subscription plan for a bodily product prior to now three months:

Assembly Your Targets The place They Are

Now you’ve gotten all the information you could discover and have interaction your target market! 

Whereas this information has what you could know proper now, shopper purchasing habits change quickly – that’s why we’ll be working this similar survey each few months and reporting again on any traits you want to concentrate on. 

For an total take a look at how basic audiences are purchasing, you may also take a look at this submit on total purchasing traits from the identical survey we notice above.

And for much more knowledge on the important thing shopper traits that would impression your advertising and marketing technique within the subsequent six months, take a look at our upcoming State of Shopper Tendencies Report and downloadable PDF.  

Within the meantime, take a look at our most up-to-date analysis report beneath.

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