12 Consumer Trends for 2012

1. “MADE IN CHINA” HAS NEW MEANING

Chinese buying and spending power will be even more prominent than before – on a worldwide level.  Tourist attractions, hotels, entertainment companies, travel destinations and city centres will need to start accommodating specifically to the flocks of Chinese visitors, investors and business leaders to their country.

The turning point of the “sleeping economical giant” will begin to show itself as “Made in China” production lines and efficient manufacturing will gain immense world credibility as Western society consumers become increasingly aware that 90% of their household goods, furniture, possessions, electronics and material resources are “Made in China”.  On a global economy front, more people will realize the fact that the US is in debt to China.  The Beijing 2008 olympic games was a classic example of how efficient, organized, creative and productive China really is, the entire operation was a complete success as the China outdid itself on the world stage, and put any of the underestimating critic speculations to rest.  They did so well on the 2008 Olympics that London, England has big shoes to follow for the olympic games in 2012.

2.  DIAGNOSE ME MYSELF AND I

Modern society consumers are becoming increasingly aware that Western medicine and Over the Counter (OTC) pharmaceutical drugs have its limitations and are seeking alternative natural health methods, personal health applications/widgets (googling their sign and symptoms) and alternative remedies for them to attain optimal health.  Natural health and wellness is the next big thing as more people find more wholesome and authentic ingredients in their diet, more fresh and hormone-free produce, more natural health food stores, more alternative and mind spirit wellness treatments e.g. massage therapy, holistic and healing therapies.

Conventional medicine is too reactive and invasive (in the case of surgery) for many of the common ailments today, with the masking of signs and symptoms being more important than getting to the root cause of the problem.  Many of the synthetic drugs available in pharmacies today, OTC and prescriptions will only address the pain, symptoms and side effect conditions of the underlying ailment – therefore weakening the natural immune system, disrupting the natural body cycles of digestion, respiratory, nerve and blood circulation.  Conventional medicine troubleshoots the condition “as it is” without taking into consideration the medical history, lifestyle variables and other impacting factors.  The ideal personal health scenario would be to utilize both conventional and natural health methods that complement each other.  Natural health medicine allows the individual to be more proactive and alert about their health status, as well as the ability to address the root cause of the problem – mental, physical or emotional stress that is having an effect on the physical body, a genetic issue, eating disorder, or lack of exercise problem.

3.  DEALS DIVA “ONLY ON SPECIAL, DEALS, COUPONS, SAVINGS”

The economy crisis has effected everybody, regardless of economical status, financial wealth, location, colour or creed.  Therefore spending habits are tighter than ever before as consumers think twice about making the trip to the local store or shopping mall because of high gas/fuel prices, parking expenses and the fact their spending power is at its all time low.  Hence the rise in Deal of the Days, Groupons and more that bring location-based special offers, deals and savings to the consumer.  Thanks to the Internet for the ability to browse before buying, consumers can literally plan out their 2-hour shopping spree based on which store location, closing time, whether the product is in stock, the parking availability, the traffic route and whether there is an in-store special for the product.  Flyers and coupon shoppers are empowered more than ever before as brand power has very little significance to the average consumer who knows that they can buy the same premium product for half its price from the value brand alternative.

4. MONEY AND CURRENCY FLATLINES

The rate of exchange between countries is so marginal that whether you buy your product in Euro, US Dollars or Canadian Dollars the conversion power is no longer there.  Since a cashless society is within our fingertips as most transactions are performed on credit cards, electronic payments (Paypal), point system based (pronumerism) and loyalty card redemptions – it is no wonder why the tangible concept of “cold hard cash” is quickly becoming a thing of the past.  The size of somebody’s wallet is basically a string of numbers on a digital screen (Google wallet), that affirms to them that they have “$10,000” in their current chequing account or “$50,000” in their savings account.  What if there was a worldwide “financial system crash” that invalidated our online bank statements, our bank accounts, our cash flow, our monetary worth – how would we prove that we did have $50,000 in our virtual savings account?  That’s why it is better to invest in something tangible – cash out your money and buy a car, house, metal or piece of land.  On a personal level, people are realizing that money doesn’t make the world go around – in fact it is compassionate love to the people around you.  Money will not be the way in which exchange goods and services, instead people will trade compassionate giving and barter the exchange of their skill sets, expertise and time e.g. knowledge, information, companion, consulting, etc.

5.  RECYCLE MY COMMERCE

Consumers are empowered by the likes of Facebook social networks, and classified sites such as Kijiji, Craigslist and Gumtree as they have realized that their “trash” is someone else’s “treasure” since the cycle of life means that this portable heater or futon bed may no longer be useful to my current living situation but would be critical to that student down the street.  The Internet bridges people’s lives together, helps people to connect in new ways they wouldn’t otherwise connect, and that includes even a neighbour living on the same floor in your apartment building, an old woman living in your local community or an oversea friend that is going through the same stage in your life.  Therefore purging their belongings and simplifying their lifestyle is much easier than before as they can now sell off their belongings, objects or electronics they no longer use, and buy new “used” goods that meet their needs for 30% of its new retail price.  Consumers are empowered to be selective when it comes to furnishing their home, taking advantage of sample sales for their fashion, accessories and craft needs – and shopping around for the best deal on that particular espresso storage bench.  Making one’s house a home doesn’t need to be drastically expensive, with a creative eye for design, comfort and style – one can dress up their living space with a simple, cozy and inviting design – remember less is more when it comes to a clutter-free and welcoming design.  Thrift stores such as Good Will, Salvation Army, Factory Direct and the like will be the new way to go as people begin to recycle their belongings more often, and also purchase new possessions from the used stores or classified sites.

6. MORE MOBILE PHONES PER HOUSEHOLD THAN TOILETS

77% of the World Population have a Mobile Phone but only 38% have access to a Toilet.  Children are getting their first cellphone at the age of 7 as a way for their parents to keep an eye of them, communicate their where abouts and arranging pick ups and drop offs to school or their extra curricular activities.  With the advent of smartphones, consumers use their personal handheld devices for multiple functions e.g. searching the closest Wal-Mart to their current location, looking up the best Italian restaurant within their 2 km radius, playing a mobile game while waiting for their dental appointment or simply making a phone call to a friend.  The lines between desktop and mobile are thinning as every web network, web site or content provider has a mobile application that directly taps into the consumer’s mobile device, their preferences and specialty interests.  Texting, Facebook Messaging and Social Media Applications are the most popular ways of communicating between family and friends in social circles and enable the real world to intercept with the virtual world making the digital lifestyle a way of life.

7. NOSTALGIC “BACK IN THE DAY OR OLD TIME’S SAKE” MEMORABILIA

60% of the world population will begin to experience more feelings of childhood nostalgia (home-coming, returning to a home like setting or to miss that feeling of “home”), reliving fond memories of their past, people they knew back home, songs they heard, the food they ate and shared with their siblings, games they played with neighbourhood friends and a constant reminder of their natural creative talent whether it was their music abilities, natural love for art and design, photography or cooking – these are all creative expressions of their inner most passion and unique identity.  As we all begin to raise our awareness and realize that we are all co-creators and manifestors of the world we live in, of the universe that we are part of, this journey of “returning to the source” of our creation will fuel many answers to be sought around “who we really are?”, “why are we here” and “the meaning of life”.

8. NATURAL RESOURCES MELTDOWN

World governments and consortium agencies have done a fantastic job at creating false scarcity with some of our life essential and critical natural resources: energy/gas/oil, water, air, food, natural medicine and more.  Mankind has a way of monetizing and making these essential necessities of life a commodity that they can chop and dice up into a premum and privilege service that only the well-off can afford.  It is every human’s birth right to live a life of fulfilment, equality and vitality, when really these natural resources should be available to every living being on the planet.

Between this world governed fictitious scarcity, and the perceived “lack of freshwater”, “shortage of oil” and the rising costs of living – in conjunction with mankind’s disregard for Mother Earth’s beauty, energy, resources and living beings (plants, animals, nature, climate, environment, oceans) – there is bound to be a disastrous meltdown, a natural disaster in the near future that could paralyze 2/3 of the world’s population access to energy and fresh water – making it detrimental to human life.  This is a classic example of mankind’s efforts to bite off it’s nose to spite its face – where greed outruns humility and compassion.

9. SUPERFOODS FOR SUPERBUGS

The flu, stomach bug and cold viruses are constantly evolving as newer strains of the common cold develop exponentially and become more pervasive, and the airborne potency of these viruses become so persistent that even the most effective OTC drugs, medication, antibiotics and conventional prevention methods will not be able to keep up.  There will be more superbugs developing that the pharmaceutical companies will not be able to keep up with the new strains that are constantly evolving month over month and year over year, and eventually into a future pandemic or epidemic.   OTC medication that masks the symptoms will eventually weaken our immune systems so much that our natural defences would be compromised and disfunctional.  There fore, there will be more need than ever before for super fruits and super foods that have the natural elements that we need to prevent and fight off the common cold, viruses or stomach bugs.  Such natural power foods aka superfoods include Quinoa, Turmeric, Acai Berry, Cinnamon, Goji Berry, Kefir, Cocoa, Pomegranate and many more.  These foods will become even more essential in our diet to neutralize the effects of the processed nd synthetic chemicals and to also strengthen our immune and promote optimum health.  Since the vital nutrients, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants are not present in the mass-produced factory-farming food that is available in the North America and UK food systems, people will look for natural alternatives to some of the most common and substantial food types and food groups – local and freshly baked bread, organic meat, organic milk and dairy, sprouting, growing their own crop gardens, seeking local farm produce, more exotic fruits, vegetables, pulses and grains that offer these essential fatty acids and nutrients.  Mona Vie has a health beverage that is rich in anti-oxidants, nutrients and delivers 13 servings of fruits and vegetables – such natural juices will be bigger than ever before as people become clued in as to the vital nutrients our bodies need.

10. GRATTITUDE VS. GRUMPY

There will a such noticeable contrast of people’s moods and temprements specifically in public places like in the line up at the grocery store, in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, on the subway train, coming across various service staff in one’s day-to-day errands, commute and more.  Either these people will be generally grumpy, obnoxious, judgemental, unapproachable or hasty with very little time to even yield at the stop sign, talking so loud on their cellphone in the Starbuck’s line up that they would shout their coffee order to the unsuspecting sales staff or just plain right rude and inconsiderate to the people around them.  Or on the other end of the spectrum people would be consistently and extremely friendly, appreciative, approachable, compassionate, patient and welcoming to others around them.  That said, there won’t be a happy medium anymore since people have either become so cold, cut off and emotionless in their busy life that they literally go through life too pre-occupied by their own ego to notice what’s around them and that their life is quite empty and has very little meaning.  Chances are that the people living a life of grattitude would be so empathetic, compassionate and giving towards the self-absorbed people, that these people wouldn’t even notice or acknowledge receipt of this unconditional kindness – making a recipe for disaster when it comes to everybody becoming more compassionate and loving to one another and making the world a better place.

11. INTROSPECTIVE AWAKENING

More people will begin to experience a form of spiritual awakening, a wake up call, near-death experience, inner emotional cleansing or drastic event that will lead them to a defining moment of change or a deep realization that they are in fact a creative, passionate, heartfelt and soul-driven being.  Up until this point these people would have been in a state of automatic living, progressing through a life based on the idealogy, rules, limitations and boundaries set by parents, teachers, mentors and society.  When this initial awakening occurs, a thorough evaluation of their life will take place, whereby introspection of their inner most feelings, passions, creativity and experiences will be scrutinized, surfaced and released.  When this purge and release action takes place and all their fears and vulnerabilities are overcome, then these people will feel a life freedom with no limitations that isn’t based on monetary or material possessions but a more meaningful life that is humble, compassionate and spiritually-rich.

12. TECHNOLOGY AS A BASIC NECESSITY

Technology has already proven how it can simplify our lives, whether it is in the area of personal life management, organization, contact list management, location-based services, staying in touch with friends or for entertainment and specialty interest purposes – technology is going to be around for a very long while.  Imagine being able to bump the You Tube feed from your iPhone straight to the wifi-enabled LED TV in your living room, or to sync up your Contacts across all devices over the network (so when your squash partner change’s his/her phone number – it automatically gets updated in your address book), or being able to put your children to sleep by reading an ebook to them via a video conference call while you finish off your late business meeting.  Studies show that the average working parent only has 20 minutes in a given day for downtime, relaxation or some form of personal entertainment – that’s after 8 hours of work, commuting back and forth, cooking dinner, putting the kids to bed and taking care of their own personal hygiene and needs.  Technology can help us save time and save money in our day-to-day lives, it all depends on how we chose to utilize the Internet and technology in a smart manner so it doesn’t replace those things that matter most in life, and that is quality time and spending that face time with a loved one and showing how much you really do care in such a busy world.  The Internet will become an essential service as it is proved itself to be more reliable, effective and robust than the legacy phone lines and communication infrastructure in times of crisis.

 

 

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