Bending Reality: What's Next 2024 Shopping Trend Report
We're approaching a critical time where shoppers are no longer reacting to reality, but instead, reshaping it
In an era where economic, scientific, and political forecasts are tossed around by the instability of prediction, shoppers have emerged as the true optimists, carving out their own opportunities amidst uncertainty. Gone are the days of reactionary spending motivated by revenge and doom, where consumers sought to buy back lost time and missed experiences. Today, they're embracing innovative financial strategies with loud budgeting, seeking joy in 'fun-flation', and fostering 'buy-it-for-life' communities, all in an effort to reshape their realities, regardless of budget constraints.
With data, brand examples, and case studies, our What's Next 2024: Shopping Trend Report dives deep into this shift, offering an exclusive look at how shoppers are responding to economic uncertainty and rising inflation by transforming their emotions, communities, and relationships with brands to fit their evolving needs.
The report findings are separated into three categories, each accompanied by the relevant shopping trend signals that are reshaping consumer spending habits. The three categories are:
Bending Emotions
Bending Communities
Bending Relationships
Bending Emotions
Consumers seek out brands that recognize their yearning for joy and control in a world bombarded by overwhelming messages to buy.
Brandship: Brands are moving beyond the value of a product, to embodying brand values that resonate with consumers.
Glimmers: Shoppers are seeking mood-boosting purchases that offer a reprieve from the chaos of reality.
Newstalgia: Blending nostalgia with new contexts bridges generations, bringing back old trends to a new audience.
Bending Communities
Communities are becoming sanctuaries of self-care, building bridges of belonging to soothe feelings of loneliness.
Buy it for Life: Shoppers are leaning on the community to inform higher spending decisions.
Community Convergence: Surprising and unexpected brand partnerships are uniting diverse audiences across unlikely communities.
Shopping Across Borders: TikTok shoppers are curious about what's trending in other regions too, opening doors to greater cross-market opportunities.
Bending Relationships
The dynamic between brands and consumers is evolving, characterized by increased collaboration and transparency.
Comments to Concept: Brands that invite customers into the development process are developing stronger bonds.
AI Eases Everyday: Brands and consumers are actively experimenting with AI to resolve decision fatigue in the shopping process.
Looking for Advice in Finance: Consumers are talking about finances more casually, exchanging tips to get more from their money.
Dive deeper into shopping trends
As marketers navigate a landscape of economic uncertainties and evolving consumer behaviors, understanding these transformative trends is crucial for staying a step ahead. The What's Next 2024: Shopping Trend Report is not just a glimpse into the future; it's a roadmap for brands to connect with consumers on a deeper level, tapping into TikTok's unique community to create meaningful shopping experiences that resonate.
Download the full report now to uncover insights and strategies that will empower your brand to thrive in the next era of shoppable entertainment.