Craft Focus - October/November 2024 (Issue 105)

83 CONSUMER TRENDS reliable products. Clothing and footwear retailers offering hassle-free returns and exchanges have seen a 35 per cent increase in customer satisfaction among Gen X shoppers. Technology Adoption: While not digital natives, Gen Xers are comfortable with technology and use it to research products, read reviews, and make informed purchasing decisions. Retailers providing user-friendly mobile shopping experiences have observed a 20 per cent increase in online sales from Gen X consumers. Brand Trust: This generation values trust and loyalty. They are likely to stick with brands that have proven themselves over time and provide excellent customer service. Clothing and footwear retailers with strong brand reputation and trustworthiness have seen a 25 per cent increase in repeat purchases from Gen X consumers. ADAPTING MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR EACH GENERATION Understanding generational trends isn’t just about knowing what consumers want – it’s about tailoring your marketing strategies to meet their expectations. Here’s how retailers can adapt their approach for each generation: Digital Engagement: For Gen Z, prioritise digital marketing efforts through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Utilise interactive content formats like polls, quizzes, and challenges to engage with this tech-savvy audience. Authentic Branding: Gen Z and Millennials value authenticity and transparency. Showcase your brand’s values, mission, and sustainability efforts across all marketing channels to build trust and resonate with these generations. Omni-Channel Experience: Millennials and Gen X appreciate seamless shopping experiences across both online and offline channels. Implement omnichannel marketing strategies that integrate your physical stores with your e-commerce platform to provide a cohesive shopping journey. Personalised Messaging: Leverage data analytics and AI-driven tools to personalise marketing messages for each generation. Use targeted ads, email campaigns, and product recommendations based on individual preferences and browsing history. Community Building: Create communities and foster user-generated content to connect with Millennials and Gen Z on a deeper level. Encourage customers to share their experiences with your brand through hashtags, reviews, and user-generated content contests. By adapting marketing strategies to align with generational preferences and behaviours, retailers can effectively engage with their target audience and drive meaningful interactions that lead to increased brand loyalty and sales. UNDERSTANDING YOUR AUDIENCE FOR SUCCESS For retailers to be successful, it remains important to understand who their target audience is and how they can build trust and loyalty with them. By understanding and adapting to these generational trends, companies can create targeted strategies that resonate with each group. Stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing retail landscape by subscribing to Inside Retail’s newsletter: www.springfair.com/newsletter and get exclusive insights, industry updates, and expert analysis delivered straight to your inbox. Getty Images via Unsplash Fellipe Ditadi via Unsplash

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