McKinsey senior partner Sajal Kohli discusses consumer behavior trends, emphasizing consumers' desire for value, sustainability, and experiences. The podcast also explores how CEOs use storytelling to build energy and inclusivity in their organizations.
Consumers prioritize experiences over goods, emphasizing the need for value in their purchases.
Employee engagement and storytelling are key for CEOs to build energy and inclusivity within organizations.
Growing interest in wellness and fitness drives consumer spending, with affordability overshadowing sustainability considerations.
Deep dives
Future Consumer Spending Patterns
Consumer behavior is shifting globally, with emerging markets' young consumers displaying a high willingness to spend on premium products. Additionally, the older demographic, often overlooked, shows significant spending power in experiential categories. Despite rising living costs, the middle class plans to splurge on discretionary items like travel and dining, reflecting an unexpected trend of increased spending.
Changing Dynamics of Brand Loyalty
Consumer behavior indicates a weakened brand loyalty, with a significant number trying different brands and retailers. This trend has led to a rise in private label product purchases, where consumers perceive the quality to be on par with or better than branded products. Private labels are increasingly penetrating various categories, impacting both developed and emerging markets.
Wellness Trend and Sustainability
The wellness market, driven by a global interest in fitness and well-being, shows significant growth potential, not restricted to affluent markets. Sustainability, however, takes a back seat to affordability as a key factor in purchasing decisions. Consumers are more discerning, prioritizing value for money over sustainability, with variations in emphasis observed across different geographies.
Consumer Spending Behavior Trends
Consumer spending habits reflect a shift towards micro targeting and personalized experiences. Companies are advised to invest in capabilities for understanding individual consumer needs and preferences. Additionally, focusing on storytelling and inclusive communication within organizations can enhance consumer engagement and market success.
Employee Engagement and Storytelling
The success of a company's narrative is heavily reliant on employee engagement and effective storytelling. CEOs play a critical role in shaping the company's story and inspiring employees to participate in sharing and owning the narrative. Leading by example and fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration are vital for strengthening connections with consumers and driving organizational success.
Consumers say they want experiences over goods. As always, they are looking to get the most value for their dollar. Even when it comes to sustainably produced products and services, the price must be right. On this episode of The McKinsey Podcast, McKinsey senior partner Sajal Kohli speaks with editorial director Roberta Fusaro and outlines recent research on today’s consumer: who they are, what they’re buying, and where they purchase - plus the influence of the East.
In our second segment, from our CEO Insights series, McKinsey senior partner Joydeep Sengupta explains how the best CEOs use storytelling as a way to build energy, excitement, and inclusion in their organizations.