In the turbulent economic environment, money is losing its value. Consumers are reevaluating their spending across sectors. With a looming crisis of trust in financial institutions, how are people managing their budgets? And how can brands navigate the complex relationship between value and cost?

Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

Speed and convenience have become the consumer norm. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, when people worldwide were introduced to instant access to goods and services via apps and digital platforms, the supply and demand considerably grew and splintered. The 'I need it now' culture shows no signs of slowing down, ye...

Rihanna has taken Fenty Beauty to the metaverse through a partnership withRoblox, allowing players to discover and engage with the label's virtual products. It's one of several attempts by beauty brands to appeal to younger audiences through gamified experiences on digital platforms.

Target has begun to offer free curbside delivery of Starbucks products alongside purchases, the first retailer to do so at this scale. Enthusiasm for curbside pickup has waned for shoppers post-pandemic, and many brands are increasing their offerings to appeal to convenience-minded consumers.

Inflation is affecting consumer behaviour, with cash-strapped spenders opting for smaller indulgences over larger luxury items. Brands are embracing mood-focused beauty and hyper-personalisation, while social media and online communities play a crucial role in driving sales during uncertain times.

With online stores becoming more innovative, what’s needed to lure young Americans back to brick-and-mortar locations? Following on from tracking this behavior in our Shopping Sector Snapshot, Canvas8 spoke to nine US Gen Zers to find out more about what they want from in-person retail.