Generation Z. Dubbed the “digital natives”, or the first generation to grow up in the technological world with the Internet and portable digital technology.
They witnessed the transition from CD’s to IPods, VHS tapes to High Def BlueRay and eventually streaming services. Surrounded by a constant flow of new technology as they grew older, Gen Z is different from any other generation, and they know it. Gen Z is banging down doors, setting trends and changing the shopping experience.
As the first generation to grow up in this digital era, Gen Z has in many ways influenced how users shop online and in stores. Going further than buying a domain and building a website, brands need to take their shopping experience to the next level.
Today, we take a look at Gen Z’s shopping habits and how brands can adapt to them.
Who is Gen Z?
Generation Z describes people born in the late 1990s to early 2010s. Roughly from 1995-2010. Gen Z is currently around 10 years old to 25 years old. They succeed Millenials and precede Generation Alpha.
In addition to their unique upbringing, Gen Z is the largest generation, ever. According to a Bloomberg analysis, Generation Z accounted for 2.47 billion of the 7.7 billion people on Earth. This means Gen Z makes up around 32% of the world’s population. Set to outnumber the millennial generation.
How Gen Z is Changing Shopping Habits
If you were wondering why Gen Z has changed shopping habits and why brands should adapt to them, here is why. Making up a huge portion of the world’s population, Gen Z has a huge influence on the way we shop today. Furthermore, Generation Z is poised to become the most entrepreneurial generation.
Here is what many Gen Z-er’s are looking for when they shop with brands:
1. Quality Products
Different from other generations, Gen Z is willing to pay more for a better product. Even at a young age.
Gen Z values quality in a product. Furthermore, for Gen Z, a quality product establishes trust with the brand. This is the generation looking at product and brand reviews and closely watching customer service. If they see a quality product or service with great reviews, they will be sure to shop.
2. Social Impact
Gen Z-er’s are looking to connect with brands on a much deeper level. They look for brands that are trustworthy, engaging and align with their values. Brands with a clear mission and desire to make a difference in the world stick out to Gen Z.
What does this look like? Well, Gen Z is a generation with a focus on protecting the planet and making a change. They value brands with a mission, who put the environment first, focus on sustainability, break out of fast fashion and give back to their community or different charities.
Additionally, Gen Z entrepreneurs are starting businesses with social impact at the forefront and making money second. 16 year old entrepreneur Aryaansh Rathore said “I want to make a difference before I want to make money” after founding a Dubai startup which reimagines banking for Gen Z.
3. Customer Experience
When shopping, both online and in person, Gen Z is also looking for brands that will give them a positive customer experience. A brand that will go above and beyond to give customers an unforgettable shopping experience.
This is being open and welcoming, engaging on social media, personalizing the shopping process, etc. Any way you can make your customer experience better, Gen Z will notice.
4. Convenient Shopping
With today’s technology, the shopping process has become quick and easy. Need groceries? A kitchen appliance? A new suit for work? You can now order it on your phone and have it within 24 hours.
Gen Z has grown up with this easy shopping and has come to expect it. They are attracted to brands who make shopping hassle free. Furthermore, because most stores make shopping easy, this generation makes more, smaller purchases. A small order from an Instagram ad, an Amazon purchase and an in store pickup at Target is not out of the ordinary.
5. Keeping Up With Trends
Growing up in the digital age, this generation knows all the ever changing trends. And they want to interact with brands that know these trends too.
As a brand today, utilizing social media is huge to build a relationship with Gen Z. When you post trends, hire influencers, or make graphics that your followers can interact with, your audience engagement will grow. Your posts will be liked, commented on and reposted. Furthermore, your customers will remember you.
About Saw.com
At Saw.com, we love domains and everything they encompass. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, we have made it our mission to help companies and organizations understand digital assets’ role in the ever-changing internet landscape, every step of the way. We specialize in domain acquisition, appraisal, company naming, branding, brand protection, portfolio management services and more.
No matter the nature, stage, or size of your company, we believe in helping you be seen online and we pride ourselves in our transparency through the entire process. If you are interested in speaking with an expert from our domain brokerage service about buying a domain, contact us! Our domain brokers would love to speak with you.
