As we begin a new a year, retailers nationwide are using consumer behavior predictions to guide their business decisions. Here are a few of the predicted consumer behavior trends for 2008, as noted by Entrepreneur.
Food and Beverage Trends
*When it comes to alcohol, there has been a growing trend of consumers drinking less beer, wine or liquor, but it also showed consumers drinking better. This leads to speculation of more expensive drinking in smaller amounts in 2008.
*Having organic food is now not enough-with the number of "special needs" foods growing, speculators see 2008 as being full of food that is gluten-free, allergen-free or anything else-free.
*Frozen desserts are said to go fancy in 2008 with gelato and saved ice being some of the frozen treats
*Energy drinks will be all the rage in 2008 for the Millennial generation, but not just quick fixes. This high energy generation is looking for something that will keep them energized all day long.
*"Super fruits" also make the "Hot List" with such delicious ones as pomegranates, blueberries and acai. These fruits contain a wealth of anti-oxidants, an energy boost and other health benefits.
*Food is now going online with an estimate of $7.2 billion in online food sales in 2007 according to Forrester Research. This online buying gives consumers the opportunity to find foods online they wouldn't see in their local market.
Health Trends-Baby Boomer Dominated
*Health care is becoming full time with health-care staffing becoming popular among the aging baby boomer generation.
*Gyms are becoming more conscious of the numbers of Baby Boomers (and their parents!) who are looking to stay healthy by targeting seniors.
*New services are popping up all over the place for seniors as many Baby Boomers are feeling the heat of having to care for their own children as well as their parents. Baby Boomers are staying in the workforce longer than any other generation, and are looking for ways to stay on top of things. This leads to an increase in the number of products helping the Boomers keep their minds sharp on 2008.
*More and more aging seniors have a desire to stay in their home rather than a hospital as their health deteriorates, so more in-home care is becoming available as the need grows daily.
Youth Trends
*Tweens (kids ages 8 to 14) are rising in the market by taking in more than $40 billion a year according to Packaged Facts. However, they have not yet reached their older counterparts who are expected to take in $209 billion by 2011.
*Technology is the king of the youth scene with the kids crying out for entertainment NOW. If its online, new, and a name brand, kids are all over it.
*The older youth are taking in a new service as college planning consultants are becoming popular to help these bright eyed high school grads find the right place for them.
*High school athletes are also taking the market with new services such as sports magazines, mainstream TV channels such as ESPN, and networking sports sites like Sportsvite.
Green Trends
*Solar energy is all the rage as the search for an alternative energy source is in high gear. Already a $15 billion industry, solar energy is said to rose 210 percent in 2007 and is said to grow even more in 2008
*Green thinking businesses are taking in more customers by using economically friendly materials for their products
*Even pets are getting in on the green craze with organic pet food becoming popular as well as economically friendly products for pets
*"Eco-chic" is in for 2008 as the Green trend goes beyond food and paper products
Apparel Trends
*Women are going crazy over sexy and beautiful lingerie this coming year. The industry has grown 10 percent this last year according to NPD group. Apparently it's not just what's on the outside that matters.
*Sunglasses are no longer just about keeping the sun out of your eyes but are a fashion statement themselves. This industry grew 9.1 percent in 2007, said the Sunglass Association of America. These glasses are now becoming a "status symbol and a fashion accessory."
*Handbags also are going beyond function to fashion. The 18 percent rise in the Industry (according to market research firm Mintel) shows this fashion trend is not something to hide in your purse.
Author Resource:-
Charlotte Buelow is a contributing business writer for Goliath. Goliath is one of the Internet's largest collections of business research, news and information. Learn more about Goliath.
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