DeVries Global releases new study revealing that despite constant change, Gen Z craves stability and familiarity
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, DeVries Global, the first cultural communications agency and an Interpublic Group (IPG) company, released findings from its three-part Generation Z (those born between 1995 and 2015) study uncovering new behavioral patterns and purchase motivators. The study sought to better understand the preferences, beliefs and behaviors of Generation Z and identify how this generation thinks about the world, how that shapes their opinions about brands and how companies can take this understanding to attract this audience at a critical moment as they amass spending power.
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DeVries Global, the first cultural communications agency and an Interpublic Group (IPG) company, released findings from its three-part Generation Z (those born between 1995 and 2015) study uncovering new behavioral patterns and purchase motivators. (Photo: Business Wire)
“For good or for bad, shifting gears quickly between choices, topics, personas and emotions is a way of life for Gen Z and the only one they know. This native ability has led to their reputation as a generation that can’t commit to anything, who aren’t loyal to too much for the long term, and who are constantly seeking out the new. However, our research showed the opposite is true. They actively seek out the familiar and the consistent and exhibit trust in, of all things, brands – at a level that may surprise people,” said Colby Vogt, Global EVP, Business Intelligence at DeVries Global.
Among DeVries Global’s key findings:
The world of Gen Z is constantly shifting
This constant change leaves them craving the familiar…and familiar brands
However, it is not enough to be familiar, to win favor with Gen Z, brands also must be clear about what they offer the world, offer it consistently and try not to shift too much. When asked what is most important to them when thinking about what brand to buy, the top three attributes, after “value,” were “they are consistent,” “they are familiar to me” and “they care about making the world a better place.”
“Brands might assume that a younger, social media-driven audience favors trendy, surprising and popular brands, but our findings indicate otherwise,” said Loretta Markevics, Chief Strategy & Creative Officer at DeVries Global. “We know that Gen Z is looking for more from brands in general. They want a reason to belong to their brand’s tribe and demonstrable actions from a brand that reinforce to Gen Zers they made the right choice. This connection at a values level is tablestakes for an audience that craves not just brand connection but familiarity and consistency. Companies that understand this will see tremendous value from this audience.”
Brand loyalty is not dead it’s just different…it’s about commitment
“Gen Z is clearly looking for some of the stability and predictability they are missing in their daily lives to be delivered by brands. Those that deliver, garner initial support from Gen Z, but to sustain that support, Gen Z wants a two-way relationship with brands. Loyalty used to be defined as buying the same brand over and over. It was commerce-driven. Today, it is not one-way and it certainly isn’t just about purchasing. There is an expectation from Gen Z of a deeper value exchange between them and brands. Gen Z wants more than a brand fling they buy into, they want two-way commitment,” said Markevics.
Are brands ready for commitment?
“If you think you’re ready to start a truly committed relationship with Gen Z, at the very least, do these three things now – Bolster your YouTube presence. It is their search engine, so if you’re not there, they likely won’t find you. Ensure others are talking about you. Gen Z says the clout of influencers will only increase in the future. And lastly, get your executives walking the talk. Gen Z sees company and brand as virtually the same and they follow business executives at a higher rate than any other generation. So get your executives talking in a language Gen Z will understand and appreciate. Even small changes can increase your chances of Gen Z commitment,” added Vogt.
About the Gen Z study
The first in DeVries Global’s series of surveys kicked off in July 2019. It included 2,470 consumers (1,193 Gen Z respondents between 15-24 years old) in addition to 1,277 consumers in other generations for comparative purposes. Researchers went back in the field to validate hypotheses developed from the initial survey with two follow-up phases with 510 and 546 Gen Z respondents respectively. Research fielding concluded in fall 2019.
About DeVries Global
DeVries Global, headquartered in New York City, is an integrated communications firm with offices in Beijing, Berlin, Chicago, Dallas, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, Singapore and Taipei. The agency’s longstanding heritage of excellence in consumer marketing and communications is rooted in its mission to decode culture, which has driven award-winning work with respected brands across beauty, fashion, wellness, consumer packaged goods (CPG), travel and tourism, wine and spirits, food and beverage and consumer technology. DeVries Global offers seamless global capabilities while maintaining a client-centric boutique sensibility. DeVries Global is part of Interpublic Group (IPG).
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Alessandra CarrieroDeVries Globalacarriero@devriesglobal.com (212) 546-8515 Judith HoSangDeVries Globaljhosang@devriesglobal.com (212) 546-8654
Source: DeVries Global