"Post-recessionary consumers are prepared to pay for products that simplify their hectic on-the-go lives," said the report's author and Company Consumer Trends Consultant, Daphne Kasriel-Alexander. "Technology plays a big part in attaining convenience, and omnichannel shopping options creates a seamless link between virtual and "real world" shops with wide consumer appeal."
According to the report, this year will also see a rise in collaborative consumption and a culture of sharing products and services, something mainstream brands are already seeing. For example, clothing brand Patagonia has collaborated with eBay to redistribute pre-owned items. The sharing mind-set has given rise to a plethora of collaborative endeavours from community gardening, to grouped workspaces, and sharing via crowdfunding.
"In 2015, the sharing economy is growing and disrupting the way in which individuals think of space and ownership. Consumers are increasingly preoccupied with access to goods rather than owning them outright," concludes Kasriel-Alexander.
The top global consumer trends of 2015: