Tribalism

Trend - Brands are creating digital assets, platforms, and applications that originate from internet culture, viral memes, or humorous themes. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies designed for financial utility, these assets often gain popularity due to their relatability and social media hype.

Insight - Many cryptocurrency newbies have the desire to invest in trending digital assets but want the experience to be lighthearted and community-oriented. To make their tools more accessible, many innovators are designing tokens inspired by popular culture, blending financial technology with familiar themes to attract a broader audience. Businesses that embrace this approach can tap into the rising demand for informal, socially influenced finance, fostering stronger consumer participation and loyalty.

Trend - Skincare brands are launching masculine eye masks designed specifically for male consumers. These products are crafted to address common concerns such as puffiness, dark circles, and signs of fatigue while featuring packaging and branding that appeal to a male aesthetic to normalize male skincare.

Insight - Male consumers are increasingly embracing grooming and skincare as part of their self-care habits, driven by a desire to look and feel confident. However, traditional skincare products often fail to resonate with men due to a lack of targeted marketing. The pressures of modern life, including work and stress, have heightened the need for solutions that deliver quick, visible results. By introducing masculine eye masks, skincare brands address these desires while breaking gender stereotypes.

Trend - A new wave of book clubs is emerging that caters to younger, style-conscious readers seeking literary experiences distinct from mainstream celebrity book clubs. These niche communities—such as Buffy's, Library Science, and Reading Rhythms—emphasize curated literary selections, exclusive events, and subtle branding to create a sense of insider culture.

Insight - For many younger consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, participating in cultural activities is less about following mainstream influencers and more about finding authentic communities that align with their identity and values. This shift reflects a broader consumer tension between mass culture and personal curation—where individuals increasingly seek to define themselves through more nuanced, specialized interests rather than broadly popular experiences.

Trend - Though streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount + and more have transformed consumers' relationships with television, they have yet to crack the code on live events. That is, until, the recent rise of sports-specific streaming partners and services. Expanding programming into these areas ensures larger viewership, especially around huge events like the Super Bowl.

Insight - The target demographic for live sporting events has changed in recent years; take, for example, the Super Bowl -- between Rihanna's halftime show and Taylor Swift's much-covered relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, the event has begun to attract more than just football fans. This introduces an opportunity for not just increased eyeballs, but additional merchandising and programming. As streaming services develop into production houses and even media conglomerates, their ability to seize these opportunities becomes irresistible.

Trend - Popular restaurant chains are investing in solar power grids to reduce emissions across consumer-facing locations. By reducing reliance on the local power grid, and in some cases provided power to said grid, these restaurants improve their public perception by reducing environmental footprints.

Insight - Restaurants often receive criticism from environmental groups, and while the majority of these criticism target restaurant supply chains when food shipping is involved rather than local suppliers, others point out the high power draws associated with large freezers and kitchens in fast-food restaurants. In order to reduce the emissions from the power draw and appease eco-conscious consumers, restaurant corporations are investing in solar energy grids to power individual locations.

Trend - New brands are launching 0% ABV supplements designed to provide calming, alcohol-like feelings for sober consumers. Some of these supplements are flavorless and are designed to be added to a drink of choice, while others simply require mixing with water to be ready to drink.

Insight - Dry January continues to gain popularity year-over-year, particularly as the negative health effects of alcohol become more publicized, and as mocktails come more closer to mimicking the flavor and feeling of alcoholic beverages. With this rising popularity, more consumers, particularly those in the Gen Z and Millennial age ranges, are gravitating toward alternative ways to achieve a calming-like buzz from more natural sources, such as CBD or other herbal supplements.

Trend - Young consumers are deliberately seeking out analog hobbies and forming structured social groups around traditional pastimes like chess, backgammon, and mahjong. This movement extends beyond just casual interest - enthusiasts are creating formal clubs, organizing regular meetups, and building communities around these activities.

Insight - The surge in analog hobbies among Gen Z and Millennials reflects a deeper desire to combat digital fatigue and find meaningful social connections in an increasingly virtual world. While previous generations may have naturally gathered for these activities, younger consumers are more deliberately and systematically pursuing offline hobbies as a form of self-care and community building. This represents a shift from passive digital consumption to active participation in curated offline experiences.

Trend - Plush keychains and "blind box"-style collectibles are gaining traction among Gen Z consumers. Often attached to purses, backpacks, and other accessories, these toys infuse individuality into everyday items, allowing consumers to tap into their inner child through cartoon aesthetics and characters.

Insight - Gen Z consumers often seek comfort in the "cutesy" aesthetics and characters reminiscent of their childhood, using them as a grounding force in times of change and uncertainty. These consumers turn to plush toys and collectibles, which offer a sense of community and a way to express their unique personalities while navigating everyday life. Businesses that align with this desire for personal expression and nostalgia are well-positioned to attract and engage younger consumers.

Trend - Sanrio's Hello Kitty is venturing into the snacking space through a number of innovative brand collaborations. From candies to ice cream, these treats combine the character's charm with delectable flavors, allowing fans to express their love for the cartoon cat in a delicious and adorable way.

Insight - Consumers of all ages are naturally drawn to products that evoke feelings of nostalgia and playfulness, often as a way to escape the routines of everyday life. The universal charm and adorable aesthetics of Hello Kitty make her an ideal choice for treat branding that resonates with both adults and children. These products offer more than just flavor—they create a genuine emotional connection, allowing consumers to indulge in a sense of whimsy and youthful joy through everyday purchases.

Trend - Cookbook stores now operate as community-centric “third spaces” to help consumers bond over the culinary arts through events like cooking classes and book signings. This speaks to a deepening interest in food as more than sustenance; it is now a means of social engagement and personal expression.

Insight - Many consumers face challenges finding spaces to build friendships and meaningful connections outside their professional and digital networks. Transforming cookbook stores into collaborative hubs creates a welcoming, offline environment where food enthusiasts can connect and share their love of the culinary arts in an intimate space. Businesses that tap into the demand for community can foster lasting loyalty by creating spaces where consumers feel free to express their authentic selves.