Marketing Trends: Top Consumer Trend Predictions for 2009

As we approach the end of 2008, and businesses begin to prepare for the new year, it is important that marketers begin looking ahead to try to understand the top consumer trends that are forecasted for 2009.  There are many new changes in the ways consumers are behaving, and as a result the traditional marketing techniques are not performing as well as they have in the past.  In order to be successful in 2009, it is critical that businesses understand these changes, and are able to adapt to accommodate them.

Here are my top consumer trends for 2009.

Community Development - As 2009 begins, look to see an increase in community development, both online, and in the real world. Traditional, hierarchical social groups are breaking down, a result of the wholesale fragmentation of America. Basic needs to connect are getting met in smaller communities more directly relevant to people’s interests and experience.

Consumer Control & Customization - Consumer desire for total control is raising the bar on what products and services are expected to deliver, and customization of these products and services is going to be critical.

Thrifty Shopping - This trend is about an evolution, maturation, and stabilization of the new economy.  As the country struggles to re-gain its economic stability, new measures of “success” are emerging, with status awarded for tenacity, creativity, and entrepreneurial smarts - survival skills of this new and challenging time.

Hyper-Activity - We live in a multi-sensory, multi-tasking world.  Consumers today use cellphones, PDAs, computers, video games, and instant messaging – all at the same time. Managing the most info, and being the person “in the know” is seen as a badge of pride. Because of this trend, consumer messages are packed into every inch of time and space, vying for attention, so businesses must really find new, edgy ways to make their messaging stand out.

These macro-trends signal a major shift in consumer needs, wants, desires or passions in the upcoming year.  If you plan to successfully engage your consumers, you must understand these trends, and learn how to use them for your benefit.