Surveys

9 Things to Know About Generation Z

SurveysJan 27, 2017

9 Things to Know About Generation Z

With a global population set to reach 2.6 billion by 2020 and access to $44 billion in buying power, jewelers will want to take notes on this generation.

New York--Forget about millennials (for now). There’s a new generation coming of age to whom retailers will want to pay attention.

Generation Z is defined as those born after the mid-1990s until the early 2000s, meaning they are about 21 to 13 years old right now.

The global Gen Z population is set to reach 2.6 billion by 2020, according to the National Retail Federation, and with access to $44 billion in buying power, this group is definitely going to have a say in the future of retail.

The NRF, along with the IBM Institute for Business Value, recently released the results of the “Uniquely Gen Z” study to gain insights into the generation. The study is based on findings from more than 15,000 consumers ranging in age from 13 to 21 across 16 countries.

Though Gen Z is the first “digitally native” generation to grow up without knowing the world before cell phones, smartphones and other digital devices, the study shows that members of this generation still do like to shop in brick-and-mortar stores.

“They appreciate the hands-on experience of shopping in a store. With technology constantly evolving but some shopping habits remaining the same, retailers need to be agile enough to serve both needs,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.

Here are nine insights into how the members of this generation operate from “Uniquely Gen Z.”

1. They do shop in stores. According to the study, 67 percent of Generation Z’ers shop at brick-and-mortar locations most of the time, while another 31 percent indicated they shop in stores some of the time, which means 98 percent are visiting stores at some point.

2. They spend. Seventy-five percent say they spend more than half of the money that is available to them each month.

3. They demand quality. The study found that 52 percent of Gen Z’ers will move their loyalty to another brand if quality isn’t up to their standards.

4. They want retailers to get the basics right. The study also shows that 66 percent of consumers in this age group view quality and availability as the most important factors when they’re deciding among brands; 65 percent focus on value as well.

5. Not surprisingly, they spend a lot of time on the web. Survey results showed that 74 percent of Gen Z consumers spend their free time online. Twenty-five percent are online for five hours or more every day. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

6. Phones are for family and friends, but could also be for brands. According to the study, 73 percent use their phones to text and talk to those closest to them, but they’re willing to extend their conversations to brands--36 percent indicated they would create digital content for a brand, 42 percent would play a game online as part of a campaign and 43 percent would take part in product reviews.

7. A seamless mobile/digital experience is necessary. By now, a good experience on a brand or retailer’s website on any device should be standard, but it’s especially important to this generation. Sixty-two percent won’t use apps or website that are difficult to navigate and 60 percent won’t use them if they’re too slow to load.

8. They don’t want to share personal info unless they know where it’s going. It’s not uncommon for companies to collect information through their websites, but this generation wants to know how things like health and wellness, location, personal life or payment information are being used and how they’re being protected. Less than 30 percent will share information if they don’t think it is being stored securely.

9. They like to engage with brands online. This is especially true when said brands create an interactive environment for shoppers to create their own experiences. As retailers develop sites that do this, they’ll be able to capture Gen Z ideas for new products, services and experiences.

The Latest

The Nordstrom Men’s Store in New York City
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B Deal

Members of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.

Boucheron Las Vegas Storefront
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las Vegas

The brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.

B & B Fine Gems gemstone suite
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.

ride_or_die_1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday Campaign

A Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingDec 24, 2024
Gemfields to Temporarily Suspend Emerald Mining

The move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.

Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Tyrese Maxey The 1916 Company campaign
IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New Campaign

The retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.

Jewelry by Sorellina, Francesca Villa, Cece Jewellery, Retrouvai, Ray Griffiths, Cartier, Cocoerow Fine Jewelry, and Gumuchian
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

GIA emerald report
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald Reports

Lab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.

Ella Klein Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein Internship

Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.

Retrouvai Green Sapphire and Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring for Charity
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for Charity

In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

Two people in a rowboat
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat Escape

The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.

2488-carat diamond found in Botswana
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name

The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

alexandrite ring
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s

The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.

Tiffany & Co. pocket watch gifted to captain of the Carpathia
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co.

More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

Chanel Quilted Stars Necklace
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.

Frank Circelli
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.

Blue diamond ring
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’s

The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.

Stock image of a gavel, handcuffs, and books
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison

The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.

Cover of the new book “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance”
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings

“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.

Rolex store on Rodeo Drive
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo Drive

Gearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.

GCAL 8X pear and marquise-cut diamonds
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes

The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy