Social Media – And Vast Amounts Of Data – Empower Thrift-Minded Consumers

The world’s population is growing more urbanized as millions of people flock to traditional megacities like New York, and also to new hubs like Chongqing and Guadalajara, in search of a lifestyle that will allow increased consumption. This is just one of ten key consumer trends reported by Euromonitor, which sees the rise of social media as a way for consumers to share ideas on living frugally – while consuming more and more – in a continued economic downturn. Other key trends: using social media to pressure brands to achieve greater accountability; using the vast amounts of data available to exert greater control over health and buying; increased use of shopping malls; and smarter shopping using digital coupons and bargain alerts.