The creep-out trend is driven by a greater aesthetic shift away from the pursuit of perfection, which smacks of AI’s veneer. Next gens are moving away from the dated and increasingly unattainable, idealized “filtered look” towards Uncanny Valley, reflecting the dystopian elements of today’s economic and political landscape.
Creeping Out Customers Is the New Normal Read More »
Gen Z is a politically bifurcated demographic of stressed-out, risk-averse consumers facing career stagnation and uncertainty in 2026. It’s hard to sell the American Dream to a demographic for whom it feels unattainable.
The State of Gen Z in 2026: The Checked-Out Generation Read More »
The Shein-Alibris partnership points to a greater retail trend: product assortments as a branding move. As consumers navigate economic uncertainty, there’s a strong chance that apparel will take another hit. But people will always spend on their hobbies and interests.
Shein Gets Bookish with New Alibris Collab Read More »
Generation Z seeks out unpolished emotional experiences from brands, but the same subversive societal critiques that pique next gen’s interest may alienate traditional consumers.
Creeping Out Customers Is the New Normal Read More »
Gap is chasing relevance with beauty, handbags, and a dream team of seasoned luxury executives. But the real story is one of classic retail tension: fix the core problem, or chase the bright, shiny new thing?
Gap’s Dream Team or The Nightmare Before Christmas? Read More »
When proof becomes the foundation of brand storytelling, loyalty follows. Younger consumers are not inherently cynical. They are discerning. They want to believe, but they need reasons to.
Gen Z Wants Proof Not Promises Read More »
The winning TikTok strategy? Consumers gravitate toward products that deliver convenience, comfort, and clear value, amplified by creators who show how to use them.
What’s Selling Right Now on TikTok Read More »
Urban Outfitters is launching a new store experience—one they insist is driven by “customer insight and market preferences.” Walk in and the whole thing feels less like a modern retail vision and more like a 90s Limited Too reboot that nobody asked for.
Urban Outfitters’ New Store Design Is Far from the Mark Read More »
Bloom’s social media feeds share access to topics normally relegated to the insider knowledge of the privileged few. In so doing, Bloom makes her lavish lifestyle feel motivational for her millions of followers.
Who Is Becca Bloom? Read More »
Join Lauren and Shelley as they reveal the weak spots of a trendy business where many beauty brands are off trend out of the gate to meet the demands of savvy customers. They discuss the antiquated 18-to-36-month product development cycle, agentic AI (Chat GPT) marketing that shrinks the time between researching and making a decision to buy and will eliminate the need for traditional advertising.
Fast Tracking the Beauty Industry Read More »
