Millennials have been blamed for running whole industries into the ground due to their buying practices. However, how much of this is true, and how much of it is generational warfare? This article looks at 17 products that millennials aren’t buying and why.
Fast Fashion Brands
Fast fashion may be inexpensive, but it comes at a high price with a devastating environmental and ethical impact, says Earth.org. Millennials are increasingly shunning fast fashion, opting for more sustainably made clothes that last longer and are made by fairly paid workers. Unfortunately, some brands are taking advantage of this behavior and lying about their manufacturing practices.
Sugary Soft Drinks
Millennials are cutting back on sugary soft drinks in favor of options that are better for health and sustainability. Instead of drinking Coca-Cola or Pepsi, millennials are choosing healthier drinks like kombucha or iced tea. They’re also opting for brands that use recyclable packaging instead of single-use plastic.
Traditional Cable TV
The shift from traditional cable to streaming platforms shows millennials’ preference for control and convenience in entertainment. With cable TV, you have to wait for a specific time to watch your favorite shows. This isn’t something younger consumers enjoy, as they’re used to getting everything on demand.
Big Bank Services
Millennials are moving away from big banks, attracted by the transparency and innovation offered by smaller banks and fintech companies. To attract customers, smaller banks offer better rates and fees than traditional banks. They’re also more understanding of the millennial lifestyle and cater to younger audiences better.
Gasoline-Powered Cars
The increasing concern for the environment has led to a shift in people’s car preferences. Millennials are choosing electric cars over gasoline cars, as they offer a more sustainable way of transportation. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says that electric car sales have gone up, and many car companies, including Tesla, have grown because of this.
Mass-Produced Beers
Millennials prefer craft beers to mass-produced brands, valuing quality, variety, and community engagement. Craft beers tend to have more unique and diverse flavors that are much more interesting than the generic global brands. They’re also usually made by local businesses, which younger people prefer to support.
Conventional Print Newspapers
As digital natives, millennials often opt out of print newspapers in favor of real-time, digital news sources. Reports show that many young people are getting their news from social media rather than newspapers or other traditional forms of media. In fact, many newspaper companies have gone out of business in the last couple of years.
Pre-Packaged, Processed Foods
As people become more aware of how food is made, they’re choosing to go with more natural, healthy options and are avoiding processed foods with additives and preservatives. They’re also choosing organic whenever possible. Home cooking is coming back in style because of its affordability and safety.
Chain Restaurants
Millennials prefer unique and authentic dining experiences over the uniformity of chain restaurants. Large chain restaurants have generic menus that are designed to cater to the tastes of multiple cultures and communities. On the other hand, smaller restaurants cater to specific audiences and are therefore able to deliver a much richer dining experience.
Synthetic Cosmetics
There’s a growing trend among millennials to choose natural and sustainable beauty products over conventional, synthetic cosmetics. They have educated themselves on beauty ingredients and don’t want harmful chemicals in their products. They also care about the environmental impact of production and packaging.
Disposable Plastics
Millennials are aware of the devastating impact disposable plastics have on our planet. They know that disposable plastics end up in landfills, polluting the soil and water, and negatively impacting wildlife. Many of them are advocating for the government to do something about large polluters such as Coca-Cola.
Commercial Gyms
Even though commercial gyms are cheaper, they offer a lower-quality experience for hardcore health and wellness enthusiasts. Boutique gyms, on the other hand, provide a much better user experience that also offers community and personalization. For many, the high cost is highly justified.
Mainstream Social Media Platforms
Many millennials grew up with social media, but that doesn’t mean they can’t live without it. After a while on the large platforms, some are choosing to do away with them completely or are choosing smaller ones with tight-knit communities. Some are even going back to old-school, real-life communities where they can interact with people in the places they live.
Luxury Designer Brands
Millennials are increasingly questioning the premium placed on luxury brands, turning instead to more sustainable and affordable fashion choices. The public in general has realized that the prices charged by big-name brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton are nowhere near justifiable. The hard economic times are also making people reconsider paying for products just for their names.
Single-Use Coffee Pods
Environmental and economic considerations are leading millennials to reject single-use coffee pods in favor of traditional brewing methods. Fortunately, many brands have come out with more environmentally friendly options that are either recyclable or biodegradable. Hopefully, we will see people choose these more often in the future.
Over-the-Counter Painkillers
Millennials saw firsthand the negative impact that opioid addiction had on the country. This instilled fear in them, making them opt for natural remedies like ice therapy and herbs instead of going for painkillers immediately. With holistic remedies, they know that there is no risk of addiction or side effects.
Lawn-Care Chemicals
You wouldn’t believe the environmental impact lawn care has on the planet, says the Princeton Student Climate Initiative. Luckily, young people are educating themselves about the topic and are choosing better. They’re going for organic options that don’t stay in the soil for thousands of years and are also safe for animals and children.