trendwatching.com's 11 Crucial Consumer Trends for 2011

LONDON, December 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the world's leading trend firms, trendwatching.com scans the globe for emerging consumer trends, insights and related hands-on business ideas. Its free monthly Trend Briefings get sent to more than 160,000 business professionals in 180+ countries.

Find a very short summary of the 11 trends here, or read the full trend descriptions at:

http://www.trendwatching.com/briefing

1) RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

In 2011, expect companies to monitor consumers' public moods and act upon them with RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS...

2) URBANOMICS

Are brands ready for hundreds of millions of more daring, more experienced, urban consumers?

3) PRICING PANDEMONIUM

Flash sales, group buying, GPS-driven deals: in 2011 pricing will never be the same...

4) MADE FOR CHINA (IF NOT BRIC)

In 2011, expect an increasing number of 'Western' brands to launch new products or even new brands dedicated (if not paying proper respect) to consumers in emerging markets...

5) ONLINE STATUS SYMBOLS

Brands can't go wrong supplying their customers with any kind of symbol, virtual or 'real world', that helps them display to peers their online contributions, creations or popularity...

6) WELLTHY

Growing numbers of consumers will expect health products and services in 2011 to prevent misery if not improve their quality of life, rather than merely treating illnesses and ailments...

7) SOCIAL-LITES

Watch as consumers become curators: broadcasting, compiling, commenting, sharing and recommending content, products, purchases, experiences to both their friends and wider audiences...

8) EMERGING GENEROSITY

In 2011, brands and wealthy individuals from emerging markets will increasingly be expected to give and care versus just sell and take...

9) PLANNED SPONTANEITY

For connected, real-time loving, urban consumers who have little experience of making (or sticking to) rigid plans, 2011 will see full-on PLANNED SPONTANEITY...

10) ECO-SUPERIOR

When it comes to 'green consumption' in 2011, expect a rise in products that are not only eco-friendly, but superior to polluting incumbents in every possible way...

11) OWNER-LESS

2011 could be the year when sharing and renting really tips into mainstream consumer consciousness as big brands and governments put their weight behind this cultural shift...

View the full trend descriptions, including examples of brands from around the world already making the most of these trends at:

http://www.trendwatching.com/briefing

Notes to editors:

For further insights or quotes, please feel free to email Henry Mason (Head of Research & Analysis) at [email protected]

SOURCE trendwatching.com