Before you accuse us of over-generalizing – yes, there are exceptions to every rule, but there many common characteristics that are too obvious to ignore. The consumer marketplace is comprised of five clearly-defined generations, and it’s more important than ever to understand the mindsets and influences that affect the buying decisions of each one.
There’s probably no better example of generation-driven marketing than the recent Nike campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick. While some consumers actively burned their Nike gear in protest, others hailed the campaign as a brave and important decision; one that will put Nike on the right side of history. As marketers, we are compelled to look beyond the emotion and determine whether it was a wise business decision.
Before we begin to assess the strategy of the campaign, it may be helpful to briefly overview of the characteristics of the five generations of consumers – and the events that shaped their behavior:
Traditionalists(1922-1945)
· The Great Depression, WWII, Korea
· The veteran generation
· Married and had four kids (this population growth created The Baby Boomer generation)
· Thrifty, financially conservative (see: Depression)
· Respect authority, distrust change
Baby Boomer(1946-1964)
· Vietnam, JFK, MLK, The Pill
· More self-centered than previous generations
· Sex, drugs, rock & roll
· Feminism– more women in the workforce
· Tight job market gave rise to strong work ethic (workaholics)
· Value individuality and self-expression
GenX (1965-1980)
· Cold War, Latchkey Kids, MTV, AIDS
· The first generation to strive for work/life balance
· Lived through two recessions: pessimistic, skeptical
· Least brand loyal of all generations
· Tight job market; don’t trust employers
Millennial (1981-1996)
· 9/11, Iraq War, reality TV, social media
· The most socially conscious of all generations
· Passionate, outspoken, global thinkers
· Children of Baby Boomers/helicopter parents
· Technological explosion – instant gratification
· Don’t handle criticism well (everyone gets a trophy)
GenZ (1997 -)
· The Great Recession, smart phones, multi-tasking
· The new conservatives, more traditional values
· Value authenticity and security
· Want peer acceptance
· Optimistic about the future
Now back to Nike. Was it a smart business move?
Marketing is all about sales. Nike’s core, most brand-loyal purchasers tend to be millennials, GenZ, and minorities. What does the data tell us about these groups?
· Millennials popularized the concept of making purchases based on social issues. They approve.
· GenZ is the most racially diverse of all generations. In 1980 only 1 of 10 marriages was interracial; today the number is 1 of 6. Like the millennials, they’re social justice- minded and actively volunteer to fight poverty, racism, etc. They approve.
· African Americans account for 13% of the US population, but 18% of Nike purchasers. Similarly, the 16% of the US population who identify as Hispanic Americans represent 19% of Nike sales, and at just 3% of the population, Asian Americans make 5% of Nike sales. They approve.
History will decide if Nike’s campaign was a wise one, but it is evident that the company was more concerned about touching the emotional chords of their most important customer bases than offending older generation sentiments and potential loss of revenue associated with alienating current customers. Then, there’s the simple math: Over the rest of their lives, 27-year-olds will purchase far more athletic shoes than will 72-year olds.
While it may have appeared courageous, we think that an athletic shoe manufacturer boldly betting big on attracting and creating brand loyalty with younger generations isn’t very controversial at all.
For more in-depth analysis of the attitudes and characteristics of each co-existing generation and further considerations for marketers, download our ‘Generations Explained’ overview here. We’ve used several (credited) resources that deliver insights into the changes happening in our society today and provide a glimpse into what’s in store for our future.