See it and Sell it First at ASI Show Orlando – January 4-6, 2025.   Register Now.

Strategy

3 Trends To Target Gen Z

Savvy and quirky, Gen Z loves technology and leisure activities. Targeting the intersection of these characteristics could help put distributors on their radar.

Gen Z – anyone born between 1997 and 2012 – is the largest generation in American history, with about 72 million people, or roughly 27% of the U.S. population, according to Insider Intelligence. By virtue of being born at the onset of the digital age, people often associate this age group with being tech-savvy and even phone-addicted, but they’re also interested in offline experiences and activities. Here are three trends to target for this young generation.

1. Pet Apparel & Accessories

dog wearing sunglasses, hat and red bandanna

In the last few years, the pet market has grown significantly. There are 48.2 million households in the U.S. with a pet dog and 31.9 million cat households, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Gen Z is particularly fond of their furry friends, and they’re willing to spend on toys, treats and accessories to keep them happy. Gen Z pet owners spend more on their pets than any other generation – around $1,885 a year – according to a recent survey from Lending Tree. The same survey notes that young adults are also the most likely generation (47%) to buy pet apparel and accessories specifically for social media posts, whether it’s a branded bandanna or Halloween costume. Breeders, doggy daycares and pet trainers are among the potential clients who could use branded leashes, collars, food bowls and other gear to attract pet-loving Gen Z clientele.

2. Boba Tea Cups & Straws

bubble tea

Boba or “bubble” tea consists of black tea, milk, ice and chewy tapioca balls – a unique drink that’s a particular hit with younger generations. “Gen Z has brought boba to the forefront of beverage innovation, and now it’s just a part of their lives,” Patrick Main, senior beverage innovator at Peet’s Coffee told the Tea & Coffee Trade Journal. Gong Cha, a bubble tea franchise, also notes the beverage’s popularity among Gen Z and millennials. In the promo industry, tap into this trend by offering reusable lidded cups with an included straw. Some suppliers even offer extra-wide stainless-steel straws with an angled tip – perfect for poking through the sealed plastic top of a boba drink and sucking up each and every tapioca pearl.

3. Athleisure & Fitness Gear

man lifting weights

Young people are the most active wearers of athleisure, according to Grand View Research. Comfort and simplicity are major factors in Gen Z style, notes YPulse, a research firm focused on Gen Z and millennials. And the generation is willing to spend on sporty clothing: Research firm McKinsey & Co. found that Gen Z was the least likely generation to reduce spending on sport apparel in the face of inflation. Gyms, college bookstores and high school organizations would all be interested in branded athleisure, but be sure to focus on colors and designs that appeal to Gen Z. “Gen Z shoppers go for unique or even messy designs and bright colors” for their athleisure, according to a blog post from print-on-demand company Printful. Consider too that Gen Z is the fastest growing demographic buying gym memberships, according to CNBC. Promotional products and branded apparel that fit in with active lifestyles is a smart way to appeal to Gen Z.