Millennial Buying Power 2017 -

The year also solidified the "Experience Economy." Data from 2017 indicated that millennials were outspending older generations on entertainment and lifestyle experiences, such as travel and dining, which provided "sharable" social currency. This didn't mean they abandoned material goods; rather, they shifted toward premiumization in categories like apparel and technology, preferring fewer, better-quality items over disposable ones. Economic Challenges vs. Market Potential

: Rather than trusting traditional advertising, this cohort relied heavily on "electronic word-of-mouth" (eWoM) and social media reviews before committing to a purchase. millennial buying power 2017

Despite their massive influence, millennials in 2017 faced unique financial headwinds. High student loan debt and lower relative income levels meant many were conservative in their savings, with many holding less than $1,000 in savings accounts. This forced brands to compete on extreme value through digital coupons and loyalty programs to secure allegiance from a generation notorious for its lack of brand loyalty. Conclusion The year also solidified the "Experience Economy