A direct impact on brands

A SMALLER CHOICE OF BRANDS TO ENSURE CHEAPER PRODUCTS

In 2010, L’Observatoire Cetelem questioned Europeans to find out what they would be prepared to accept in order to lower prices. This year they were asked the same question. Their answers confirm the emergence of a form of activism that could have a direct impact on purchasing decisions, but also on our relationship with brands (Fig. 28). in all cases, notwithstanding the idea of doing away with cashiers in stores, the shift in opinion is significant, not to say radical.
Four of the statements put forward have seen their popularity increase by around 20 points or more.
69% of Europeans would like price reductions to be achieved by limiting the number of brands available (+22 points). 63% argue for a limited choice of products (+24 points). 51% would prefer to do without after-sales service (+21 points). And 32% would accept lower quality.
On other topics, the changes observed over the last 10 years are less significant but nevertheless reflect strong opinions on the part of consumers. 85% would opt for products presented less elaborately (+4 points) and 59% for a less pleasant shopping environment (+12 points).
Only 32% would choose to ignore the environmental impact of products, although this is up 6 points.

PRESERVING THE HUMAN FACTOR

What is even more apparent than 10 years ago, despite recent technological advances, is that consumers are still keen on the human factor. the proportion of people who prefer machines over cashiers is down 2 points (47%). And the idea of getting rid of sales staff is up just 3 points (51%).
France, Germany and Austria stand out in citing product and brand presentation and choice, as well as accepting a less pleasant shopping environment, as ways of lowering prices.
The answers given also reveal a significant generational divide, particularly when it comes to the human aspects of the purchasing process. Millennials find it easier than seniors to imagine life without sales assistants and cashiers. Meanwhile, from an environmental perspective, they signal a preference for green products.

FIG. 28 :

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HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF CHANGE

While many consumers are counting on a reduction in the number of brands to drive down prices, they also intend to put pressure on those that remain on the market. This pressure will come from all sides, based on selection criteria that will become increasingly important in their eyes (Fig. 29). As always, good value for money remains at the top of people’s expectations (64%), but this is down 8 points from 2013.
Many other criteria, all linked to sustainable consumption, are cited to almost the same extent. For example, Europeans expect products to be easily repairable (63%).
They also want brands to develop with the environment in mind, greater transparency regarding the manufacture of products, and products to be free of in-built obsolescence (59%, 59% and 56%).
The human dimension also lies at the heart of people’s expectations and future choices. They demand that jobs be protected in their country, that human rights be respected, that employees and suppliers be fairly compensated, and that values and ethics be upheld (59%, 58%, 58% and 53%).
As highlighted previously, health is one of the fundamental components of this new form of responsible consumption.
Brands are going to need to take this on board (56%).
This is a criterion that has gained a great deal of importance since 2013 (+6 points).

FIG. 29 :

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