Unity Marketing's look at the most important trends for marketers targeting the U.S. affluent customer

In recent blog posts, we’ve explored the top trends shaping the luxury market in 2015. The overriding trend that will impact all marketers at the high-end is that affluents have settled into a mood of austerity. One way that affluents' austere mood is expressed is in a new style of shopping which trends toward mass rather than 'class,' and preference for premium, rather than heritage luxury brands.

Customer loyalty programs are one of the fastest growing marketing techniques among various different industries. American Airlines was one of the first companies to launch a successful loyalty program in 1981, and since then, loyalty programs have only increased in popularity and diversity. Because such programs are so common, not to mention the number of types of loyalty programs to choose from, it is important that you use market research to help you understand which program works best for your organization.

Deciding on a price for a product or service is one of the most important decisions for any organization. Because companies need to cover their costs, it is vital that the price of an item is high enough to cover expenses, but not so high that customers won’t be willing to pay for the product. There are many market research techniques that are important to determine the best price point for any given product.

Unity Marketing's look at the five most important trends for marketers targeting the U.S. affluent customer in 2015

The American affluent shoppers – those with the money that affords them the opportunity to buy luxury goods – are caught under a dark cloud of austerity. In my last blog post, Affluent Austerity: Top Trends Shaping the Luxury Consumer Market in 2015, the trend toward affluent austerity was explored. It is this trend that is giving rise to the second most important luxury trend for 2015:  Affluent consumers are expressing luxury in a brand new style.

New technologies and trends are projected to make big changes in the retail and consumer goods industry for 2015. Trends are going to change the customer experience both in store and from home. Some of the biggest trends include: product customization, increased self-serve options, industry crossover, and increased mobile app usage.

To market effectively to customers, brands are going to need to market in new and innovative ways. Some of the biggest marketing trends that are expected to pop up in 2015 include the personalization of campaigns, creative content, use of videos, and building relationship with customers through big data.

Even with all the different traditions and customs, one thing remains consistent during the holiday season: consumers shop. For almost all retailers, the end of the year holiday shopping brings in the biggest profits all year long. Presents, decorations, food, and many more items are purchased in abundance to prep for days spent with families and gifts for loved ones.

Unity Marketing's look at the five most important trends for marketers targeting the U.S. affluent customer in 2015

The United States affluent consumer has never been more important to luxury brands worldwide. While the BRIC developing country markets for luxury (i.e. Brazil, Russia, India, China) grab all the headlines, the United States is by every measure the market that counts the most. The U.S. has eleven times more millionaires than China -- 11.53 million in 2013 according to the Federal Reserve Board vs. 1 million in China, as reported by Shanghai-based Hurun Research Institute.  

Advertising in the United States generated revenues of $39.1 billion in 2013. Companies and organizations of all sizes use advertising to reach their target market and inform them of their products and promotions. However, a specific form of advertising, and a sometimes less popular form, that focuses on the brand rather than highlighting products is corporate advertising.