Gen Z Likes Buying Fashion in Brick and Mortar Stores, LIM College Study Reveals

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Feb 27, 2019, 09:30 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the results of a recent LIM College survey, Generation Z, in contrast to their predecessor generational group, Millennials, likes shopping in stores more than online. They also patronize all types of "brick and mortar" retail destinations—department, specialty/fast fashion, neighborhood and outlet stores—more frequently and are spending more on fashion than Millennials spend.

When asked, "If you were given a $1,000 gift certificate and were to spend it on one product or service category, which would it be?", 40% of the Gen Z respondents said they would buy apparel and accessories. This compares to just 23% of Millennials.

In addition, nearly 60% of the Gen Z'ers surveyed update their fashion and apparel wardrobe monthly or less frequently. This compares to 44% among the Millennials responding. For both groups, price is the number one purchase driver.

Aside from fundamental differences between the two generations in where they shop and what they would purchase, the Gen Z and Millennials respondents feel similarly about what they value, who they trust, their professional lives, and preferred modes of communication, according to Robert Conrad and Dr. Kenneth M. Kambara, the LIM College faculty members who conducted the survey.

LIM College is located in midtown Manhattan and focused on the study of business and fashion. Conrad and Kambara's latest study, Millennials and Gen Z: What Now and What Next? surveyed 450 people aged 15 to 38.

Professor Conrad said, "Our research reveals an unexpected fundamental difference between Gen Z and Millennials. Gen Z seems to be more drawn to 'things' than the Millennials are and they are keen to buy apparel and fashion accessories for themselves. This bodes well for the fashion industry."

"Equally encouraging for the fashion industry is that Gen Z likes to shop in 'brick and mortar' stores. There are several reasons. The younger members of Gen Z may not have credit cards to purchase online. They also want instant gratification. Yet the main reason is that they enjoy visiting the malls, seeing people, socializing and being with their friends," Professor Conrad concluded.

According to Dr. Kambara, "Over the last few years, Millennials have been craving experiences over things. The retail industry has responded and, as a result, the best malls and stores have transformed themselves into destinations with contests, events, entertainment, and more choices for food and shopping."

Dr. Kambara continued, "So, the brick and mortar portion of the retail industry has been able to evolve at the right time to meet the desires of Gen Z shoppers. Or, the Gen Z shoppers got the message about the change in stores and malls and like what they see. Either way, we believe that Gen Z wanting to buy apparel and accessories for themselves at the right prices in an experiential shopping environment represents an exciting new chapter in the great American retail story."

About LIM College
Founded in 1939, LIM College educates students for success in the global business of fashion and its many related industries. As a pioneer in experiential education, LIM College fosters a unique connection between real-world experience and academic study in business principles, offering master's, bachelor's and associate degree programs. LIM College is located in four buildings in Manhattan — the nation's fashion and business capital — giving students vast opportunities for hands-on experience and professional development. Alumni have gone on to excel at top companies, including Refinery 29, Harper's Bazaar, Barneys New York, Chanel, and Neiman Marcus.

Contact:
Melissa Krantz, Krantz & Co.
[email protected]
917.653.6716
Meredith Finnin, LIM College
[email protected]
646.218.2156

SOURCE LIM College