This article was originally published on worldtravelling.com and has been republished here with permission.
Millennial values have changed the way industries move if they wish to survive. These young people are forward-thinking and breaking with classical consumerism traditions. They have access to the world at their fingertips (smartphones), and their decision-making is based on more ethical consumerism values. Industries that thrived under the baby boomer rule are now struggling to stay alive at the mercy of millennials. These conscious customers want to know where their food and products are sourced from and the environmental impact before making the purchase.
Current phenomena such as e-commerce, online dating, and low-cost airlines coexist with the hard economic reality of low minimum wages, high housing prices, and excessive student loan debts. Millennials will search for the best, cheapest, and most ethical option to satisfy their needs. Things that were appealing to previous generations are no longer seen as practical by them. For instance, buying a gas car is considered inconvenient because it is not environmentally friendly, takes up too much space, and has expensive upkeep. If traditional industries can’t find a way to satisfy these demanding customers, they are doomed to fall and disappear.
Department Stores
Going shopping used to be a whole event in itself! We would put on comfortable clothes and shoes since we would be trying on a lot of items before deciding which one to finally get. But slowly, this started to change with the upcoming of millennials.
People now order their stuff online from the comfort of their homes. If something doesn’t fit, it’s simply returned. No need to use physical money or deal with salespeople.
Cable TV
It’s hard to understand why cable TV is still even around today. We have grown accustomed to streaming platforms where we have autonomy and independence. You don’t waste any time going through endless channels until you find some old episode on repeat, and consider yourself lucky.
You can’t pause it to go grab a snack when you want to, but you will be interrupted by advertisements. It’s easy to see why Cable TV is outdated.
Doorbells
Doorbells are slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past. There was a time when they actually needed to announce themselves at a house. But today, people talk about “doorbell anxiety” because the sound of it is considered loud and aggressive.
Millennials use their phones to text and let each other know where they are at all times. At the door, they just text “here” and that has become the rule to follow.
Golf
Golf clubs used to represent a lot more than just a sport; they would imply exclusivity for upper-class men who would pay large fees to be members of these high-end clubs. Country clubs were all the rage back then too.
Millennials, on the contrary, are not interested in paying expensive long-term memberships; they rather pay as they go. Besides, they prefer activities where diversity is encouraged. They’re just not compatible with the golf club culture anymore.
Canned Tuna
Millennials are known for preferring fresh food over their canned or artificially preserved alternatives. Canned tuna is a classic example of this situation. Fresh tuna is now available everywhere in places such as supermarkets, sushi places, and other restaurants.
Millennials are also worried about how the fishing industry has negatively affected the ocean’s ecosystem. Ethical concerns surrounding dolphins as a bycatch of tuna fishing are partly to blame for the decline of canned tuna consumption.
Ironing
Not that long ago, a crisp suit could be the defining factor in a job interview. Presentation and appearance meant a lot, and a freshly ironed shirt meant you were professional and to be taken seriously.
But in today’s circumstances, Zoom meetings have changed the way we appreciate formal clothing. Ironing our clothes before working from home is not necessary; in fact, some people even stay in their comfy pajamas for the entire workday.
Fine China
A few generations back, it was very common to choose your mother’s favorite fine china set to inherit once you got married. You could use it to impress your guests at dinner parties. But in today’s world, millennials choose not to have more than what they actually need.
They live in smaller places with a lot less storage space and prefer a minimalist lifestyle. Many of them actually sell their inherited sets to antique hunters.
Cereal
Breakfast is believed to be the most important meal of the day; what better way to start it than with a bowl of cereal, right? But the cereals people used to consume back then were incredibly sugary and contained over-processed wheat that caused sugar spikes.
Millennials prefer healthier, low-sugar, high-fiber options, such as oats, smoothies, or foods high in protein. Cereal companies will need to learn to cater to such health-conscious consumers.
Paper Napkins
Millennials prefer reusable products over single-use ones. Because of their ethical approach to consumerism, paper napkins are declining in sales. They opt for other alternatives, such as cloth napkins or eco-friendly paper napkins made out of fully recycled materials.
Their concern comes from the environmental impact of the paper industry, which is to blame for deforestation and large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Paper also generates a lot of waste.
Postcards
Back in the day, it was very exciting to receive a handwritten postcard with a beautiful scenery picture. By the end of the 90s, over 20 million postcards were sold, but with the irruption of social media, they can barely reach 6 million in sales.
Nowadays, we can instantly share a picture with a caption on our social media.
Bulk Shopping
With the farm-to-table trend on the rise, millennials have stopped buying in bulk from supermarkets and have started sourcing their food and products from local small businesses. Shopping for fresh items means shopping less and more frequently.
Millennials want to support environmentally friendly farms and buy only the amount they need. Their ethical view of consumerism is changing the game.
Pet Food
Millennials not only demand ethically sourced and sustainable food for themselves but also for their pets. This is when the fresh pet food and weekly box deliveries come into play instead of mass-produced pet food high in fat and grain that has been proven unhealthy.
The pet food industry will have to make enormous changes if they want to survive millennials.
Motorcycles
Harley Davidson motorcycles used to be a cool means of transportation as well as a pricey passion. But these days, millennials have less space and money; therefore, they’re more focused on less bulky bikes and also reducing their environmental impact.
They rather rent electric scooters from Bird or Lime that they can pick up and drop off at their convenience.
Raisins
Did you know that raisins are incredibly high in sugar with up to 59g of sugar per 100g serving? Millennials decided to remove them from their diet because of this.
They want to reduce their consumption of harmful sugars to protect their health. Of course, raisins do have a lot of health benefits and are ok to eat in moderation.
Fabric Softener
The incredible reason why the sales of fabric softeners are dropping among the millennial consumer is that they simply don’t understand what it’s for. They don’t see the need for softened fabric, a small luxury that the previous generation was willing to pay for.
Heavy student loan debt and small budgets force this generation to cut costs wherever they can.
Red Meat
Consumption of meat has been steadily going down while veganism has experienced an increase of 600%. Millennials have changed their diet due to health factors, sustainability, and animal rights. The meat industry is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions that may have contributed to climate change, and their treatment of animals is frowned upon.
Meat alternatives are becoming more available and cheaper, making it less difficult to opt for a plant-based diet.
Homes
With the skyrocketing real estate prices these past few years and the fear of settling down that haunts millennials, house sales are becoming more and more scarce.
On the one hand, they cannot afford the current property value, but on the other hand, they like the idea of being able to uproot and change locations when the opportunity presents itself.
Flip Flops
Once hailed as the epitome of Y2K summer fashion, flip-flops have seen their tide of popularity recede. What was once considered a trendy staple, effortlessly bridging the gap between casual comfort and laid-back style, has gradually been relegated to the realms of fashion faux pas.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of style, the once-ubiquitous flip-flop finds itself overshadowed by more sophisticated and versatile footwear options. The shift reflects a broader change in societal attitudes towards fashion, where what is deemed ‘trendy’ is increasingly synonymous with sustainability, quality, and timeless appeal. Flip-flops are left as a relic of a bygone era of less discerning fashion choices.
Cargo Shorts
Once the hallmark of practicality, cargo shorts have been demoted from their utilitarian throne. These pocket-laden shorts were celebrated for their functionality and dominated casual wear for men throughout the 2000s.
However, as we sail into sleeker fashion horizons, the bulky silhouette of cargo shorts has become synonymous with a bygone era of less discerning taste. Style currents now favor minimalism and tailored fits, leaving cargo shorts adrift in a sea of irrelevance. As the collective fashion sensibility leans towards a blend of comfort and sophistication, the erstwhile king of convenience finds itself marooned on the isolated island of outdated trends.
Gyms
The gym industry is changing as we speak. Although big gyms are still very popular nowadays, a big part of millennials is not very keen on paying monthly fees to go to a crowded gym. They rather pay for one-off classes where the experience is tailored to each individual’s needs.
Younger people prefer smaller environments with a lot fewer people with a focus on creative and community-oriented activities. There are many options to suit everyone’s taste.
Clogs
Once hailed as the ultimate comfort shoe with a fashion-forward edge, clogs have steadily descended from their pedestal of trendiness. These wooden-soled shoes, characterized by their distinct sound and unconventional aesthetic, found their way into the hearts and closets of many.
However, as fashion cycles rapidly evolve, clogs have been overshadowed by newer, more innovative footwear designs. The shift towards sleeker, more versatile shoes has rendered clogs a niche preference rather than a mainstream must-have. While they remain a symbol of artisanal craftsmanship and eco-friendly fashion, clogs no longer command the widespread appeal they once enjoyed. Their transition from a fashion statement to a fashion relic reflects the ever-changing dynamics of style and personal expression.
Shaved Armpits
The practice of shaving armpits, once considered an essential grooming standard, particularly for women, is now being reevaluated. This shift is part of a broader movement challenging traditional beauty norms and embracing natural body hair. The idea that women must maintain hairless underarms to be considered socially acceptable or attractive is losing ground. Influencers, celebrities, and everyday individuals are showcasing their unshaven armpits, sparking conversations about body autonomy and gender equality.
This trend towards naturalness questions societal standards that dictate how bodies should look and encourages a more inclusive definition of beauty. While personal preference continues to play a significant role in grooming habits, the once ubiquitous practice of armpit shaving is no longer deemed an unquestionable necessity.
Regular Milk
Since millennials entered the economy, milk sales have dropped over 40% since 1970. They are drinking less cow milk and prefer vegetable milk made out of oats, soy, and coconut.
They have a tendency to choose a vegan diet and don’t want to contribute financially to the milk industry that has been denounced for not treating animals with respect.
Landlines
Did you know that recent surveys show that 66% of millennials live in totally wireless homes? This generation grew up with a cell phone on their hands to use anywhere and anytime, making landlines a thing of the past.
Also, since they rent and move houses often, there is no point in setting up and fully committing to a landline number.
Lottery Tickets
You would think that because millennials are the generation that is facing major student loan debt, rising housing prices, and plateauing wages that they would buy lottery tickets in bulk in hopes of winning the grand prize and solving their financial struggles.
Well, no, they cannot be fooled by this rare chance anymore. They avoid wasting money on unnecessary activities.
Corks
Wineries have found creative ways in which to sell wine through the years. Today we can find bottles, cans, and boxes of wine in the market, catering to every type of customer and needs. But who would have thought this could mean the end of the wine cork?
Apparently, cans are sold out more because they’re suitable for the outdoors and help with portion control, avoiding waste. Corked wine is now left for the aficionados.
Business Suits
With remote work, flexible hours, and a shift to smaller offices on the rise, the business suit etiquette is almost out the door. Companies used to expect their workers to come to the office in a proper suit and keep a formal appearance.
But today, millennials don’t spend as much time at the office anymore, and when they do, it’s designed to create a relaxed informal community. Individual style won over the formal dress code.
Hotels
When millennials travel, they don’t stay at hotels like the previous generations used to anymore. This is because they rather have the experience of living like a local, so they turn to AirBNBs or sublet an apartment.
Couch surfing and hostels are also other accommodation alternatives cheaper in the price for when they happen to have a small budget to travel.
Movie Theaters
It used to be a memorable event to go to the movie theater, get popcorn and candy and watch the latest movie releases.
But nowadays, cinemas struggle to get their theaters filled. Millennials don’t want to move to another place and spend a lot of money on tickets and snacks to watch a movie they can simply stream online from home.
Toenail Trends
Millennials are steering away from neutral toenail colors, embracing vibrant and funky hues instead. This shift signifies more than just a fashion statement; it’s a form of self-expression and individuality.
Traditional shades like beige and soft pink are being replaced by bold, eye-catching colors such as electric blue, neon green, and fiery orange. This trend is gaining traction on social media, where influencers showcase their unique styles, inspiring others to experiment with their toenail art. As a result, funky toenail colors are becoming the new norm, highlighting a generational shift in beauty and style preferences.
Diamonds
Diamonds used to be forever, but now not so much anymore. The precious stone is not as sought after as it once was. People don’t get married as much as they used to and when they do, millennials take a lot of factors into consideration before buying a ring.
They are ethical consumers regarding the source of the diamonds and prefer vintage rings before generating useless consumerism. Other semi-precious gems are on the rise in popularity.
Cruise Ships
Cruise Ships used to be a dream vacation during the 90s. These big and extravagant ships would be equipped with outdoor pools, water slides, golf courses, incredible buffets, and nightly entertainment.
Everything you ever needed or wanted was already on board. But today, Millennials are looking for more authentic travel experiences. There is no need for opulence or predetermined activities.
Mayonnaise
Millennials no longer venerate mayonnaise as previous generations would in the past. In fact, mayonnaise sales have been exponentially dropping for the last few years.
This has to do with the fact that millennials are aware that condiments contain artificial additives and a lot of salt and sugar. They opt for healthier alternatives such as avocados, low in harmful fats.
Fast Food
Another big reason why fast-food chains are on the decline in today’s economy. It’s not that cheap anymore to eat a burger at a fast-food joint, so people will rather keep that money and eat a healthier meal at home.
When millennials choose to eat out, they rather go for healthier options such as sushi or poke bowls, among other fresh foods. These conscious consumers are looking to save money and also protect their health.
Stilettos
Women in the past would wear high heels all the time: at work, at parties, and even at home. But nowadays, high heel shoe sales are quickly declining due to millennials refusing to give up comfort for looks.
They would rather wear something comfortable such as sneakers or ballerina flats. Even brands are starting to focus on these comfortable alternatives.
Life Insurance and Stocks
Millennials no longer invest in life insurance and the stock market because they simply cannot afford it. Only twenty-five percent of millennials have life insurance, and only thirteen percent invest in the stock market.
Market experts believe that millennials don’t trust them with their money because they’ve witnessed the stock market crash at a young age. Their priority is rent.
Casual Dining
In today’s economy, millennials don’t go casual dining any longer. Instead of frequenting casual dining spots, they rather order restaurant food through smartphone apps.
They also prefer to treat themselves to a fancy restaurant every once in a while. Market studies show that casual dining restaurants have been on a steady decline for the past few years.
Designer Clothing
It was all about the big designer brands in the early 2000s. People would spend fortunes on big-label clothing to keep up with the fashion industry. But nowadays, millennials don’t really care about prestige or luxury anymore.
They rather spend less money and get their clothes from thrift stores instead of contributing to fast fashion and overpriced luxury garments.
Taxi Rides
Millennials are thought to be largely responsible for the downfall of the taxi cab industry. They rely more on smartphone apps, where they can get rides without waiting too much and for cheaper.
There is no need to wait on the street for a cab to appear in the distance. You can schedule a car to pick you up wherever.
Fax Machines
Fax machines used to be useful back in the day, but they have become outdated! It’s been replaced by smartphone apps that allow you to snap photos of documents and edit them online.
No need for landlines or scanners to send and receive documents anymore ever since the internet has been able to supply the new demands of document transmission.
Marriage
In the last few decades, the institution of marriage has gone through radical transformations. Society used to expect people to marry young, but today millennials choose differently. They prefer to concentrate on their studies and career first, achieve personal success, and marry later in life, if at all.
Some of them go for civil partnerships or common law marriages that offer the same rights and securities without having to sign a marriage license.
Paper Invitations
Did you know that about forty-three percent of millennials have never sent or received a hand-written letter? Since they grew up with the internet at hand, there was never a need to go to the post office and send paper letters.
Emails are immediate, can never get lost if you have the correct email address, and are more environmentally friendly.
Gas Cars
Gas emissions and lithium battery replacements that are associated with gas cars make it an undesirable option for millennials. These conscious consumers prefer a more eco-friendly transportation device.
Instead of buying a car, they side with bicycles and scooters. They save a lot more money, do more exercise, and they don’t have to constantly worry about finding a parking space.
Standard Keys, Make Way for The Smart Lock
These common things are likely to disappear within the next 20 years.
Some people’s key rings can hold up to ten keys. It is bulky and cumbersome and can become very heavy in a purse or pocket. It’s less safe than it once was, with spare keys left under doormats and fake rocks in corners.
Good news: Common keys are being phased out and replaced by modern smart locks. These digital locks come with a coded keypad and an app to unlock and lock your door from anywhere in the world.
Smartphones will eventually be phased out
Although it might seem strange, since billions of people have smartphones, but yes, they could be in danger of disappearing within 20 years. You don’t have to worry; the world won’t take people’s lives away. They will make it easier for people to use.
Andrew Moore-Crispin is the director of content at Ting Mobile. He said users could have small, connected devices on their heads, wrists, and necks. This would allow them to be connected and perform any task they wish without pressing a button.
Fingerprints and facial recognition will take over passwords
One of the most frustrating things about trying to log in is forgetting your password. LastPass and other companies have made it easier for people who misplace passwords. However, the concept of passwords will continue to decline over the next few decades.
Technology advancements will make facial recognition and fingerprints more common. In 20 years, actual typing passwords will be considered obsolete and unacceptable, especially for businesses.
Digital Payment will replace debit and credit cards
You can say goodbye to the extra plastic in your wallet. Experts predict that credit cards will disappear in 20 years. But don’t be alarmed; the disappearance or loss of physical credit cards is not the end of the world.
This is due to the rapid evolution of technology. Concepts like digital payments, such as Apple Pay and Venmo, are becoming more common. This transition would mean you won’t have to worry about losing, forgetting, or misplacing your card.
Hand-written Letter
Did you know that about forty-three percent of millennials have never sent or received a hand-written letter? Since they grew up with the internet at hand, there was never a need to go to the post office and send paper letters.
Emails are immediate, can never get lost if you have the correct email address, and are more environmentally friendly.
Autonomous Vehicles will be the end of drivers
The number of the taxi, Uber, or civilian drivers will decrease over the next twenty years. While there may be some debate over when autonomous vehicles will be available, one thing is sure: it will happen eventually.
It’s only a matter of time before these cars become standard on the roads. Tesla already has a semi-autonomous vehicle, and Ford and Volvo have their own.
Traffic will be a thing of the past
The traffic is terrible. That’s one thing that most drivers agree on. But it might seem strange in 20 years. Important fact: traffic jams are caused by people driving at different speeds.
This should be fine with the release and production of fully autonomous vehicles. The self-driving cars are supposed to drive at the same speed as drivers, even if there are no drivers. That would be amazing!
Remotes will be tossed aside
Don’t worry if you have a tendency to lose the remote control of your TV. These annoying things will be gone in twenty years. You’ll probably even find something to laugh about.
People predict remote controls won’t be necessary due to the ever-changing technology. Voice commands such as Amazon Alexa will replace remote controls. They can change channels, adjust volume, or select programs.
People won’t have anything to put in their wallets
Wallets can hold money, ID cards, and credit cards. With smartphones becoming more innovative, more people put all their information into secure apps. They just need to pull out their smartphone, scan their driver’s license, or swipe it to pay for a beverage at the shop.
As more people switch to smartphones, wallets will become extinct. They won’t be needed because there will be nothing to store in them.
Grocery Store Cashiers and Checkouts Will Disappear
Waiting in line at the checkout can make it difficult for many people to go to the grocery shop. It is a waste of time, especially if you only need one item. Amazon has once again proven that people don’t need to be there. In 20 years, there will be fewer cashiers and checkout lines.
Instead, Amazon Go is gaining popularity. With stores like these, customers can shop online, check out items, scan their phones at entry and grab all they need. These services are already gaining popularity in society, such as Instacart.
Bank Chains will Close Their Doors for Good
The American Bankers Association reports that only 17% of Americans take the time to visit a bank in person to talk to a teller, withdraw cash, or cash a check. Most Americans prefer to use their smartphone or tablet to access their bank application.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that banks are closing down and moving to digital banking. It will be interesting for 20 years to see if there are still any.
License Plate Recognition Will Take Over For Parking Meters
Parking meters will make parking a lot simpler in the future. Although inserting cash or a credit card into a parking meter is not the most challenging task in the world, it can be frustrating to wait behind drivers who need to learn what they’re doing.
Technology is improving at an incredible rate, particularly recognition software. Parking meters will likely be phased out over the next 20 years in favor of automatic payment machines that recognize license plates and connect to people’s credit cards.
It will be challenging to find large shopping malls
Large shopping centers and malls used to be the best places to shop for new clothes, furniture, or food. It seems absurd to rent a car and drive 30 minutes to view something that can be purchased online.
The overwhelming majority of people are moving away from shopping in malls. They prefer online shopping over chaotic parking and crowds. More and more malls are closing down due to this trend. They’ll likely go away for good in 20 years.
Office Buildings Are Going To Turn Toward Remote Working
Offices have changed their ways in recent years. They no longer rely on cubicles and prefer a more open, social layout. However, twenty years from now, offices may be remodeled.
Many companies now realize that remote workers can do excellent jobs, which allows them to downsize or close their physical offices and save money. This could become a common practice in the future.
The Rise of Plant-Based Diets: A Challenge to the Meat Industry
Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly adopting plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. This growing trend is challenging the traditional meat industry as it adapts to cater to the demand for plant-based alternatives.
It’s not just about tofu and lentils anymore – startups are developing innovative, tasty, and nutritionally comparable meat alternatives. From plant-based burgers to lab-grown meat, the shift in consumer preferences is reshaping the food industry.
Buying Luxury Fashion On Social Media
In the digital era, the love for luxury has found a new avenue – social media! 78% of Gen Z and 70% of millennials follow high-end brands on social platforms. Influencers are the modern-day trendsetters, with half of Gen Z turning to them to spot the latest luxury trends. Collaborations between luxury brands and online celebrities have become the new norm.
Take, for instance, Louis Vuitton’s long-standing partnership with YouTube sensation Emma Chamberlain or Prada’s association with social media star Charli D’Amelio. A significant 84% of Gen Z and 81% of millennials have confessed to buying a product spotted on social media. Talk about effective marketing!
Crypto and Blockchain: Redefining Financial Institutions
In the world of finance, millennials and Gen Z are embracing cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, signaling a fundamental shift that could spell the end for traditional banking. Digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are gaining popularity among these tech-savvy generations due to their decentralized, borderless, and seemingly democratic nature.
Meanwhile, blockchain, the technology underpinning cryptocurrencies, is heralded for its potential to create secure, transparent, and efficient systems for transactions. While regulatory and stability issues remain, the rise of crypto and blockchain represents a seismic shift in the financial industry, pushing banks and traditional financial institutions to innovate or risk becoming obsolete.
Not Buying from Non-Ecological Luxury Brands
With the escalating climate crisis, Gen Z and millennials are turning eco-conscious, with 67% considering a luxury brand’s sustainability initiatives before making a purchase. For these young shoppers, luxury is about buying less but buying better.
A noteworthy 57% believe high-end goods are more sustainable, and half reckon their luxury purchases save money in the long run. Plus, there’s always the option to resell and make some cash while reducing waste!
Making Luxury Brands More Innovative and Digital
Innovation and new tech have a special place in the hearts of luxury consumers, with 78% stating that a brand’s commitment to tech innovations is a key buying motivator. Brands are catching on, offering unique digital experiences like Gucci’s AR-enabled sneakers and Burberry’s AR-enhanced online shopping experience.
With the rise of the metaverse, 70% of tech-savvy shoppers are intrigued by the prospect of luxury shopping within it. Brands, are you listening?
The Sharing Economy: Disrupting Ownership Norms
Why buy when you can rent or share? That’s the ethos behind the booming sharing economy, driven by millennial and Gen Z consumers. From ride-sharing services like Uber to accommodation platforms like Airbnb, traditional industries based on ownership are feeling the heat.
This trend, which prioritizes access over ownership, is fostering a more sustainable, community-focused approach to consumption. As a result, industries such as car manufacturing and hotel businesses are rethinking their business models to stay relevant in this new economic landscape.
Brands Need to Step Up Their Flexibility Game, or Disappear
With the rise of e-commerce and evolving consumer expectations, the demand for seamless omnichannel experiences has soared. Modern luxury shoppers crave flexibility and convenience, be it the option to pick up online purchases from a store.
It’s a preference for 57% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials, or flexible, interest-free payment options (valued by 87% of Gen Z and 89% of millennials). To win over these discerning shoppers, brands need to step up their flexibility game!