Consumer Trends:Buy-cotting and Up-Cycling

Environmental concerns and scrutiny of corporate ethics have led many shoppers to think twice about what they allow into their homes. Here are two examples of significant trends among consumers:Buy-cotting is the opposite of boycotting. Consumers choose to purchase products manufactured by companies that have made a commitment deemed virtuous by the shopper – such as contributing to a charitable organization, abiding by a fair-trade practise, or adhering to a particular human resources policy. In fact, this trend isnow supported by an app that allows shoppers to instantly scan a bar code with their smartphones to discover a company’s and its subsidiaries’ ethical track record before making a purchase decision. Up-cycling is an extension of the “reduce, reuse, recycle”mantra. Consumers who have become intent on avoiding the purchase of newly manufactured items (particularlyfurnishings and decor) will rely on finding stylish or funky items cast off by others. The idea is to repurpose what you have but don’t need, or trade it in for something better – but always with an electric sense of fashion or design in mind.To avid up-cyclers, a tasteful mish-mash of retro styles is considered the ultimate in chic upscale decor.