Flevy Management Insights Q&A

What are the emerging trends in consumer values that will affect positioning strategies in the next five years?

     David Tang    |    Positioning


This article provides a detailed response to: What are the emerging trends in consumer values that will affect positioning strategies in the next five years? For a comprehensive understanding of Positioning, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Positioning best practice resources.

TLDR Emerging consumer values in sustainability, personalization, and digital convenience are reshaping positioning strategies, necessitating technological innovation and alignment with ethical and efficiency expectations.

Reading time: 4 minutes

Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they relate to this question.

What does Sustainability and Ethical Consumption mean?
What does Personalization and Customization mean?
What does Digital Transformation and Convenience mean?


Understanding the evolving landscape of consumer values is critical for organizations aiming to refine their positioning strategies effectively in the next five years. The shift in consumer behavior and expectations, driven by technological advancements, environmental concerns, and social dynamics, necessitates a proactive and informed approach. This discussion delves into the emerging trends in consumer values that are poised to influence positioning strategies, offering actionable insights for C-level executives.

Sustainability and Ethical Consumption

The increasing awareness of environmental issues and social justice is driving a significant shift towards sustainability and ethical consumption. Consumers are now more inclined to support organizations that prioritize eco-friendly practices and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. A report by Nielsen revealed that 73% of global consumers would change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact. This trend underscores the importance for organizations to integrate sustainability into their core business strategies, not only as a moral imperative but as a competitive advantage. To capitalize on this trend, organizations must transparently communicate their sustainability efforts, engage in ethical sourcing, and innovate in product development to minimize environmental impact.

Real-world examples of organizations leading in this space include Patagonia and Ben & Jerry's, both of which have built strong brand loyalty through their commitment to environmental and social causes. These organizations have demonstrated that aligning with consumer values on sustainability can drive growth and enhance brand reputation.

Actionable steps for organizations include conducting a sustainability audit, setting measurable environmental goals, and actively participating in community and global sustainability initiatives. This approach not only aligns with consumer values but also prepares organizations for potential regulatory changes regarding environmental sustainability.

Are you familiar with Flevy? We are you shortcut to immediate value.
Flevy provides business best practices—the same as those produced by top-tier consulting firms and used by Fortune 100 companies. Our best practice business frameworks, financial models, and templates are of the same caliber as those produced by top-tier management consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture. Most were developed by seasoned executives and consultants with 20+ years of experience.

Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab

Personalization and Customization

Another significant trend shaping consumer values is the demand for personalization and customization. With the advent of digital technologies, consumers now expect products and services that cater specifically to their preferences and needs. According to Accenture, 91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands that recognize, remember, and provide relevant offers and recommendations. This trend necessitates a shift in positioning strategies to focus on delivering personalized experiences at every touchpoint of the consumer journey.

Organizations like Netflix and Amazon have set high standards for personalization, using data analytics and machine learning to tailor recommendations and content to individual users. This level of personalization not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and increases the lifetime value of customers.

To leverage this trend, organizations should invest in advanced data analytics capabilities to gain insights into consumer behavior and preferences. Developing a robust digital infrastructure that enables the delivery of personalized experiences is also crucial. This includes adopting technologies such as AI and machine learning for predictive analytics and personalized marketing campaigns.

Digital Transformation and Convenience

The rapid pace of digital transformation is reshaping consumer expectations around convenience. Today's consumers value speed, ease, and efficiency in their interactions with organizations. A study by PwC found that 71% of consumers consider speed and convenience as important elements of a positive customer experience. This trend is pushing organizations to rethink their positioning strategies to emphasize convenience and accessibility.

Organizations like Domino's Pizza have successfully capitalized on this trend by integrating digital technologies into their service delivery, offering features such as real-time tracking and multiple digital payment options. This focus on convenience and digital innovation has significantly enhanced their market position and customer loyalty.

To align with consumer expectations for convenience, organizations must streamline operations, adopt digital technologies, and enhance their online presence. Implementing omnichannel strategies that provide a seamless customer experience across physical and digital platforms is also essential. Additionally, organizations should explore opportunities to leverage emerging technologies such as blockchain and IoT to further enhance convenience and efficiency.

In conclusion, the trends of sustainability and ethical consumption, personalization and customization, and digital transformation and convenience are shaping consumer values and influencing positioning strategies. Organizations that proactively adapt to these trends, leveraging technology and innovation while aligning with consumer values, will be well-positioned for success in the coming years.

Best Practices in Positioning

Here are best practices relevant to Positioning from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our Positioning materials here.

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.

Explore all of our best practices in: Positioning

Positioning Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Positioning, take a look at these case studies.

Brand Positioning Strategy for High-End Retailer in Luxury Segment

Scenario: The company is a high-end retailer specializing in luxury goods, dealing with a saturated market and increased competition.

Read Full Case Study

Telecom Vertical Market Positioning Strategy

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized telecom provider specializing in high-speed internet services for urban areas.

Read Full Case Study

Brand Positioning Strategy for Midsize Cosmetics Firm in the Luxury Segment

Scenario: A midsize firm in the luxury cosmetics industry is struggling to distinguish itself amidst a saturated market.

Read Full Case Study

Telecom Network Optimization for Rural Connectivity

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized telecom operator focused on expanding rural connectivity.

Read Full Case Study

Positioning Strategy Development for a Renewable Energy Firm

Scenario: A renewable energy company that has made significant strides in the industry finds itself struggling with its positioning strategy.

Read Full Case Study

Positioning Strategy Overhaul for a High-Growth Tech Firm

Scenario: A high-growth technology firm has experienced rapid expansion in the past three years, both in terms of product range and market reach.

Read Full Case Study


Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

FREE DOWNLOAD
Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.

Download this Free Presentation

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

What are the challenges in repositioning a well-established brand, and how can they be overcome?
Repositioning a well-established brand requires Strategic Planning, effective communication, and continuous evaluation to navigate market dynamics and preserve brand equity. [Read full explanation]
What strategies can organizations employ to ensure their positioning strategy is adaptable to changes in consumer behavior?
Organizations can maintain an adaptable positioning strategy through leveraging Data Analytics for consumer insights, fostering Innovation and a flexible culture, and cultivating a Customer-Centric Organizational Culture to enhance agility and competitiveness. [Read full explanation]
What role will sustainability and ethical considerations play in shaping future positioning strategies?
Sustainability and ethical considerations are becoming integral to Strategic Positioning, driven by consumer demand, investor criteria, and regulatory pressures, leading to innovation, risk reduction, and improved financial performance. [Read full explanation]
In what ways can data analytics enhance the effectiveness of a company's positioning strategy?
Leverage Data Analytics to enhance Positioning Strategy through deep Customer Insights, Competitive Analysis, Market Trends, and optimized Marketing Efforts for improved Competitive Edge. [Read full explanation]
How is the rise of artificial intelligence expected to impact the development and execution of positioning strategies?
The rise of AI is transforming Strategic Planning and execution by improving Market Analysis, enabling Personalization, and streamlining Strategic Execution, offering new opportunities for innovation and differentiation. [Read full explanation]
How can businesses leverage digital transformation to enhance their positioning strategy?
Digital Transformation empowers organizations to improve Positioning Strategy through Data Analytics, enhanced Customer Engagement via digital channels, and increased Operational Efficiency and Agility for sustained success. [Read full explanation]

 
David Tang, New York

Strategy & Operations, Digital Transformation, Management Consulting

This Q&A article was reviewed by David Tang. David is the CEO and Founder of Flevy. Prior to Flevy, David worked as a management consultant for 8 years, where he served clients in North America, EMEA, and APAC. He graduated from Cornell with a BS in Electrical Engineering and MEng in Management.

To cite this article, please use:

Source: "What are the emerging trends in consumer values that will affect positioning strategies in the next five years?," Flevy Management Insights, David Tang, 2025




Flevy is the world's largest knowledge base of best practices.


Leverage the Experience of Experts.

Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.

Download Immediately and Use.

Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.

Save Time, Effort, and Money.

Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.




Read Customer Testimonials

 
"I have used FlevyPro for several business applications. It is a great complement to working with expensive consultants. The quality and effectiveness of the tools are of the highest standards."

– Moritz Bernhoerster, Global Sourcing Director at Fortune 500
 
"[Flevy] produces some great work that has been/continues to be of immense help not only to myself, but as I seek to provide professional services to my clients, it gives me a large "tool box" of resources that are critical to provide them with the quality of service and outcomes they are expecting."

– Royston Knowles, Executive with 50+ Years of Board Level Experience
 
"Flevy.com has proven to be an invaluable resource library to our Independent Management Consultancy, supporting and enabling us to better serve our enterprise clients.

The value derived from our [FlevyPro] subscription in terms of the business it has helped to gain far exceeds the investment made, making a subscription a no-brainer for any growing consultancy – or in-house strategy team."

– Dean Carlton, Chief Transformation Officer, Global Village Transformations Pty Ltd.
 
"If you are looking for great resources to save time with your business presentations, Flevy is truly a value-added resource. Flevy has done all the work for you and we will continue to utilize Flevy as a source to extract up-to-date information and data for our virtual and onsite presentations!"

– Debbi Saffo, President at The NiKhar Group
 
"My FlevyPro subscription provides me with the most popular frameworks and decks in demand in today’s market. They not only augment my existing consulting and coaching offerings and delivery, but also keep me abreast of the latest trends, inspire new products and service offerings for my practice, and educate me "

– Bill Branson, Founder at Strategic Business Architects
 
"As a consultant requiring up to date and professional material that will be of value and use to my clients, I find Flevy a very reliable resource.

The variety and quality of material available through Flevy offers a very useful and commanding source for information. Using Flevy saves me time, enhances my expertise and ends up being a good decision."

– Dennis Gershowitz, Principal at DG Associates
 
"I like your product. I'm frequently designing PowerPoint presentations for my company and your product has given me so many great ideas on the use of charts, layouts, tools, and frameworks. I really think the templates are a valuable asset to the job."

– Roberto Fuentes Martinez, Senior Executive Director at Technology Transformation Advisory
 
"As a niche strategic consulting firm, Flevy and FlevyPro frameworks and documents are an on-going reference to help us structure our findings and recommendations to our clients as well as improve their clarity, strength, and visual power. For us, it is an invaluable resource to increase our impact and value."

– David Coloma, Consulting Area Manager at Cynertia Consulting



Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.