Gen Z consumers shift toward value-driven spending and physical media

Generation Z is demonstrating a significant shift in consumption habits, moving away from low-cost, disposable goods in favor of items and experiences that offer long-term value. This trend, described as a move toward a “worth it” economy, prioritizes durability, usefulness, and personal enjoyment over mere bargains. Consumers are increasingly applying a “cost-per-use” logic to purchases, such as choosing more expensive footwear that lasts years rather than cheap options that require frequent replacement.

Parallel to this shift in material spending is a growing interest in physical media. Despite being a digitally native generation, Gen Z is increasingly engaging with vinyl records, CDs, and retro gaming. This resurgence is driven by a desire for tangible ownership in an era dominated by subscription services and digital rentals. Observers note that this trend is fueled by both aesthetic nostalgia and a reaction to the perceived instability of digital access, where content can be removed from streaming platforms at any time.