As 2023 begins, the on-going effects of the past years’ “permacrisis” seem to be finally lessening, leaving consumers itching to make up for lost time with new purchases and experiences. 

However, as the economic environment continues to shift, increased consumer demand is being balanced against the looming threat of recession. Simultaneously, purchasing demands are being shaped by an increased desire to participate in new technological trends, like the metaverse, and align with personal views about ongoing social issues.  

In this month’s trend report, we examine how the current business and economic environments will influence how consumers interact with brands moving forward — leading to what our RedPeg strategy team believes will be the four trends to watch in 2023: 

1. Freedonism Reigns Supreme  
2. “I want it and I want it now!”  
3. “Gotta collect them all!”  
4. Show, Not Tell 

Read more in January’s edition of The Direct Hit.