Trend Hunter Report Explores the Subscription Economy

May 4, 2020 | TrendHunter.com’s latest free monthly report for Toy Association members looks at how subscriptions and delivery models are changing the ways consumers shop, consume products, and interact with brands.

“This report delves into how brands are better aligning with consumer habits and demands, and also highlights how the subscription-based economy is responding to the challenges many now face as they social distance and work from home,” said Anne McConnell, senior director of market research & data strategy at The Toy Association. “We hope these findings inspire toy companies looking to strengthen their relationships with families in self-isolation and better support them as they balance life at home with childcare and work.”

“The Subscription Economy” report explores the following topics, among others:

• Temporary Workspace – Brands are offering new cost-effective temporary services and accessible product innovations designed to assist employees working from home. To help as many people as possible, Danish startup Stykka made the designs for its flat-pack cardboard workstations (pictured) freely available for download under the creative commons license.
• Automated Parenthood – Companies are offering specialized subscription boxes that focus on helping parents enrich the lives of their children in easy, automated ways. While Amazon’s STEM Club Toys features age-appropriate toys that incorporate hands-on learning about STEM/STEAM concepts, the Worldwide Buddies subscription box is designed to teach children about different cultures and combat otherism.
• Hyper-Specialized Subscription – The popularity of subscription boxes has paved the way for more specialized subscription services that cater to "super fans" of specific products or experiences. Storybook Cosmetics’ Book Club Subscription Box appeals to makeup lovers and readers alike. The service features curated, high-quality makeup in collectible book-shaped palettes themed to literary classics such as Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.
• Vegan Delivery – As more food delivery services begin to cater to different dietary preferences and more millennial and Gen Z consumers opt for “do no harm” options, vegan-specific services are on the rise. Examples include New Milk’s zero-waste dairy-free oat and coconut milk delivery services in the UK and DoorDash’s recent promotion with Burger King, which coupled a free one-month trial of its subscription service DashPass with a free Impossible Whopper delivery.

This report is the latest in a series from Trend Hunter offering in-depth perspectives and trends in various areas related to the toy industry and youth markets to help spark unique ideas. For additional relevant trends, toy companies can click on the report’s consumer insights examples, scroll down, and click the images for further information.

Members are encouraged to send topic suggestions for future trend reports to The Toy Association’s Anne McConnell.

TrendHunter.com has accumulated nearly 3 billion views from more than 100 million visitors. The data research company helps clients “Dive Deeper,” “Work Smarter,” and “Save Effort” in order to increase the overall success of their companies and brands.