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Who Is Gen Alpha?

EDITED profiles the tech-obsessed cohort set to add a new dimension to the retail sector.
Who Is Gen Alpha? | EDITED

Retailers should be all too familiar with Gen Z - how trends translate globally, what CARLY stands for and the aesthetics emerging from TikTok into the mainstream. Now, get ready to meet their younger siblings, Gen Alpha, the tech-literate kids projected to be history's largest generation in the next three years.

Interested in Gen Alpha or trends relating to another consumer demographic? Reach out to get access to our world-class Retail Reports for inspiration and to keep up-to-date with your competitors.

who is gen alpha

Background

Date of birth
2010 - present day

Also known as

Generation Glass, Upagers, Multi-Modals

Emergency contacts

Gen Y parents
 

Hobbies & Interests

Gaming & social media

Fortnite, Roblox, Among Us, Ryan's World, Stormi Jenner, Gang Beasts, YouTube, the Metaverse.

Technology & wearables

Apple Watch, iPhone/iPad, AI, VR, voice-recognition, Oculus Rift.

Shopping & brands

High quality, sustainable, health-conscious, via social media, experiential retail.

who is gen alpha who is gen alphawho is gen alpha who is gen alpha

Image via Instagram - Roblox, Kylie Jenner, Ryan's World, Oculus

Skills & Attributes

Technologically fluent

The young cohort succeeds its Gen Z predecessor with elevated technological superiority and is the first generation born entirely in the 21st century. The "digital native" label takes on new meaning for Alphas, who are so familiar with technology that it has become an "extension of their own consciousness and identity." This level of understanding is already being recognized, with education syllabuses pivoting to favor multimodal tools like iPads and video content.

Within retail, the digital world also holds a huge influence, with 55% of Gen Alpha admitting they would buy a product worn by an influencer/YouTube star and around 28% predicted to use social media as a vehicle for shopping. In terms of advancements in tech across assortments, brands are consistently upping the ante - in late 2020 Proctor & Gamble unveiled a voice-controlled toothbrush for children.

who is gen alpha

iPad Education - Image by Arthur Lambillotte via Unsplash

Spending power

Set to outnumber the Baby Boomer cohort as the largest generation in the history of the world by 2025, Generation Alpha will wield immense influence within the retail sector. In 2020, 81% of children under 12 influenced purchase decisions, accounting for around $500bn in spending. Their reliance on technology and constant access to information combined with a culturally diverse upbringing should aid in building a prospective consumer who is decisive, open-minded and has high expectations.

who is gen alpha

Spending Power Gen Alpha Image by Windows via Unsplash

Millenial upbringing

Raised by Gen Y parents, Alphas will align with overarching Millennial attitudes regarding sustainability, diversity and inclusivity, wellness and social injustice. These foundations will hugely influence how this young generation evolves, impacting everything from career choices to purchase preferences.

Retailers are catering to this population by ensuring products are geared towards those controlling the purse strings. Capturing the "mom economy" is key for the younger proportion of the demographic, while tween ages with more spending clout will appreciate Gen Y movements like minimalism, personalization and Millennial Pink.

who is gen alpha

Instagram - Kidly

Enhanced emotional intelligence

While there are concerns that such an intense relationship with technology may stunt social development, Alphas or "Upagers" will reach physical, social and emotional maturity early. Experience of the ongoing global pandemic has introduced unfamiliar concepts like social distancing, virtual learning and heightened awareness around health and hygiene. From this, there are suggestions that a more resilient generation will emerge, used to being creative with ways to communicate and learn, and more able to deal with traumatic situations.

who is gen alpha

Instagram - CWB

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