Say Goodbye: These Things Are Disappearing Because Millennials Won’t Shell Out The Money
Millennials have completely changed the economy in this country. Now that they're the generation that is making money, having families, and making their own financial decisions, they get to decide what's relevant and what isn't. Unfortunately, that means millennials decide what stays and what goes—whether we like it or not.
There are some goods and services that Millennials think we're better off without. If millennials aren't buying things like cereal, irons, and American cheese are going to be on their way out. Keep reading to find out which traditional things and practices are endangered because of millennial habits.
They Don't Go On Cruises (And They Probably Won't Start)
The critical word to remember in this slide is authentic. Millennials aren't too wild about the cruising industry. They didn't get a chance to grow up watching The Love Boat, so they have no inspiration to travel the ocean on a huge luxury boat.
Caribbean News Service reports that younger people prefer more "authentic" experiences. We don't think it gets any more real than sleeping out at sea with some close friends on your way to a tropical destination. And with the latest drop in the cruise industry, it's just another reason for millennials to avoid cruises.
No More Chain Restaurants
Casual dining is on the decline. Fewer people are sitting down at Applebees and ordering a long island iced tea during happy hour. The CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings blames millennials for the restaurant chain's struggle to get people in the door and seated at a table.
Perhaps with the emergence of apps like GrubHub, Uber Eats, and Postmates, folks get to stay where they are and have their favorite dish come to them. We don't even have to make the trek to the restaurant to pick it up. Meal-kit companies have something to do with this too...
Who Uses Bar Soap Anymore?
Millennials hardly ever use bar soap anymore. Instead, they opt for sweet-smelling liquid body wash. Body wash is easier to store, travel with, and handle in the shower.
A MarketWatch report said that 60 percent of adults between the ages of 18-24 think that soap bars become covered with germs after using it. Can soap clean itself? Millennials aren't going to wait around to find out. You better stock up on bar soap now before Millennials cast it away for good.
They Eat Less Beef Which Doesn't Help The Cattle-Farming Industry
One thing about millennials is that they also love to demonstrate how big of an activist they are. So, one food product that has suffered do to this is beef. Millennials don't want to be associated with the meat industry and have voiced their expression by refusing to buy it.
Many have decided to become vegan or vegetarian with their reasons being the mistreatment of the animals, and cow's association with climate change. On top of that, beef isn't necessarily the cheapest product in the grocery store either.
Goodbye Cow's Milk, Hello Almond Milk
Although many millennials may have grown up drinking a cup of milk with their dinner, dairy sales are now on the decline mostly due to the few number of millennials who still purchase it. One of the main factors contributing to the decline in milk sales are the number of millennials who have switched over to vegetarian or vegan diets.
In the United States, milk consumption has dropped by 40% since the 1970s, yet nondairy alternatives have risen by 30% since 2011. So, it's clear that many millennials are opting for alternatives rather than the real thing.
Diamonds Aren't Really Forever
We've all heard the saying "diamonds are forever," but are they really? These stones might be sturdy enough to last forever, but if Millennials have anything to do with it, people may not be buying diamonds forever.
In our current financial climate, it's very difficult for Millennials to afford real diamonds along with all of life's other necessities (such as a home, heating, rent, and groceries). Also, a lot of Millennials have a problem with the ethics surrounding diamond mining.
They Don't Buy Lottery Tickets
Millennials did the math when it comes to winning the lottery, and they know the odds aren't in their favor. In 2016, 61 percent of people aged between 50 and 64 played the lottery. Conversely, only one-third of folks aged 18 to 29 tried to get rich the easy way.
It's always fun to dream about, but millennials are betting that the lottery isn't going to pay for their massive student loan debt.
They Don't Tie The Knot
While in the past, people seemed to see getting married as an inevitable milestone, today, Millennial couples are exploring their options. Many younger Americans have decided that they don't need to get married to live happily ever after. The marriage age is steadily rising, and some couples choose to live together and have kids without ever walking down the aisle.
In the '80s, more than two-thirds of people aged between 25-years-old and 34 had already tied the knot. More than half the people in the age range today are single.
Casual Friday Everyday
You rarely see CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a full suit unless he's being questioned by Congress. Instead, he sports a plain t-shirt every day and even made the look synonymous with success in the tech industry. As a result, millennials are following in his footsteps.
Not only that, but workplaces allow casual attire every day, not just on Fridays. It's become more accessible and convenient to ditch the suit unless you have to wear one for a special occasion. Lifestyles are becoming more focused on wearing leisure gear as well.
Cereal Isn't Their Breakfast Of Choice
While Millennials may have enjoyed eating cereal back when they were '90s kids, today they opt for more protein-rich breakfast options. They also choose breakfasts that can be taken on the go and require minimal clean up. Avocado toast, anyone?
The New York Times reported that 40 percent of millennials surveyed said that the sweet and crunchy morning option "was an inconvenient breakfast choice because they had to clean up after eating it." How hard is it to wash a bowl?
Nobody Pays For Cable Anymore
With streaming services like Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, not to mention the ability to watch pirated TV and movies online, Cable TV is slowly on its way out of many homes. Nowadays, people who still have cable usually aren't tech-savvy enough to figure out streaming services, or they just want to watch live sports (although there's a streaming service for that too).
Who wants to watch scheduled programming when you have every show you could ever want to watch at your fingertips whenever, wherever?
Physical Stores Could Be On Their Way Out
Going to a mall takes a lot of effort and planning. You have to drive to the mall, find parking, walk through various stores, and then possibly end up ordering what you want online anyway when Banana Republic doesn't have that pair of pants in your size.
Millennials have found a more convenient way to shop. Why spend all of that time and energy going to the mall when you have all of the country's malls at your fingertips online? You can shop from the comfort of your own bed now. A lot of businesses are shutting down their brick and mortar stores and increasing their online presence.
Millennials Don't Buy Napkins
There are a lot of reasons why Millennials aren't buying napkins at the same rate as previous generations. Firstly, Millennials are more likely to use a piece of paper towel over an actual napkin. It's less expensive, it does the job just as well, and it means there's one less item to buy at the grocery store.
Millennials are also less likely to eat at an actual dinner table. A lot of Millennials eat in front of the computer or on the couch.
They Opt For Public Transportation
Car ownership is becoming more and more expensive for Millennials. The high cost of car ownership and car rentals has led many Millennials to delay getting their driver's licenses. So how do they get around without a car of there own? Millennials rely on public transportation and services such as Uber and Lyft.
While west coast American Millennials may eventually give in and invest in a car, American Millennials on the east coast are far less likely to do so.
What Even Is Fabric Softener?
The Wall Street Journal reports that young people aren't finding fabric softener as something they need. Due to the increased quality of clothing fabrics and washing machines, millennials are quick to leave the softener at the store.
Statistics show that the decline in the fabric softener market started when sales dropped 15 percent between 2007 and 2015. Big time marketing execs are steadily trying to find a way to connect with the young folks, but their efforts seem futile.
They Don't Buy In Bulk
Although their parent's house might be fully stocked with groceries at all times, a millennials pantry and fridge might look a little different. many aren't tempted by bulk grocery buying, especially at stores with memberships like Costco.
They're only shopping and cooking for themselves, so why do they need two weeks worth of groceries that won't even all be used? Millennials like to buy things when they absolutely need them, so spending money on groceries that might go bad only seems like a bad investment.
They Don't Get Gym Memberships
Millennials are more health-conscious than previous generations, and while they love to stay fit, they don't do so by working out at a gym. Gym memberships can be quite expensive, so, instead, MIllennials choose to exercise by running outside, taking boutique studio classes, or following online home workout routines. Some Millennials choose to attend specialized CrossFit gyms in place of traditional gyms.
While alternative modes of working out may work for American Millennials who live in warm climates, people who live in colder climates may give in and get a gym membership when winter rolls around.
They Don't Invest In Home Theatres
Have you begun to notice that movie theaters are upgrading for the better? Many have elected to adopt the reclining chairs, a full bar you can order from, and a waitperson brings you what you ordered to your seat, so you don't have to miss a beat.
They're doing this for a reason. The movie theater industry is slowly dying thanks to millennials electing to stay at home and stream what they want to watch the moment it hits their favorite service.
They Don't Stay In Hotels
Not so long ago, your only options when traveling and staying somewhere indoors included a friends house or motel/hotel. In recent years, the game changed when people began renting out their own homes and properties to people to rent by advertising them on websites such as Airbnb, Vrbo, Turnkey, and more.
Today, millennials relish these websites because they find staying somewhere more private, comfortable, unique and sometimes cheaper beats staying at a hotel any day.
They Don't Buy Houses
One of the big jokes against millennials is that they're graduating from college and moving right back into their parent's house. Well, this is mostly because many can't even afford an apartment on their own. Furthermore, with housing prices continually rising, many will most likely never be able to own a home.
Another reason millennials are opting out of a house is that they find it too restricting. They'd rather rent an apartment or a house in order to have mobility. so they don't have to make a huge commitment with a mortgage. Want to move from California to Canada? No problem!
They Drive By Drive-Thrus
While once drive-thru restaurants were seen as the pinnacle of convenience, today, Millennials aren't so keen on getting their fast food on the go. Millennials as a whole are a lot more health-conscious than previous generations.
McDonald's has fallen out of favor with younger crowds. The Wall Street Journal reported that, "The Golden Arches is losing its luster with younger consumers." That's why McDonald's started introducing healthier options such as salads and plant based burgers.
They Choose Pot Over Beer
At a certain age, beer becomes a staple in your refrigerator. At least, that used to be the case for past generations, but there's a new wave hitting the forefront recently and millennials are all in.
This new trend is pot, and the generation coming behind millennials likes that instead of alcohol. Not only is drinking beer becoming less and less popular, but it may soon become something people frown upon in the future. Are brewers in trouble?
Ironing Is On Its Way Out
Just like suits, ironing is slowly on its way out the door. Who has the time to plug it in, wait for it to get hot and then become a master of wrinkle deletion? Not millennials, that's who!
Many fabrics today don't need to be ironed, and even for the fabrics that do, there are a few hacks millennials have adopted to get around it. One of them is throwing whatever is wrinkling into the dryer on low for about 20 minutes. Another way is by hanging the shirt in the steamy bathroom as you shower.
They Don't Have LIfe Insurance
A study uncovered that 75% of millennials don't have any life insurance. They don't have it because they can't afford it. Not having the money to do it is one thing, but once they realize its something they would need, sorting through the options can become intimidating.
Something millennials fail to realize is that the younger you are when you get coverage, the cheaper it will be in the long run. The life insurance business isn't as prominent as it once was, but with proper education, that can change.
They Never Ring The Doorbell
Okay, we were hoping you could think long and hard about this question: When's the last time you've seen a young adult use the doorbell, or even yourself for that matter? All it takes is one text that you've arrived and the door is going to open.
The Wall Street Journal reports that "Some smartphone-carrying millennials are so used to texting upon arrival that the sound of a ringing doorbell freaks them out; 'it's terrifying.'" Now you know not to ring any more doorbells.
They Don't Have Landlines
Although all millennials remember using a home or landline phone growing up, with the rise of cell phones, they no longer had a need for them. They could talk to their friends in private, worry about someone needing to use the phone, or their parents listening on the other end.
According to a survey, 66 percent of 25-29 -year-olds live in a completely wireless house. So, it's safe to say that moving into a new place that they're more-than-likely renting, getting a landline phone is at the bottom of their list.
No More Designer Clothes
While wearing couture clothes used to be at the forefront of style and making a statement, that's no longer the case. Now, the older or trendier your clothes, the more fashionable you are.
Ironically, thrift shops are running designer brands out of business since millennials would rather buy something they think is cool for $10 rather than spend hundreds of dollars on something fancy. It's a perfect way for them to save money, while simultaneously developing their own style.
They Don't Play The Stock Market
Investing in the stock market used to be the thing to do, but that's in the past. According to a survey by Barron's, stocks are not a popular way of investing money. Only 13% of those surveyed said that they would invest using the stock market.
Most would prefer gold, cash, and the most popular, real estate. This is for a series of reasons, but most likely because they don't trust the stock market since they've seen first hand what can go wrong.
Corkless Wine Bottles Are In
Although it's certain that millennials have been and will continue to consume wine, the way they shop for wine has changed. Although once thought to be heresy in the wine business, twist caps on wine bottles have become more and more popular among this age group.
This is because millennials like to be on the go and having a wine bottle that requires a cork isn't always conducive to this lifestyle. If they know they're going to the park or the beach to hang out with friends, they're more than likely going to skip over the cork bottle.
Nobody Sends Postcards Anymore
A few decades back, the eager young traveler might pick up post cards and send them to loved ones as a piece of their adventure. Twenty-five years ago, more than 20 million postcards were sold annually. Well, that number is down to 5 to 6 million today. Social media is the biggest reason for this decline.
Why would somebody take the time to write a postcard when they can post a picture of themselves with a caption to show everyone what they're up? If they do grab a postcard, it's most likely as a novelty.
Golf Is Not A Millennial Sport
Although there are still some millennials that like going out on their cheap local 9-hole courses, drinking too many beers, hitting the ball as hard as they can, the majority don't take the sport seriously.
For many, the sport is too proper, expensive, and "boring" for them to have a legitimate interest in it. While golf also used to go hand-in-hand with business, chances are you won't see many millennials closing deals out on the links these days.
No More Canned Tuna
Due to millennials eating habits and their desire to use as less packaging materials as possible, processed foods across the board are beginning to suffer. However, canned fish, especially tuna, is taking a major hit. According to The Wall Street Journal, only around 32% of millennials buy canned tuna, while the percentage of other generations has remained high and consistent.
According to Starkist vice president of marking Andy Mecs, "A lot of millennials don't even own can openers." Other contributing factors include millennials not wanting to contribute to the overfishing of the oceans.
Mom Can Make Those Big Turkeys
While they might not have a problem digging into a large Thanksgiving turkey at their family's holiday dinner, they're much less likely to do so at their "Friendsgiving." If they even have a turkey at all (which is rare), it's most likely to be a much smaller bird.
At the end of the day, many simply don't have the patience or knowledge to even cook an entire turkey. Besides, a lot of millennials prefer to have a potluck style Thanksgiving with their friends to make things easy for everyone, and it's unlikely someone is bringing a turkey.
They Don't Wear Stilettos
Much how millennials are beginning to dress more and more casual in the workplace, they're also avoiding anything that might give them discomfort. While Carrie Bradshaw's stilettos were once a fashion trademark among women at the time, millennial women have thrown them right out the window.
They much prefer shoes that are comfortable and are thinking practicality over fashion. Some shoe designers have noticed this and have now begun making formal shoes that are still comfortable enough that millennial females will buy them.
American Cheese Slices Aren't Fancy Enough
When you think of a young millennial on a budget, one might assume that single-slice American cheese would be a staple in their diet. It's cheap and has enough preservatives to last for forever. Yet, that's certainly not the case. Millennials are forgoing the classic single-slice American cheese for healthier, more diverse, and more expensive cheeses.
This is because many try to eat fewer preservatives, or they want to invite their friends over and impress them with the charcuterie board they assembled for the party. Sales from producers such as Kraft and Velvita have been slowly but surely dropping since 2014.
They Don't Eat As Much Mayo
While mayonnaise used to be a staple condiment for household everywhere, in recent years, millennials have stopped buying and eating it altogether. Even if they like it, many of them would prefer to use flashy and more expensive condiments like avocado on their food.
Chances are, if you go to a "hip" place to eat that's frequented by millennials, you most likely on't find mayonnaise as an ingredient anywhere on the menu. Don't think about checking their fridge for it either.
No More Raisins
According to the CEO of Sun-Maid's Raisins, Harry Overly, Millennials have been the biggest problem for the raisins industry. Apparently, the only people eating raisins these days are older generations or people with young children.
Raisins are now trying a new market strategy by tapping into the millennials nostalgia of their childhood, but it doesn't appear to be working as of yet. While millennials would rather spend their money on other foods, another reason for the decline in raisin sales is because there's too much sugar for many of their ultra-healthy diets.
Out With The Old, And In With The Greek
Because of trendy foods and the desire to eat as healthy as they can, millennials have left yogurt, especially light yogurt, in the dust. Instead, they prefer natural and protein-rich yogurts like Greek yogurt, instead of yogurt that offers a lower-calorie option.
In 2016, Yoplait Light yogurt sales fell 8.5% and continues to fall. It's clear that the only people buying it now are older generations or those with kids. Millennial would never dare have a breakfast bowl with anything but Greek yogurt.
Beards Are Back
Razor sales are drastically falling. There is a rise in the laid-back approach to shaving. Men younger than the age of 45 have adopted this trait and it's sent the razor industry into a frenzy.
CNN reported in 2018 that Gillette had to stage an intervention by cutting the prices on their products by an average of 12%. Studies show that over the last decade, the number of times per week men shave dropped from 3.7 to 3.2.
They Don't Watch As Much Football
College and NFL viewership haven't kept the same amount of viewers over the last few years and they have millennials to thank for that. Analysts haven't figured out the exact cause of this, but they have narrowed it down to a few things.
They say the 2016 election might have something to do with it, as well as the protests spearheaded by Colin Kaepernick. Or the game might have just become boring. Also, with fewer people using cable, younger people would have to keep up via their phones.
