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How the young spend their money

They are woke, broke and complicated. Businesses should take note

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As youngsters start spending in earnest, brands are trying to understand what these walking paradoxes want and how they shop.

As youngsters start spending in earnest, brands are trying to understand what these walking paradoxes want and how they shop.

ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

The Economist

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Young people have always perplexed their elders. Today’s youngsters are no different; indeed, they are baffling. They have thin wallets and expensive tastes. They prize convenience and a social conscience. They want their shopping to be at once seamless and personal. They crave authenticity while being constantly immersed in an ersatz digital world.

As these youngsters start spending in earnest, brands are trying to understand what these walking paradoxes want and how they shop. The answers will define the next era of consumerism.

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