PromotionalCodes.com Predicts What Will Catch the Eye of Consumers in 2014
Santa Monica, CA (PRWEB) January 23, 2014 -- The 2013 holiday season has shown that consumers are adapting methods of making purchases to modern times, as evidenced in studies by the National Retail Federation that show fewer shoppers relying on credit (31.8%) and more doing at least some shopping online (77%). By acquiring a better understanding of how consumers spend, the question becomes what shoppers will decide to buy in 2014.
“Advances in mobile technology will be one of the biggest influencers in consumer spending this year,” says PromotionalCodes.com Savings Expert Regina Novickis. “Consumers will want to find better ways to use the products they already have, both in terms of utility and safety. Likewise, products and services that improve quality of life will be popular this year, and not just those that make life simpler. People will want to tackle the physical and mental health issues discussed so much in modern media and that means more than just going to the gym.”
The ubiquity of mobile technology will serve as a platform for innovative companies to create products that best address the needs of today’s consumer – needs that have grown less superficial and more constructive, from dealing with stress-related ailments to becoming a more well-rounded individual. Yet consumers understand that increased usage of mobile devices leaves their personal information more vulnerable and want to be assured of their privacy accordingly. The experts at PromotionalCodes.com have addressed these developments in their outline of consumer buying trends for 2014:
1) Digital Integration
It’s hard to remember a time when mobile devices were nothing more than a novelty. The next frontier in mobile technology will be integrating all these gadgets into even more aspects of daily life. Enter WeMo by Belkin. WeMo’s goal is to make life simpler, easier, and better by using the owner’s WiFi network and mobile internet to control home electronics straight from a smartphone. This covers tasks as simple as turning on lights before entering the house, to as complex as turning a person’s phone into a baby monitor. WeMo has also partnered with Jarden Corporation, maker of Crock-Pot®, Mr. Coffee® and more, to bring home automation to everyday appliances.
Integration will even enter the way consumers make purchases. The countless credit and debit cards that stuff so many wallets will become a thing of the past with products like Coin,a connected device that can hold and behave like the cards you already carry. Coin works with debit cards, credit cards, gift cards, loyalty cards and membership cards. Shoppers won’t have to worry about forgetting their wallet again, as Coin sends alerts to the owner’s phone when the phone strays too far from the Coin device. From starting a car to setting your home alarm, in 2014 more and more consumers will be using their mobile devices in new ways.
2) Privacy
With stories about governmental monitoring and corporate data mining run amok, consumers will seek out ways to protect their personal information and companies like LifeLock fit the bill. LifeLock works to protect their members against credit fraud and identity theft, alerting would-be victims when personal information is used to apply for wireless services, retail credit, utilities, and mortgage loans.
Identity thieves commonly access vital information through public WiFi hotspots in hotels, coffee shops, and airports. Consumers can protect themselves with the services of Private WiFi, which encrypts the owner’s WiFi signal, allowing for confident shopping, sharing, surfing, and banking. Private WiFi is currently available for most laptops and Android devices and will soon be compatible with iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Likewise, with the progression of the internet, prying eyes can find out just about any information about someone with a simple search engine perusal. Companies like Safe Shepherd will help consumers remove personal information and records from the internet.
3) Travel
Need a travel agent? There’s an app for that. As globalization brings the far corners of the earth closer together, citizens of the world want more and more to meet their new neighbors. Mobile apps from companies like Expedia and Hotels.com relieve the headaches and hassles associated with travel. Expedia’s 2013 Webby Winning app enables easy booking by allowing users to search over 140 airlines and more than 240,000 hotels, plus read over 11 million verified reviews. Users can also save up to 40% on hotels with exclusive deals available only on the Expedia app. The free app from Hotels.com helps travelers find last-minute accommodations with the “Tonight’s Local Deals” feature for special daily offers and late room reservations, only available to Hotels.com mobile users.
Want to know how long it’s going to take to clear airport security. GateGuru keeps users posted in real-time on any updates to itineraries such as security wait times, flight delays, gate changes or layover time adjustments. For those flying through an unfamiliar airport, GateGuru provides a wealth of airport information while immediately showing a signature visual representation of the airport. From the AirportCard, you can quickly access amenity information, maps, weather forecasts, airport tips and much more. With superior knowledge of travel arrangements made easily accessible by new technology, consumers will be even more empowered to explore the world in 2014.
4) You+
While 2013 may have been the year to shed unwanted pounds or sculpt a perfect physique, 2014 will take self-improvement a step further as consumers become more eager to improve complete quality of life. Americans all too aware of the negative effects of stress can find comfort through sites like SpaFinder.com, a comprehensive resource for wellness-related products, services and insight. New converts and lifelong practitioners of personal wellness can be sure to find any necessary relief with gift cards available at available at 70,000-plus retailers worldwide and a global network of 20,000-plus spas, salons, fitness, yoga and Pilates studios and travel destinations.
Want to give your brain a workout? The Lumosity app for the iPhone allows users to tailor training plans to improve memory, attention span, speed, flexibility, and problem solving. Also available on desktop via its website, Lumosity provides users a new set of workouts every day of the week. The app also boasts being designed by neuroscientists and has 40 million users.
While striving for self-improvement, many are also worried about sustainability and how taking better care of the planet can incorporate seamlessly into daily life – something bambeco, maker of stylish and affordable eco-friendly products, is helping solve.
"At bambeco we continue to see a demand for products that do not compromise on style, quality or sustainable values. In particular there is a trend towards green gadgets that match cutting-edge technology with thoughtful bamboo design that is both sleek and mindful of the planet,” said Susan Aplin, CEO and Co-Founder of bambeco. “We predict that as awareness of bamboo gadgets grows, so will their popularity given bamboo's aesthetically pleasing style, renewable nature and amazing natural resonance."
For more information or to find the latest promotional codes and discounts, visit PromotionalCodes.com, its Boardwalk Savers blog, or follow the site on Facebook, Twitter, GOOGLE+ or Pinterest. Android and iPhone users can also find the latest deals on the free PromotionalCodes.com Coupon App.
About PromotionalCodes.com
PromotionalCodes.com is a coupon savings website that provides thousands of free online coupons and promotional codes from top brand names like Macy’s, Target, Home Depot, Travelocity, Dell and many more. The site is developed by Santa Monica-based SurfMyAds.com, Inc., which also owns and operates Coupons.ca, Codes.co.uk, CouponWinner.com and myShoes.com. For more information, visit SurfMyAds.com
Candice Cerro, Surfmyads.com, 424-214-5470 Ext: 119, [email protected]
Share this article