Ever notice that when a neighborhood gets trendier and more expensive, the family-owned dessert shop gets replaced by a gourmet popsicle store that sells fancy Dilly Bars for $5 each?
The same thing is happening to America’s economy, according to The New York Times. Prepare for the gentrification of everything — or, in corporate speak: premiumization.
It’s when companies emphasize luxury versions of their products and sell them at elevated prices. By attracting higher-income clientele, companies believe they’ll be able to maintain or improve profits while selling fewer goods.
The trend is well under way:
When brands prioritize selling premium goods to higher-income consumers, they may provide fewer products and experiences for the middle class.
By reducing the number of goods produced, premiumization could also keep inflation high.
In this early stage of the trend, it’s difficult to gauge the long-term effects, or even a brand’s likelihood of success.
Last year, for instance, Six Flags offered fewer discounts while jacking up prices. Despite a 22% increase in per-guest spending, its profits fell ~10%.
Then again, have you ever heard of Popbar?