The Product Experience Revolution - Embracing Sustainability in Consumerism

How often does your phone slow down when a new version drops? Or a new shirt disintegrates within a year? In today’s throwaway culture, reckless consumerism has consequences, and consumers are starting to notice; 78% now prioritize sustainability when shopping. Shoppers want change - they demand transparency, sustainability, and value.

The problem: A culture of disposability

Gone are the days when purchasing a product brought a sense of joy and confidence. Consumers once took pleasure in finding the right item, knowing it was made to last due to its quality and suitability for purpose.

Nowadays, we are inundated with choices, most of which are disposable or designed for one-time use. We have been trained to hunt for deals and seek the lowest prices, leading to purchases that frequently fail to meet our expectations and items that are either returned or discarded, contributing to the growing problem of waste and environmental damage.

Even if we wanted to repair these products, we often are not given the proper information or materials needed to do so. The result is a relentless cycle of consumption, driven by the constant pursuit of the latest and greatest versions of everything.

Relentless cycle of consumption

Here’s a terrifying statistic: only 1% of products are still in use after the initial purchase. Millions of items end up in landfills annually, contributing to environmental degradation, and consumers are increasingly losing trust in brands that fail to deliver quality or transparency.

Today’s buyers are informed, empowered, and vocal about their values. They want to know: Where does this product come from? Who made it, and under what conditions? Can I repair, reuse, or recycle it?

Despite this awareness, there remains a critical gap in the information needed to make well-informed decisions. This lack of transparency and guidance has long hindered efforts to shift towards more sustainable consumption patterns.

The solution: A product experience strategy

The path forward for businesses lies in shifting their focus from customer experience (CX) to a more impactful Product Experience (PX). Instead of continuing to anchor ourselves to irresponsible selling practices in the name of customer experience, we have the opportunity to foster confident buying experiences by establishing a robust Product Experience (PX) Strategy that showcases high-quality products transparently and responsibly.

And the foundation of an effective PX Strategy? Engaging and comprehensive product data. Businesses must ensure their product information is complete, rich, and contextual across all consumer touchpoints - before, during, and after purchase.

Stages of Revolution

Customers rely on product information to make informed purchasing decisions - they need to know that the product they see online is exactly what they will receive, and worth the money they spent.

Whether they are browsing products online, shopping through a mobile app, interacting on social media, or visiting a physical store, consumers want a consistent and integrated experience.

This expectation means that businesses must ensure their online and offline channels are supported by a foundation of accurate, up-to-date product information that can be easily shared and updated when needed, providing the type of cohesive experience that enables consumers to make informed decisions across all touchpoints.

Empowering buyers also means being transparent about environmental and social responsibility efforts. Businesses that proactively highlight their sustainability initiatives foster consumer trust and drive engagement. Clear communication about a product’s environmental impact not only aligns with customer values but also strengthens brand loyalty.

As consumers prioritize informed decisions, the ripple effects are undeniable. The responsible consumption revolution is reshaping markets, benefiting both people and the planet.

Adopting a PX strategy for the future

The future of retail lies in embracing responsible and informed consumption. This revolution against traditional, reckless consumerism is already underway, and businesses have a critical choice to make: continue with outdated practices or align themselves with the values and expectations of modern customers.

The good news is that to thrive in this revolution, you don't need to reinvent the wheel. Providing up-to-date, compelling, and accurate product information across all channels through a comprehensive PX Strategy empowers your consumers to make informed, confident decisions.

As the buyers of today and tomorrow prioritize data and business transparency as much as they do convenience or price, embracing responsible consumerism and aligning with this revolution ensures long-term success and sustainability for your business, while also making a positive impact on the world.

Read more in another blog article from akeneo.