HYH Consumer and Brand

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

I have to show you this new sanitiser I found.

Observation: Charlotte Rhys is one of a few manufacturers who have cottoned on to creating really nice hand sanitisers.  Why: With each room you enter having a sanitation station, its inevitable that preference for particular kinds will emerge. Some seek out high alcohol, content and others prefer a more syrupy kind of sanitiser. Regardless, when we came across this extremely nice one our interest was certainy piqued. Future: Many brands will have their own fragrance and style. 

- BR  

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Really Good Non-Chips

Observation: Checkers, Clicks and Woolworths have all released a range of Quinoa, Sesame, Lentil and other seed based chips. They are absolutley delicious, constantly sold out and the future 

Why: Health and Snacking. How do we do both? These chips are a guilt free way of enjoying a snack without worrying about it being unhealthy.  Future: The future will see astronomical increases in the need for these ingredients, and a slight drop off in potato sales. Any new idea for a delicious healthy snack will be a tempting alternative for most consumers. 

- BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Mushroom Everything

Observation: Local Mushroom growers Denny, have started a new range of Mushroom based products, from Shiitake mushroom crisps and Mushroom burger patties. Why: Many people are seeking out a heathy tasty alternative to meat or deep fried based snacks.  Future: Mushrooms are known to be a tasty alternative and we are likely to see many more mushroom product iterations, alongside these and mushroom coffee.

- BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

The growth of online shopping in South Africa however still lagging behind globally

Observation: Online shopping is expected to grow by R225 billion in the next 5 years. The average e-commerce spend has increased by 30% in the first half of the year.OneDayOnly recorded a 128% increase in sales so far in 2020. Takealot, increased its revenue by 28% in the year to March (even before lockdown started). Even though e-commerce has grown massively in the last past its still lagging behind due to high data cost in the country and its failure to serve the Township Market. 

Why: South Africa's online spend accounts for only 2% of all retail transactions. Most of the mainstream delivery services still don’t delivery in the Township and rural areas which account the huge population of the country.

Future: Woolworths just launched 60-minute delivery service and Delivery services like Cartrun is now delivery in the many Townships in the Western Cape.

-BT

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Crowd Consulted Design

Observation: Google have recently launched the updated icons for their product offering, one designer went ahead and rethought the Gmail icon making it far clearer and more legible, and got universal buy in, not that google changed it. 

After this Google pulled back on one of their designs, for Google Chrome and their lead designer has crowd-sourced opinion on what the new design should look like. Though there are minimal differences, it’s an interesting approach to finding the most popular design. That said, the designs for google logos are extremely restricted by the design choices, so change options are minimal.

- BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Phone Charger Stations

Observation: At Public House Bar in Kloof street, we spotted a large phone charger station where patrons can lock up and charge their phones. Why: Phone needs charging, and instead of leaving them behind the bar where they can get stolen, bars are instead offering an income generating solution to help their customers out.  Future: All public spaces will have a charging station. Its very likely that tech like this could be used for promotional opportunities. 

- BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Rebranding of Nicotine

Observation:

Nicotine is being promoted as a supplement for non-smokers by health and wellness influencers with Nicotine gum and lozenges are also being showcased as a lifestyle product. 

Why:

Nicotine consumption has positive health benefits which ingested instead of smoked.

“To date, there have been studies showing positive effects of nicotine, including decreased tension and increased thinking, as well as the stimulant's potential in warding off cognitive decline into Alzheimer's, delaying the progression of Parkinson's disease, and as a therapeutic approach for ADHD and schizophrenia.“ 

Future: Nothing makes sense anymore. Up is down and down is up

-DB

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

How MRP are tapping in the Township market

Observation: Mr Price launches a container store similar to the Shoprite USave container stores that were launched three years ago. 

Why: Mr Price has launched the container stores as a way to tap into the growing Township market. The container stores are a way to bring fashion closer to the community as well as create jobs as all employees working in the store container have to be members of the community. Not everyone is happy about Mr launching their container stores, many people feel that many SMME in the community will be affected a forced to close shop, similar to what is happening with the emergence of Shoprite in the Township and the decline of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises.

-BT

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

A pack and drive- thru revamp for McDonalds

Observation: Mcdonald's announced they are changing their packaging and introducing innovation through drive-thru services. 

Why: In the recent months due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the call for social distancing much fast food franchises have been relying heavily on their Drive-thru service. Drives and seen a huge increase for Mcdonalds, 70% of all their sales this year were from their Drive-Thru service. In the aim to decrease waiting in the Drive-through Mcdonalds have thought of ways to order digitally and to also simplify the menu. 

Mcdonald is also changing the packaging of their meals. The company claims the new packaging si modern fresh and fun how what is interesting the packaging is also influenced by the trend of having a kid like the packaging.

- BT

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

A New Airline - in this climate?

Observation: Lift will be the latest entrant to the South African aviation market when it launches domestic flights next month. The ground and cabin crew “will be kitted out by leading on-line fashion retailer Superbalist”, while passengers will be offered Vida e Caffe coffee on morning flights, and wine tastings on afternoon services.  “The airline has developed a unique flexible model where flights and routes can be quickly added based on demand.” Lift travellers will  have full flexibility on their tickets‚ allowing them to change and cancel without penalties and giving them peace of mind particularly during this time of uncertainty. Why: People love a little bit of bougie, and this is an ideal opportunity for an airline to be a littler cooler, with well dressed staff giving great PR to Superbalist, Vida e Caffe and the ability to change and cancel flights without penalty will give Lift a chance of standing out from the crowd, but usually this all comes down to cost and LIFT are on par with the low cost Airlines Kulula and Safair. Future: We saw in lockdown that airlines were coming up with new and exciting ways of keeping their customers interested, we can expect more of the same, perhaps with theme flights as we have seen in China, Japan and Korea. 

- BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

McLearnings

Observation: McDonalds execs announce 4 ways the pandemic will change the restaurant industry, forever. 1. Customers don't want contact.  McDonald's is doubling down on what it calls the "three Ds," or digital, delivery, and drive-thru. They are also working on a pre-order system with no waiting in drive through queues. 2.  People crave what they know and trust. Throughout the pandemic, massive brands have cashed in on people seeking familiarity. 3. Anything new can be a turnoff.  Despite our need for “the latest and the new” and in line with point 2, customers are becoming less experimental. McDonald's is responding by doubling down on core menu items, however they continue to experiment with plant based replacement items. 

4. Customers want control.  Presented with more options during the pandemic, people are not going to give up the array of channels to order food, whether that be drive-thru, delivery, or mobile ordering. Why: These are all signs of a world desperate for stability.  No contact, means less chance of illlness. Know and trust, you cant be disappointed if you get what you ask for. [Ahem Zoo Biscuits] Anything new, can disappoint you. Control, with our ability to attain things in a way that appeals to us personally, means that brand will need to be working on multiple channels in order to appeal to all of us. - BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

BMW: Ode to iGrootman

Observation: BMW launched their Ode to iGrootman advert as a way to promote their limited edition 325is and pay homage to the original 325is, Gusheshe.

Why: During Heritage month BMW released a tv advert that paid homage and celebrated the 30 year anniversary of the original 325is, affectionately known in Mzansi as iGusheshe. If you know anything about Township culture the Gusheshe is a staple car that defines a Township. 

The advert showed  BMW’s heritage in South Africa without having it be meaningless and that's what brands need to showcase in South Africa especially when capitalizing on Public holidays.

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Personalisation and Sugar

Observation: In conversation with a South African main flower delivery service. Personalisation encompasses 50% their gifting services, “If you can put a name or picture on it, it will sell.”  They handle all their gifting plans with how the gifts can be personalised.  Another thing that they noted over lockdown was that when alcohol was banned consumers didn’t stop spending they simply moved their attention to sugar.  Why: Personalisation is not new, but its important to note that this is a continuous and ongoing trend. How can you provide a personalised service for your clients? - BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Hard Soft Drinks

Observation: In the USA and Europe we are seeing the emergence of Hard [IE Alcoholised] versions of traditionally non-alcoholic beverages. Cold brew, Kombucha and Seltzers are all starting to come onto the market. The big brands are releasing these, and are no longer simply a little fad Why: Health focussed non-alc beverages have become popular over the last few years, In an ironic move we are now seeing those drinks become alcoholic. People still want their kick of alcohol, but are thinking more carefully about what method we are using to deliver that booze. People still hate the idea of the sugar and other unhealthy and “fattening” ingredients in their alcohols. Hard Kombucha no longer contains the bacteria that improve ones gut but it is certainly much healthier than a beer, or glass of wine. Future: If we can find a healthy alcohol, people will buy it. There will be increased numbers of new alcoholic products which will say they are less unhealthy, and perhaps some will even find a healthy method of delivery?

- BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Ikeja Internet

Observation: Ikeja Wireless are offering an internet solution which provides internet to in areas that are not covered cost effectively, informal settlements. The system works by customers voluntarily allowing infrastructure to be installed on their property, this builds the network and encourages more sign ups to the programme. Ikeja state that the communities are very protective over this equipment as it provides for all, and not just the person on the property. Ikeja provides 5/3 mbps lines, which although not VERY fast, is more than adequate to do most things.  Why: The Internet provides a massive opportunity for personal growth, but in South Africa with data costs being so high, it makes it very difficult for low income people to take their lives into their own hands and get an education.  

Future: Ikeja state that they are currently blitz-scaling and now have infrastructure in Johannesburg and Cape Town, they are launching in KZN and the Eastern Cape soon, as well as throughout Africa. 

- BR 

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Thrifting Gucci

Observation:  Gucci has partnered with online marketplace the RealReal to sell pre-owned (or as they like to say pre-loved) items. Both companies have also partnered with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for all the purchases or US consignments made through the new platform. This is not the first time The RealReal have done this, but its the first long term project rather than a once off.  Why: There is a multi-faceted win here. It keeps the brands image alive and pertinent to the modern consumer, some of whom would rather buy second hand than contribute to waste. It also elevates the brands value as a relevant brand moving with the times. From a base level it also increases their sales, which ordinarily would not have come to them. 

Future: With consideration for where ones clothing comes from, creating an outlet for your second hand purchases will appeal to a great many customers. Many would rather have a second hand piece of clothing regardless of the environment. This project is only till the end of the year, but we can see other brands doing the same. We might see RealReal make a similar move and become the go to partner for resale items. 

- BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Netflix Subscriptions plummet

Observation: In a shocking display of a lack of awareness, Netflix used a sexualised image of young girls on a movie poster. The movie itself is about a group of young girls who find friendship and acceptance in a dance group.  #CancelNetflix” became a trending topic on social media, and according to Forbes, a Change.org petition threatening to boycott the platform had amassed over 650,000 signatures.  Why: The sexualisation of children in a time where the seemingly ever growing numbers of sexually trafficked children is growing, its particularly insensitive to be doing something like this. 

Future: As with all things, brands need to be very careful about offending societal norms.  - BR