10 Key Insights on Consumer Plans for Spring and Summer 2022
Each year, we poll Gear Patrol’s audience of product enthusiasts to learn more about their pursuits. Their insightful responses help to inform Gear Patrol’s slate of content, partnerships, and projects for the year.
This year, we’re excited to share a few key takeaways from our latest reader survey. While respondents were comprised of Gear Patrol readers, we believe that these insights are applicable to enthusiasts in other categories as well. Below, read on for 10 takeaways on consumers habits — from what they’re up to this Spring and Summer to how they shop for products.
(SOURCE: Gear Patrol February 2022 Audience Survey)
The Insights
1. They're ready to travel.
93% of survey respondents are planning to travel some time this year, with 63% planning to travel this Spring and Summer. That makes them likely to be stocking up on seasonal travel essentials for these trips.
2. They're planning major purchases in the Motoring category.
When asked about their next major purchase, more than 1 in 5 will make this purchase in the Motoring category. This includes new cars and SUVs, RVs, motorcycles, vehicle restorations, and watercraft — just in time for warm-weather adventures.
3. They're planning major purchases in the Tech category.
When asked about their next major purchase, more than 1 in 10 will make this purchase in the Tech category. This includes upgrading their work-from-home setup with new computers, purchasing home audio equipment, buying gaming essentials, and more.
4. They're investing time and financial resources into their homes.
2 in 5 respondents identified Home Renovation and DIY Projects as one of their hobbies, and nearly 1 in 5 are planning a major purchase in the Home or Home Renovation category. Planned purchases range from furniture, appliances, and remodels to buying a new primary or secondary residence.
5. Active pursuits are an important part of their lifestyles.
Exercising, Hiking and Camping, and Adventure Travel take 3 of the top 5 hobbies shared by Gear Patrol respondents.
6. Consumers prioritize product value and a brand's story, not just a product's specs or sticker price.
For the majority of respondents, when shopping for a product, price is not the most important factor — value is. And for 1 in 10, the brand's heritage and story behind a product is the most important factor to them when researching a product.
7. Reviews from publications they trust are an important part of researching and choosing to purchase a product.
Respondents ranked publisher reviews higher than reviews from friends and family or reviews on the retailer’s website when making purchasing decisions.
8. Gear Patrol is their most trusted source for product recommendations.
When asked which publications and platforms they trust most when making a purchasing decision, Gear Patrol was ranked number one among respondents.
9. They view brands more favorably after seeing them covered on publications they trust.
8 in 10 respondents view a brand more favorably after seeing that brand on Gear Patrol.
10. They’re eager to discover new brands and products.
99% of respondents agree that Gear Patrol allows them to discover new products and brands, with 75% of readers identifying brand and product discovery as a key reason for visiting Gear Patrol.
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