Gen Z Shoppers Transforming Holiday Retail: The Rise Of In-Store Experience

As malls across the country prepare for the holiday season, Gen Z shoppers are emerging as a significant force in the shopping landscape. According to the “The Rise of the Gen Z Consumer” report from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Gen Z’s unique preferences and behaviors are not only shaping the retail industry but also having a profound impact on the economy.

Gen Z shoppers are standing out for their preference for physical stores rather than relying solely on the convenience of online shopping. Nearly 97% of Gen Z survey respondents who shop at brick-and-mortar stores also shop online (95%), according to the ICSC report. Of those who shop in-store, 30% do so to get products immediately, while 28% are driven by the tactile experience to see, touch and try products.