Spend Shift

Reviews / Votes

A much-needed optimistic yet realistic look at how the recessionmight be prompting behaviors that will change our society for thebetter. America, argue the authors, is undergoing a radical butpositive shift in consumer values, away from the buying frenzy ofthe last few decades. Tracking purchasing and social attitudes inthe U.S., Gerzema (The Brand Bubble) and D'Antonio (Hershey)observe that the recession has encouraged a resurgence ofold-fashioned values--self-reliance, hard work, thrift, andcommunity service. They present studies of such salutarydevelopments as neighborhood revitalization in Detroit, jobtraining in suburban Dallas, and increasing entrepreneurship inBrooklyn. According to the authors, as people adapt to the crisisby seeking greater balance and more fulfilling daily lives, they'remore likely to shift to supporting local businesses (ensuring taxdollars stay in their own communities), learning traditional DIYskills, and paying attention to the ethical and environmentalpractices of the companies to whom they give money. (Oct.)(Publishers Weekly, August 23, 2010) 'Through indepth observation, expert interviews and uniquemarket data... describes the new "value-driveneconomy" and what it means for business.' (Ethical Corporation, September 2010). Spend Shift offers 10 "take-aways spelling out thetraits of the new America... It's a handy list for marketers andbusiness managers" - The Wall StreetJournal "A timely look at how the economic malaise has affected howand what consumers buy" - The WashingtonPost "Nothing and Everything -- What Consumers Expect fromThe New Normal" - The Huffington Post "Is this the future of commerce?" -- FastCompany "The post-crisis consumer is a much different person.Consumers are making amends for their sins of credit and havebecome disciples of debit. They're simplifying and spendingmoney that truly empowers and adds value to them while shedding theglitter and the bling." -- Forbes "If you recognize that you might have made a SpendShift, want to explore what values other than frugality arebeing embraced by your kindred spirits coast to coast, or want toknow how various companies and brands are making a very intentionaleffort to prioritize values over profits, Spend Shift breaksthese national trends down to a very relatable, human scale whilestill providing a heavy dose of education about this major changein our collective consciousness around consumption." - The Boston Globe "How We Shop - A NewRevolution"--CNBC