The biggest shift in consumer behaviour isn’t just what people buy; it’s how much research and comparison now happens before a purchase.
1. Smartphones
Replacement cycles are getting longer. According to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), the average U.S. smartphone replacement cycle has stretched to about 3.6 years, up from roughly 2.8 years a decade ago. That means more people are holding onto devices longer and prioritizing value over upgrades.
2. Major Appliances
Buying decisions are increasingly review-driven. YouGov data shows 49% of Gen Z and Millennials say consumer reviews are an important factor when purchasing major appliances, compared to lower reliance on brand reputation alone among older groups.
3. Consumer Electronics
Spending is becoming more selective. A 2026 CNET Group survey found 34% of consumers are prioritizing essential tech purchases while delaying discretionary electronics, showing a clear shift away from frequent upgrading toward need-based buying.
4. Smart Home Devices
Adoption is growing, but expectations are changing. Pew Research reports 35% of U.S. adults now own an AI-enabled smart speaker, while 18% own an AI-enabled smart doorbell — but concerns around privacy and usefulness are increasingly shaping what gets purchased.
5. Furniture
Consumers are buying less often but thinking more carefully. The U.S. Census Bureau’s retail data shows furniture and home furnishings sales growth has slowed compared to the pandemic peak, reflecting a shift toward longer replacement cycles and durability-focused buying.
6. Online Purchases
AI is now part of the shopping process. NIQ found 42% of consumers used an AI tool to shop within the past month, using it for price comparisons, recommendations, and product discovery — a major change in how purchase decisions begin.
