Spend Shift: How the Post–Crisis Values Revolution Is Changing the Way We Buy, Sell, and Live - Hardcover

Gerzema, John; D′Antonio, Michael

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0470874430 ISBN 13: 9780470874431

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2010

Synopsis

Gold Medal Winner, General Business, 2012 Axiom Business Book Awards

Understanding the post–crisis consumer

In Spend Shift, John Gerzema, world–renowned expert on consumer values, and Pulitzer prizewinning author Michael D′Antonio document the rise of a vibrant, values–driven post–recession economy. To tell the story of this movement, the authors travel to large cities and small towns across eight bellwether states, to examine the value shifts sweeping the nation. Through in–depth observation, proprietary data from Young & Rubicam, and interviews with experts, the authors analyze the changing consumer psyche, document the five shifting values and consumer behaviors that are remaking America and the world, and explain what it means to businesses and leaders.

• Explores a movement in society where the majority of American consumers are embracing both value and values
• Shows how post–crisis consumer expectations and behaviors will drive business decisions
• Draws on interviews with CEOs and entrepreneurs to reveal how companies like Ford and Etsy are reconnecting with the post–crisis consumer

Compelling and insightful, Spend Shift is essential reading for anyone interested in how values are changing and how businesses can connect with consumers after the recession.

About this title

Review:

A much–needed optimistic yet realistic look at how the recession might be prompting behaviors that will change our society for the better. America, argue the authors, is undergoing a radical but positive shift in consumer values, away from the buying frenzy of the last few decades. Tracking purchasing and social attitudes in the U.S., Gerzema (The Brand Bubble) and D′Antonio (Hershey) observe that the recession has encouraged a resurgence of old–fashioned values––self–reliance, hard work, thrift, and community service. They present studies of such salutary developments as neighborhood revitalization in Detroit, job training in suburban Dallas, and increasing entrepreneurship in Brooklyn. According to the authors, as people adapt to the crisis by seeking greater balance and more fulfilling daily lives, they′re more likely to shift to supporting local businesses (ensuring tax dollars stay in their own communities), learning traditional DIY skills, and paying attention to the ethical and environmental practices of the companies to whom they give money. (Oct.) ( Publishers Weekly, August 23, 2010)

‘Through indepth observation, expert interviews and unique market data... describes the new “value–driven economy” and what it means for business.’  (Ethical Corporation, September 2010).

Spend Shift offers 10 “take–aways spelling out the traits of the new America... It′s a handy list for marketers and business managers” – The Wall Street Journal

“A timely look at how the economic malaise has affected how and what consumers buy” – The Washington Post

“Nothing and Everything ― What Consumers Expect from The New Normal” – The Huffington Post

“Is this the future of commerce?” –– Fast Company

“The post–crisis consumer is a much different person. Consumers are making amends for their sins of credit and have become disciples of debit. They’re simplifying and spending money that truly empowers and adds value to them while shedding the glitter and the bling.” –– Forbes

“If you recognize that you might have made a Spend Shift, want to explore what values other than frugality are being embraced by your kindred spirits coast to coast, or want to know how various companies and brands are making a very intentional effort to prioritize values over profits, Spend Shift breaks these national trends down to a very relatable, human scale while still providing a heavy dose of education about this major change in our collective consciousness around consumption.”  – The Boston Globe

“How We Shop – A New Revolution”––CNBC

From the Back Cover:

What do old–fashioned virtues tell you about the new economy? A social theorist and expert on consumerism and a Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter hit the road to examine life after the Great Recession. What they uncovered will tell you everything you′ll need to know to survive and thrive.

"Spend Shift is a must–read for anyone who wants to understand how to cope withthe ongoing economic crisis. Armed with reams of data as well as compelling stories,John Gerzema and Michael D′Antonio show how millions of people across America are resetting their spending and their lives in response to the new financial realities."

Richard Florida

Best–selling author of The Rise of the Creative Class and The Great Reset

"What do a café owner in inner–city Detroit, a laid–off consultant in Dallas, and a retired U.S. Marine in California have in common? It turns out that like millions of others, they refuse to be discouraged by the economic crisis and are responding in radical and creative ways. In Spend Shift you′ll discover these people and many others including leaders atbig companies like Ford, Walmart, and Microsoft who are doing well by doing good.The authors also provide invaluable insights into the values that guide today′s consumer. Read Spend Shift and be inspired."

Charlene Li

Social media and marketing expert and best–selling author of Groundswell and Open Leadership

"The aftermath of yesteryear′s Great Crisis? A new consumer calculus: the who, what,where, when, and why of consumption are changing radically. If you want to understand why you′ve got to do more than just create value why creating twenty–first century advantage begins, instead, with living and breathing meaningful values that matter the most this brilliant book should be your guide."

Umair Haque

Director of the Havas Media Lab and founder of Bubblegeneration

"Shift into learning mode. This book will help you achieve escape velocity. Gerzema and D′Antonio have the facts, but also the prescription."

Chris Brogan

New York Times best–selling author of Trust Agents and Social Media 101

About this edition

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0470874430
• ISBN 13: 9780470874431
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288