The luxury market, which experienced remarkable growth post-pandemic, has now reached a critical juncture where it must shed the "illusion of endless growth." While 2024 marked the signal for change, 2025 is shaping up to be an even more complex and unpredictable year.

Leading analysts, including Forbes, AP, and McKinsey, consistently highlight the challenges facing the luxury industry. The survival of luxury brands depends on their ability to interpret shifting consumer behaviors and adapt with innovation.

As we enter the Year of the Snake, here are the key luxury consumer trends to watch.

The Rise of Dupes and Low-Consumption Culture

Dupes

Have you heard the term dupe? Short for "duplication," it refers to affordable alternatives that mimic the quality and design of high-end luxury products. On social media, value-for-money dupes are quickly becoming a new consumer norm.

According to a study by global research firm Morning Consult, one in three American adults has purchased a dupe product. Among them, 50% of Gen Z and 44% of Millennials expressed a preference for dupes, indicating that younger generations are driving this trend.

Interestingly, unlike counterfeit products that merely imitate luxury brands, dupes have gained acceptance as rational alternatives. Consumers are asking themselves, “If I can get the same design and quality for a fraction of the price, why choose an expensive brand?” This reflects a shift in consumer values, redefining how they perceive worth and luxury.

Low-Consumption Core

In the wake of the pandemic and growing economic uncertainty, a new consumption culture prioritizing restraint over ownership is emerging among younger generations.

Contrasting sharply with the "flex" culture, the low-consumption core movement stems from fatigue with overconsumption and materialism. It promotes a lifestyle of buying less and using items for longer.

This trend extends beyond simple frugality, sparking deeper reflection on the essence of consumption. Today’s consumers question the environmental and social impact of their purchases, opting only for brands that can convincingly answer “Why do I need this product?”

The standard for purchasing decisions is shifting—from "expensive and good" to "meaningful and necessary." Brands that fail to align with these evolving values risk falling behind in the changing luxury landscape.

Psychological Resistance from Loyal Customers to Rapid Price Increases

To sustain the rapidly growing market that benefited from the pandemic, many luxury brands implemented significant price hikes to boost profitability. However, consumers are now asking, “Why has the same product become so much more expensive?” This has evolved beyond general dissatisfaction to psychological resistance even among loyal customers.

Since 2019, the average price of luxury products in Europe has risen by 52%, with some signature items nearly doubling in cost. This has led to increasing skepticism among consumers, questioning whether such price hikes are justified. As a result, many middle-class customers, once a key target segment for luxury brands, are turning away.

An exception to this trend in Q3 2024 was Brand H. Unlike its competitors, Brand H opted for gradual price increases paired with a rigorous scarcity strategy. By maintaining quality and upholding its exclusivity, Brand H preserved the trust of its loyal customers, emerging as the only luxury brand to record sales growth in 2024.

Global Economic Downturn and the Possibility of U.S. Tariff Increases

The prolonged conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war have already strained the global economy. The re-election of former President Donald Trump introduces additional uncertainties, particularly concerning potential tariff increases on imports and a push for expanded domestic production.

Impact of "Trump 2.0" Tariffs

President-elect Trump has proposed imposing universal tariffs of up to 20% on imports, aiming to revitalize domestic manufacturing and reduce trade deficits. Such policies could directly affect luxury goods produced in Europe and Asia. For instance, high-end luxury handbags or watches manufactured in France or Italy would face increased tariffs, leading to higher prices for American consumers.

Dilemmas for Luxury Brands

• Burden of Price Increases: Elevated tariffs would significantly raise product prices, undermining the price competitiveness of luxury brands. Consumers, already contending with high luxury product prices, may question their brand loyalty when faced with additional tariff-induced costs.

• Shifts in U.S. Market Strategy: The United States stands as the world's second-largest luxury market; increased tariffs could lead to a decline in sales within this crucial sector. Luxury brands may need to consider expanding domestic production, developing localized product lines, or finding ways to minimize price hikes to maintain their market presence.

Sustainability and Ethics

Climate change and sustainability are no longer optional for luxury brands—they are essential. Consumers are increasingly demanding not only high-quality products but also transparency about how they are made and the values they represent.

However, this shift is far from straightforward. While consumers desire eco-friendly products, their willingness to pay the additional costs associated with sustainability remains low. This creates a challenge for brands to strike a delicate balance between sustainability and profitability.

Additionally, some brands are losing trust due to ethical concerns, such as labor exploitation or lack of supply chain transparency. For instance, investigations by Italian authorities into labor exploitation in the luxury sector highlight the direct link between ethical management and customer trust.

Stay Ahead with Luxury Business Group in 2025!

2025 will be a year where transformation and innovation are essential for luxury brands. Savvy consumers now demand authentic value from the brands they engage with. Only those that adopt gradual and sustainable strategies will be able to ride the waves of change successfully.

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. LBG is here to help you lead the luxury market with newsletters packed with the latest luxury trends, market shifts, and success stories.

In addition, LBG's tailored employee training programs are designed to enhance your team’s capabilities and build the agility needed to adapt to a rapidly evolving market.

With LBG by your side, you’ll be ready to stay ahead in the luxury market in 2025 and beyond.
Start preparing today!

• Are you planning to open a new flagship store?
• Are you facing challenges in hiring and managing talent in the service sector?
• Is managing service quality in retail or hospitality a challenge?
• Do you need an on-site service quality assessment and solutions?