In this article, we are going to discuss Gen Z’s 10 favorite brands in 2023. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of why Gen Z are a digital native generation, the purchasing power of Gen Z, products Gen Z use the most, what Gen Z want from brands, how to market to Gen Z in 2023, and Gen Z product trends for 2023, head to Gen Z’s 25 Favorite Brands in 2023.
10. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)
Insider Monkey Score: 7
Gen Z go shopping at mass merchandise retailers like Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) not only because they are affordable, but also because the majority of these youngsters think that it’s actually cool to buy clothes at Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) and they get good value for their money.
Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) also aims to shift Gen Z perceptions of the brand with the creation of two immersive Roblox gaming experiences – Walmart Land for buying virtual merchandise and Walmart’s Universe of Play for toy games.
9. Vans
Insider Monkey Score: 8
The Anaheim-based manufacturer of skateboarding shoes and related apparel is next on our List of Favorite Brands of Gen Z in 2023. An American favorite since the 1970’s, there are two main reasons why Vans has remained a staple for Gen Z. First, their affordable price in comparison to many other sneaker brands, and second, their genderless style of shoes.
8. Shein
Insider Monkey Score: 8
The Chinese fast fashion company officially became the largest fashion retailer in the world in 2022, as it secured a $100 billion valuation in its latest fundraising round.
Like Zara before it, Shein has become ubiquitous with fast fashion. It’s the uniform of high-schoolers and Tik Tok girls, serving up infinite quantities of tiny printed mesh tops and baggy jeans. Shein churns out more new styles in a week, than other fashion retailers do in a year – upwards of 6,000 new items a day. This, coupled with the low prices of the brand, due to its cheaper manufacturing in China, has made Shein one of the Top Gen Z Brands in 2023.
7. Adidas
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Adidas has always been a more gender fluid brand, and every kid of the 2000s can vouch for wearing the same three-striped tracksuits as their siblings. Since Gen Z typically like to dress in blokecore for their everyday wear, Adidas has recently launched its ‘Sportswear’ label, which sits somewhere between the sleek streetwear of Adidas Originals and the ultra-sporty Performance range.
Adidas is also appealing to Gen Z through digital assets like NFTs. The brand’s first NFT launch in 2021 minted all 30,000 of its NFTs and amassed up to $22 million in sales in a few hours.
6. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)
Insider Monkey Score: 9
The main reason why streaming platforms like Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is so popular with the digital natives is because of their convenience. You can find a wide variety of content online anytime, anywhere on your computer, cell phone, tablet, gaming console or any other devices.
Why Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) has managed to stand out from its competitors is because the brand’s original content, other than being of high quality, pays extra attention to authenticity, diversity and inclusion – three values highly favored by Gen Zers. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) originals like Atypical, Never Have I Ever etc. have portrayed characters and stories that their global younger audience can relate to.
5. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Due to its wide product selection, speedy purchase and delivery options, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has become a Favorite Brand of Zoomers for shopping online. According to a survey by Jungle Scout, 59% of Gen Z admitted to going there whenever they are on the lookout for products that they want to purchase.
4. Youtube
Insider Monkey Score: 11
Youtube is one of the favorite brands of Gen Zers, with 95% of them saying that they use Youtube and 50% saying that they can’t live without it. Their main reasons for scrolling through Youtube is to look at ‘how-to’ info and to have a good laugh.
Gen Z follows influencers from around the globe and with Youtubers like PewDiePie and MrBeast, the platform has a special appeal for its younger audience. Youtube has also become an important source of education and a whopping 80% of Gen Z says that the platform has helped them become more knowledgeable about something.
3. TikTok
Insider Monkey Score: 12
60% of TikTok users are Gen Zers and the video hosting service has become a Top Brand for Gen Z in 2023. Zoomers find information on TikTok to be more personalized, and thus more ‘real’ and ‘valuable’ than a simple search result on Google. For Gen Z, TikTok also enhances socializing by creating opportunities for group activities like dance challenges and trends. It is almost like an extension of themselves, a virtual personality, a platform for self-expression, and a creative outlet.
2. Instagram
Insider Monkey Score: 12
Teenagers use Instagram more than any other social media platform and Gen Z make up more than 50% of Instagram’s total users. Aside from being able to connect with others and share ‘memes’ with their friends, the visual aspect of Instagram is appealing to Gen Zers, as it allows them to post videos as well as photos, while still giving them the option to have the amount of privacy that they require.
Instagram is also home to countless influencers and brands, which can now market and sell their products directly on the social media platform. Instagram provides a massive marketing opportunity to brands, and the platform’s influencers are charging an arm and a leg for it. An example of this is Kylie Jenner, with the ultra-popular American socialite allegedly charging around $1.8 million for each advertisement post she shares with her 397 million followers.
1. NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)
Insider Monkey Score: 14
Now more than double the size of Adidas, NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) remains the favorite clothing and footwear brand for Gen Z in 2023. Part of the brand’s appeal to its centennial consumers is its close connection to both sports and sneaker culture, but it also pays attention to trends outside of those cultures, helping it remain relevant to the younger generation.
NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is also working closely with Gen Z celebrities and athletes to engage its young consumer base and its direct-to-consumer future lies within its app, which is very efficient and easy to use. Hence, NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is Gen Z’s Favorite Brand of 2023 in our list.
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