AdParlor Academy Digital Marketing Agency Glossary

Plain language explainers to help you keep up with the evolving digital landscape.

Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964, making them a distinct generational demographic with notable purchasing power. This generation primarily comprises White individuals (79%), with 17% identifying as Black or Hispanic/Latino. They generally have smaller households—often two or fewer people—and most live in suburban or rural areas.

Shopping Behaviors

  • In-Store Preference: Boomers frequently shop in physical stores and favor Walmart, which captures 21% of their consumer packaged goods (CPG) and general merchandise spending.
  • Online Shopping: Despite a strong inclination toward in-store shopping, Boomers have significantly increased their online shopping activities, especially in grocery and apparel. They tend to use computers over mobile devices for these purchases.
  • Brand Loyalty: Boomers show strong brand loyalty and often continue purchasing from brands they trust.

Income and Spending

  • Disposable Income: Although Boomers control substantial wealth, only 20% have annual household incomes above $125,000, while half fall into the middle-income range ($40,000–$125,000).
  • Annual Spending: Boomer households spend about $14,000 annually on CPG and general merchandise, making roughly 426 shopping trips per year and spending about $33 per trip.

Online Behaviors

  • Social Media Usage: Boomers are active on platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, though these channels are not their primary method for product discovery.
  • Product Discovery: They primarily learn about new products through television advertisements, followed by online searches.

Key Insights

  • Health Focus: Many Boomers manage health conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, dedicating significant spending to wellness products.
  • Communication Preferences: They value direct communication and clear customer service, preferring to interact with companies via email or phone.
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