I like to read up on trends. I do this a lot – here’s what I have discovered recently:

1. Eco went from ugly to chic to iconic. Green, Blue or Brown… it’s all the new black. And consumers are prepared to pay a little summin’ extra for it. <Actually, consumers are prepared to pay a little something extra when there is a worthwhile cause attached to it>

(RED) – the movement that benefits those affected by AIDS has grown exponentially since their Gap appearance. Philanthropic Loyalty – non?

2. Which leads me to number two - Gen Y are a philanthropic bunch who (almost) pass judgement if we meet a fellow <business> Canadian who isn’t giving something away. They are being dubbed Generation “G” – for generosity.

3. The lipstick effect! HAH! Damn it, we like to look and feel good… so we may not venture out for an extravagant night out… but we will buy an extra few lippies instead.

4. Frugality – it’s cool! Well sort of. We want more bang for our buck… and if we don’t get it - we’re more inclined to say – ‘no thank you’

5. Social Networking and the power of the people. It’s here and it’s not going anywhere. If you’d like to see a great example of social networking in all its glory… check out – my.barackobama.com