News 26.02.2025

Need to Know

Tesco Clubcard turns 30, US consumers boycott rising prices with economic blackout and LGBTQ+ identification in the US reaches record high.

Tesco Clubcard marks 30 years with nostalgic campaign

30 Years of Clubcard by Tesco, UK

UK – Tesco is celebrating three decades of its Clubcard loyalty scheme with a campaign that blends nostalgia with a reminder of its ongoing value. Created by BBH London, the campaign revisits three decades of Tesco, Clubcard and British culture through the eyes of two neighbouring couples – one enjoying years of Clubcard rewards, the other missing out.

Directed by Sam de Jong, the film is soundtracked by Darude’s 1990s anthem Sandstorm and culminates in the reluctant couple finally signing up for a Clubcard in 2025.

In addition to the film, Tesco is rolling out a multi-channel campaign across AV, digital, OOH and print, featuring exclusive Clubcard rewards throughout 2025.

In Future Forecast: Retail, we identified a rise in innovative loyalty programmes that offer more personalised and exclusive experiences as brands vie for customer loyalty. The Tesco Clubcard campaign leans on heritage and nostalgia to brand itself as the UK’s leading loyalty programme, rewarding members with even more in its milestone year.

Strategic opportunity

At a time when rising costs and the enshittification of services are disillusioning consumers, use nostalgia-driven storytelling to re-ignite brand loyalty – celebrating heritage while offering fresh, tangible rewards that prove long-term value in the present

US consumers to stage economic blackout against corporate greed

US – On 28 February 2025, grassroots organisation The People’s Union USA is calling for a 24-hour economic boycott in response to rising living costs and corporate profiteering.

Dubbed the Feb 28 Economic Blackout, the movement urges consumers to avoid shopping online or in-store, boycotting major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy, as well as fast food chains and petrol stations. Participants are also encouraged to limit debit and credit card spending on non-essential purchases.

‘For our entire lives, they have told us we have no choice… that we have to accept these insane prices, the corporate greed, the billionaire tax breaks, all while we struggle just to get by,’ The People’s Union founder John Schwarz wrote in an Instagram post. ‘For one day, we are going to finally turn the tables.’

The movement echoes previous social media-driven protests, such as the Not My President’s Day demonstrations, highlighting growing consumer frustration over record corporate profits amid declining DEI efforts and economic hardship.

For more insights on consumer attitudes to spending, join our members-only online event, New Codes of Value, on 13 March.

Walmart, US

Strategic opportunity

As large retailers are the primary boycott targets, consider strengthening direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies via owned e-commerce channels, local partnerships and subscription-based models to reduce reliance on major retailers

Stat: LGBTQ+ identification in the US reaches record high, driven by Gen Z

Ssense’s Bridal Capsule Collection 2.0, EU and UK Ssense’s Bridal Capsule Collection 2.0, EU and UK

US – LGBTQ+ identification in the US has reached an all-time high of 9.3%, up from 7.6% in 2023, according to a report released by Gallup. The increase is largely driven by younger generations, particularly Gen Z, among whom 31% of women and 12% of men identify as LGBTQ+. 

More than half (56.3%) of LGBTQ+ adults in the US identify as bisexual, with this figure rising to 59% among Gen Z and dropping significantly among older generations. ‘Younger women are the most likely to identify as bisexual and, by extension, LGBTQ+,’ explains Jeffrey Jones, senior editor at Gallup. 

Transgender identification remains a small percentage of the overall population, at 1.3%, but is highest among Gen Z (4.1%), followed by Millennials (1.7%). 

The report also highlights a political divide, with 14% of Democrats identifying as LGBTQ+, compared to 11% of independents and just 3% of Republicans. 

As social attitudes continue to evolve, brands and policymakers will need to consider the growing influence of LGBTQ+ identities across generations. 

Explore our Work States Futures macrotrend report and Identities topic to gain deeper insights into this community and track new developments in diversity and inclusion. 

Strategic opportunity

As a workplace, how can you recognise the diverse identities and experiences of LGBTQ+ employees by creating truly inclusive workplaces that go beyond policies, ensuring all individuals feel genuinely seen, heard and valued?

Previous News Articles
Mastercard launches AI-powered stories for commuters

News

Mastercard launches AI-powered stories for commuters

Mastercard has launched its Transit Tales campaign, which tailors classic stories to the length of commuters’ journeys.
Audiobooks : Australian : Commuters
Foresight Friday: Rose Coffey, senior foresight analyst

News

Foresight Friday: Rose Coffey, senior foresight analyst

Every Friday, The Future Laboratory team offers an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, ...
Soft Sports : Digital Detox : Asics
Stat: Tech-savvy Gen Z interns see AI as a career tool, not a threat

News

Stat: Tech-savvy Gen Z interns see AI as a career tool, not a threat

Gen Z is entering the workforce with a pragmatic view of artificial intelligence and enthusiasm for in-person mentorship. 
Work : Technology : AI
Irn-Bru revives Made in Scotland from Girders slogan

News

Irn-Bru revives Made in Scotland from Girders slogan

Irn-Bru is reviving its iconic Made in Scotland from Girders slogan in a campaign led by advertising agency Lucky Generals.
Food And Drink : Brand Humour : Advertising
Busan International Film Festival to host singalong screening of KPop Demon Hunters

News

Busan International Film Festival to host singalong screening of KPop Demon Hunters

A singalong screening of Netflix’s breakout show, KPop Demon Hunters, will take place at the Busan International Film Festival in September 2025.
Kpop : Streaming : Cinema
Stat: Australians turn to podcasts and radio for regular entertainment

News

Stat: Australians turn to podcasts and radio for regular entertainment

More than half of Australians aged 10 and over (52%) listen to or watch podcasts each month, according to new data published in The Infinite D...
Statistic : Podast : Media
Selena Gomez taps Tajín for Rare Beauty’s first collaboration

News

Selena Gomez taps Tajín for Rare Beauty’s first collaboration

Rare Beauty has unveiled its first-ever collaboration, teaming up with Mexican seasoning brand Tajín on a limited-edition lip and cheek set.
Beauty : Food : Collaboration
Single mothers in China are moving in together to ease the financial burden of child-rearing

News

Single mothers in China are moving in together to ease the financial burden of child-rearing

An increasing number of single mothers in China are moving in together to ease the financial, emotional and practical challenges of raising childre...
Single Parents : China : Only Child
Stat: Cannabis-infused drinks reshape America’s after-work rituals

News

Stat: Cannabis-infused drinks reshape America’s after-work rituals

A growing number of young American professionals are swapping post-work alcoholic beverages for cannabis-infused alternatives, signalling a cultura...
Statistic : Cannabis : Alcohol
Gap and Katseye tap into new-nostalgia for autumn 2025 denim campaign

News

Gap and Katseye tap into new-nostalgia for autumn 2025 denim campaign

Gap has unveiled its autumn 2025 Better in Denim campaign, fronted by global girl group Katseye.
Fashion : Nostalgia : Pop Culture
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN