Consumer trends in Taiwan next year will be characterized by a plain consumption lifestyle, an increasing number of Internet users aged 50 and over, and greater reliance on the Internet by those 40 and under, according to a report released on Wednesday.
The report by Eastern Online Co, a lifestyle and consumer market research consultant, examined consumer trends and lifestyles, after the conclusion of marketing seminars in Taiwan on those topics earlier in the year.
It pointed to three major consumer trends in Taiwan in the coming year, citing the results of a poll conducted by the consulting company.
Consumers will follow a simple and plain lifestyle amid the recent economic slowdown, it said.
Generally, consumers in Taiwan tend to follow a healthy, fashionable, high-quality and environmentally friendly consumption pattern without spending too much, the poll showed.
The report said that people in Taiwan in the 50-64 age group would strive to catch up with their younger peers in terms of technology skills.
The survey showed that the average rate of Internet usage in that age bracket has risen to 39.8 percent from 24.5 percent last year, helping to push up the rate in the 13-64 age group from 71.9 percent to 79.1 percent over the same period.
In addition, 30.1 percent of people in Taiwan aged 50-64 have a smartphone, the report said. The penetration rate of microblogging in the country now exceeds 25 percent, and that of the messaging service Line is more than 20 percent, it said.
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