Consumer Behavior TrendsCocooning Research Paper

Consumer Behavior TrendsCocooning - Research Paper Example Cocooning is an interesting practice which implies a certain accepted belief set with respect to what will become of the overall economy. Likewise, the level of economic optimism displayed by this group is invariably quite low (Sexton 2011). In short, those that practice cocooning are intent on building/fortifying their own interests/needs against the backdrop of an increasingly uncertain economic reality. These consumers cannot be easily defined as they incorporate elements of TEOTWAWKI (The end of the world as we know it), survivalism, conservationism, and a pervasive element of fear for future stability. It is this fear, more than any other factor, which defines the behaviors and actions of consumers as will be discussed in this analysis. As such, this brief analysis will review the product many different product offerings of freeze dried food and other long-term food storage items. This type of activity, although still considered fringe, is gaining more and more popularity due to the uncertain outcome of the current financial crisis and the fear by many individuals that the situation will only become more and more desperate as time goes on. This belief is further compounded by a growing group of individuals who have developed a worldview that is defined by the belief that the complete and total collapse of the global economy is imminent. Although there have always been elements of survivalism and fear of a coming global apocalypse, the size and scope of such activities has verifiably increased over the past few years to encompass a much larger demographic than was previously associated with such cocooning activities as this. Individuals, spurred on by aggressive marketing campaigns in alternative media outlets1, are actively seeking to stockpile not only food but other necessary supplies that they believe will insulate them in some way from the coming/imminent collapse. This behavior is unique due