Let’s get one thing straight. Gen Z isn’t just another generation. They’re the trendsetters, the culture drivers and the most unpredictable shoppers you’ll ever meet. They don’t follow the rules. They make them.
So if you’re wondering what Gen Z actually wants when it comes to shopping, the answer is simple. Everything, but with meaning. It’s not just about what they buy. It’s about how, where and why they buy it.
Here’s what’s catching their attention right now.
1. Personalization is a must
Gen Z loves things that feel personal. Whether it’s a phone case with their name on it or skincare that matches their mood, they want it to feel made just for them. According to Webandcrafts, 75 percent enjoy products they can customize.
If your brand lets them add a personal touch, they’ll notice. And they’ll probably post about it too.
2. Mobile comes first
Laptops are cool, but phones are everything. Gen Z shops from their phones while waiting for the metro, scrolling between classes or lying in bed at midnight.
If your store isn’t fast, clean and mobile-friendly, they’re bouncing. Simple as that.
3. Instagram and TikTok are the new shopping malls
Gen Z doesn’t need to walk into a store to discover something new. They scroll into it. That perfume? Saw it on a GRWM reel. That new phone case? Found it in a TikTok haul.
Social media isn’t just inspiration. It’s a shopping cart in disguise. If your product isn’t showing up on their feed, it may as well not exist.
4. Thrifting is cool again
Secondhand shopping isn’t just for saving money. It’s about style, sustainability and finding something no one else has. Vintage is back and Gen Z is loving it.
From online thrift drops to weekend flea markets, they’re always hunting for the next hidden gem.
5. They shop with their values
Gen Z pays attention to what a brand stands for. They want to know if your clothes are ethically made, if you care about the environment and if your actions match your words.
This generation doesn’t just spend money. They spend it where it matters.
6. They want both online and offline
Gen Z loves the ease of online shopping but still craves the vibe of discovering something in real life. Pop-ups, store launches and market events are back in style.
They want to try it, touch it, snap it and then maybe order the next color online. It’s not one or the other. It’s both.
7. So, where are they shopping in real life?
Let’s talk local. Based on Gen Z habits, here are some real-world spots where they’re probably hanging out and shopping:
Cafes with Wi-Fi and aesthetic corners – where shopping meets chilling
Weekend flea markets – the thrill of the find is real
Boutique gyms and wellness studios – they shop for lifestyle, not just outfits
Thrift stores and indie pop-ups – if it’s rare, it’s in their cart
Instagram-worthy local stores – because everything has to be story-worthy
Hotspots in Lucknow: Gen Z style
If you're in Lucknow, you know the vibe is a blend of heritage and hustle. And Gen Z is turning this city into their playground. Here's where they're shopping, chilling and creating content:
Hazratganj – Always buzzing. From Fabindia to local streetwear stores, this place is a mix of old-school charm and trendy spots.
Gomti Nagar – Think high-end boutiques, cafes with mood lighting and Insta-friendly corners. Perfect for a midweek style refresh.
Sahara Ganj and Phoenix Palassio – More than just malls. These are Gen Z hangout zones where shopping comes with food courts, selfies and weekend plans.
Janpath Market – Budget-friendly fashion that still turns heads. Whether it's jhumkas or crop tops, this is where Gen Z finds affordable fits with flair.
Read More: Shop Like You Were Born Here: Lucknow’s OG Shopping Edition
Varanasi’s Gen Z shopping secrets
Don’t let the traditional vibe fool you. Varanasi’s Gen Z is rewriting the local shopping scene. They mix tradition with trend and keep it unapologetically real.
Godowlia Market – From cotton kurtas to indie accessories, this place is perfect for Gen Z’s everyday desi-core aesthetic.
Lanka and BHU Campus Area – Young, artsy and full of cafés, thrift stores and local brands. It’s where fashion meets street culture.
IP Mall – When they want a mix of cinema, food and fashion in one place. Think Saturday evening hangouts with the gang.
Local pop-up events – Flea markets and handmade stalls near Assi Ghat or Nadesar are perfect for those looking to shop small and support homegrown.
Real talk
Gen Z doesn’t just want to shop. They want to connect. With the product. With the brand. With the story behind it.
And most importantly, with the experience. For them, shopping often happens when they’re traveling, attending a carnival, exploring exhibitions or wandering through flea festivals. It’s not just about what they buy, it's about how it makes them feel.
If you get it right, they’ll become your most loyal customers and your loudest cheerleaders online. If you fake it, they’ll call it out. Quickly.
Find your city’s trendiest spots only on Yett.
Download App & Get All Benefits: Android | iOS
