Kearney Report Warns of $20T Consumer Spending Shift as Trust Models Evolve — Kearney, Inc.

Event summary

Kearney's Consumer Institute released a report predicting $20T in consumer spending will be up for grabs by 2036 due to shifting trust models.
Survey of 21,500 consumers across 20 countries highlights transition from source-based to outcome-based trust.
AI and automation expected to free up 80 minutes of daily 'free' time, but consumers struggle with fragmented multitasking.
80% of consumers believe only humans can provide genuine empathy, despite growing AI adoption for emotional interactions.

The big picture

Kearney's report highlights a fundamental shift in consumer behavior driven by technology and information overload. As trust moves from institutions to outcomes, brands face a $20T battleground for consumer loyalty. The findings underscore broader industry trends of AI integration and the challenge of balancing convenience with genuine human connection in a digital world.

What we're watching

Trust Evolution: How brands will adapt to outcome-based trust models and reduce consumer decision fatigue.
Time Management: Whether automation can truly give back time to consumers or if it will be absorbed by new demands.
AI Limitations: The pace at which AI can improve emotional intelligence and whether it can ever fully replicate human connection.