SparkBlog by The Hartman Group

Are You Ready for Millennials?

Lately it seems that the Internet is all a buzz over Millennials. They're brand averse! They're ironic! They'll replace us all with robots!

Well, perhaps not that last one.

In the spirit of understanding the next significant generation of consumers, we thought we'd bring you a few tips on how to immerse yourself in Millennial culture.

Here are our six strategies for walking in a Millennial shoes:

1. Browse Innovative Millennial-Created & Supported Sites

• Vimeo
• Tumblr
• Muxtape
• Gawker media sites (Jezebel.com, Gawker.com)

2. Experience the DIY Movement

• Shop independent artists and sellers on Etsy.com
• Take a hip craft/sewing class at an urban sewing shop
• Read MAKE magazine & attend one of their events

3. Shop at Millennial-Approved Clothing Retailers

• Hunt down Irreverent, ironic duds (http://www.bustedtees.com)
• American Apparel (simple, ethically-produced pieces that speak louder than any “branded” tee or top)
• User-created limited-edition shirts for the masses (http://www.threadless.com)

4. Eat Like a Millennial

• As master re-mixers, Millennials use grocery retail as a Reimagined food court, sampling a variety of flavors and brands daily
• Brand is much less important than categorical ethnic flavors
• Millennials turn to “real” food over more processed snacks. Ditch the Lean Pocket and head to the streets (for delectable street food, that is)

5. See What Other Brands have Done to Win the Millennials’ Trust

• Target (limited-edition runs)
• H&M (cheap duds by exceptional designers & classic never-fail pieces)
• In the end, it’s not about the brand itself. Brands must reinvent themselves in innovative ways to gain attention from Millennials

6. Learn More Through Our Report

Call them Echo Boomers, Gen Y'ers or the Facebook Generation. Representing more than 75 million consumers, Millennials are the largest generation in U.S. history-outnumbering Boomers by over a million. Our qualitative report will provide you with the knowledge of Millennials' notions about living and eating, how they learn about products, brands, and services and what activities matter most in everyday life.

Go forth and discover!

Love,

Your Tinderboxing Trendspotters

Tinderboxing: The Batter Blaster

Has dolling up that dusty box of all-purpose baking mix become too much of a chore? How about giving Batter Blaster a whirl? Last week the Tinderbox crew broke out the griddle and fried up some hotcakes right here in the office. Observe our delicious results, below:

We've been eager to test out this breakfast dough in a can since it first came on to the scene a few months ago. While they're not the tastiest pancakes the world has to offer, they are a blast to make!

Happy Valentine's Day

All of us here at Tinderbox wish you a glorious Valentine's Day. Here are three hearty links:

1. For the Love of Pork: Piglet Born with Heart-Shaped Spots

2. Delectable Bites: Red Velvet Cake Balls

3. Debbie Downer: Chocolate Recall for Valentine's Day

Enjoy!

A Moveable Feast: Skillet Street Food

Last week a few members of the Tinderbox crew ventured out of the office with empty bellies and delicious expectations. We were on the hunt for Skillet, Seattle's mobile restaurant. Operating out of a renovated Airstream trailer, Skillet roams from office parks, farmers markets and events around the city to bring locally sourced seasonal food to the hungry masses. No matter how quirky the location - the trailer is quickly becoming a staple at derby matches for the Rat City Roller Girls - Skillet's mission is simple: to serve exceptional food quickly.

In other words, this isn't your average weenie roast. On the afternoon we visited Skillet, the menu featured hamburgers, hot dogs, poutine, pork sugo, and red coconut curry soup. Skillet's post-modern interpretation of traditional street food blends seamlessly with their less-conventional dishes. The Skillet burger consists of grilled Kobe beef served on brioche and outfitted with creamy blue cheese, bacon jam and arugula. Yes, you heard it right, bacon jam. All delivered hot and cozy in fully compostable containers with a bill that won't lighten your wallet.

The verdict? We Tinderboxers were too busy munching to express our joy.

Although Skillet is exclusively serving the Seattle area at the moment, founders Josh Henderson and Danny Sizemore are looking to expand to other locations in the future. Do not fret, if you're desperate to create a savory bacon jam experience at home, you can check out their online store and start concocting your own delicious treats as fast as you can say eBay.

Tinderboxing

Last Friday the Tinderbox crew headed out into the field to investigate and identify top trends on our own home turf. From sampling Beecher's Handmade Cheese at the Pike Place Market to viewing the World's Largest Collection of Giant Shoes, we had a full day of trendspotting fun. Be sure to check out our stop at DiLaurenti Specialty Food and Wine, a delicious plethora of flavors from around the world.

To learn more about how Tinderbox Play Dates can help you reimagine your world email us: michelleb@hartman-group.com