Brown: Are Millennials Killing the Retail Industry?

The Burden of Excess

In today’s world, we are surrounded by an overwhelming amount of stuff. From personal belongings to household items, the accumulation of objects has become a common part of life. As I look around my home workspace, I see piles of books, children’s toys that no longer serve their purpose, and even a dusty exercise bike from two decades ago—each a reminder of past intentions that never fully materialized.

This excess isn’t just limited to our homes. It extends into landfills and recycling centers, where the waste generated by society is growing at an alarming rate. According to the United Nations, the world produced a projected 500 million tons of plastic in 2024, most of which became waste. This staggering amount of plastic is more than twice the total weight of all humans on the planet, though it's worth noting that microplastics are now embedded in our bodies, contributing to this environmental crisis.

Growing up in a junkyard gave me a unique perspective on the value of stuff. My family ran a business selling salvaged auto parts, and I saw firsthand how people would buy and sell items based on their usefulness or sentimental value. We worked hard to acquire things, and once they were no longer needed, we either sold, gave, or discarded them, hoping that future generations would appreciate what we left behind.

However, reality often falls short of these expectations. Recent observations at a flea market highlighted this shift. At the Northern Minnesota Swap Meet and Car Show, vendors displayed a wide range of items, from vintage electric fans to antique tools. While the items were interesting, many people hesitated to purchase them. I overheard a couple expressing concern about what would happen to their collection of trophy head mounts after they passed away. Their children had no interest in keeping them, illustrating a growing disconnect between generations.

This trend is reflected in broader societal changes. The average age of collectors is increasing, and younger generations tend to prefer specific collectibles rather than large collections. Additionally, many young people cannot afford the space needed to store their items, leading to a shift in how people manage their possessions.

Walt and Kim Hoffman, owners of Carefree Transition, shared insights about the changing market. They help families sell belongings after death or downsizing and noted that the demand for traditional household items is declining. Younger couples are less interested in older items, preferring to acquire new products instead. This shift has made it harder to move housewares, as modern lifestyles no longer require the same types of items.

Despite these challenges, there are still customers who seek out useful tools, hidden treasures, and bargains. However, the business landscape is changing rapidly. When the Hoffmans started their company, there were five competitors in their area; now, only one remains. They express hope that someone else will take over the business, but it’s unclear if that will happen.

As someone born in the last year of Generation X, I’ve witnessed the differences in attitudes toward stuff between generations. Younger people often can’t afford or envision owning the space needed to store generations of trinkets. This shift in values suggests a need to rethink our relationship with material goods.

While it’s not necessary to purge all belongings, it’s important to consider the impact of our consumption habits. We should start thinking about a future with less stuff, as this seems to be the direction society is heading. This means embracing a different kind of economy—one that prioritizes people over products and focuses on community rather than material accumulation.

The call for decluttering isn’t just about reducing physical clutter; it’s about redefining our values and the way we live. By focusing on what truly matters, we can create a more sustainable and meaningful future for ourselves and future generations.