Marketers have identified a trend in recent years, based on evolving consumer behaviour such as saving money and making time for family. The trend is towards planning a 'big night in' instead of a traditional 'big night out'.
Rather than splashing out on a restaurant meal and cinema tickets, many consumers are making plans to enjoy food and entertainment at home. Pizza, anyone? New Year's Eve was a 'big night in' this year for consumers in Wales, research shows.
Targeting this occasion, Sainsbury's and other marketers, offer snacks, drinks and more. Above, Sainsbury's online store, with a 'big night in' page offering 'easy cook' meals, snack foods, DVDs and video on demand. Poundland wants to attract shoppers interested in snacks for a big night in, whether the entertainment is a movie or a sleepover.
'Big night in' is influencing multiple marketing elements. For example, snack products are increasingly packaged in larger sizes for family sharing. 'Generally, the packaging is bold and often piggy-backs a cinematic theme
as families try to create a movie going experience without actually
leaving home', says one packaging expert.