From humble beginnings in beauty and food, subscription boxes have grown at an astonishing rate to become a primary way to shop for many, with Forbes finding that there are now over 3,500 options on the market. No longer a fun way to try out new products, subscription boxes have become, for many, the primary – and coolest – way to shop.

The numbers

Subscription boxes are now a huge business, and that has manifested itself in the sheer variety of products available. Commercial analysts McKinsey found that the largest retailers in subscription boxes generated $2.6bn in sales in 2016, according to the latest industry figures available. As a result of this, variety has never been greater; there are subscription boxes targeted at most interests, and that offers a way for savvy consumers to get a taste of pretty much anything they like.

Broadening appeal

Previously the domain of internet natives and young people, subscription boxes are now finding their way into households across the world. According to Small Biz Trends in October 2010, 54% of consumers regularly receive at least one subscription box, a huge section of society and indicative of their wide reach. This means that someone from any demographic can be assured that there are products out there for them, and it really does make subscription boxes one of the easiest and most intuitive ways to shop across a broad range of markets.

Improving lives

Subscription boxes provide a selection of products designed for one purpose, and this is helping to improve people’s lives. One report published by NBC found that boxes can help provide a useful tool to boost happiness and well-being, whether that be from selected feel-good purchases or through boxes geared towards well-being. Micro-purchases can provide impetus on a weekly or monthly basis and give inspiration to people, both in terms of what they might like to purchase and what makes them tick.

Subscription boxes have emerged from their reputation as a fun little purchase into a real way for consumers to get their hands on priority products. The sheer variety and ease of purchase of subscription products has made it a way to distribute important and inspiring products to all sections of the consumer market. Today, it’s one of the best ways to shop and can create a wonderfully convenient modern retail experience.