With a buying power exceeding $500 billion, Gen Z teens and young adults have at their disposable a spending ability that is comparable to the GDP of money countries, including Belgium, Poland, Sweden, Thailand, and Venezuela, according to Looking Ahead to Gen Z: Demographic Patterns and Spending Trends, a new report from Packaged Facts. The report provides a comprehensive look at Generation Z (defined as encompassing ages 13-24), which  comprises 52 million Americans and represents 16% of the US population. Between the money they have and the money their parents spend on them, Gen Z is already having a significant impact on the American economy.

Gen Z’s potential as consumers is a factor which retailers should not overlook.  While they grew up with modern technology, many Gen Z consumers employ a more “old-fashioned” approach to shopping:  67% of them prefer to make a purchase in a store as opposed to shopping online, or to shop using an app, the report found. Brick-and-mortar clothing retailers may want to consider targeting them as significant consumers as Gen Z seems to also favor shopping for clothes and shoes. Gen Z young men spend 53% more money on apparel than their Millennial counterparts. Generation Z also enjoys experiencing entertainment outside of the home more than their Millennial counterparts, with many  Gen Z young people regularly attending movies and concerts or other live performances, perhaps because they are much less likely to have children.

“Gen Z is anything but monolithic or expected,” says David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts. “A common thread between the diverse array of Gen Z kids seems to be their tendency to weave social media, and digital experiences into their physical, everyday lives. For a brand to be big with Gen Z, having brick-and-mortar store locations and a strong online presence are both essential to generating business and buzz.”

Learn more about the report.