Enhancing the consumer's retail experience is at the core of the top July 2014 business trends. Today's top retail brands know that their biggest market might never even walk through the doors to one of their stores, which is why businesses are turning to technology to create a one-of-a-kind experience for consumers at the touch of their fingers and in the comfort of their homes.
From personal online stylists offered by ASOS to the online shopping assistants available from Fetch and the instant chat services for the Norwegian Cruise Line, consumers don't even need to get off the couch to experience extraordinary customer service and professional advice.
For the consumers who still enjoy in-store shopping, brands continue to innovate the face-to-face experience through instant pay wristwatches for added convenience and sophisticated change room technologies that log the sizes, color and designs tried on by shoppers.
If you're looking for a more in-depth analysis of the top July 2014 business trends, our Business Trend Report offers professional research and additional examples.
Top 55 Business Trends in July
From Medieval Home Securities to Web Shopping Stylist Services:
Jaime Neely — Jul 31, 2014 — Business
54
Marijuana Food Trucks
The Samich by MagicalButter Serves THC-Infused Sandwiches
53
Modernized Traditional Lighting
The Botero Collection by Masiero is Sophisticatedly Cartoonish
52
Exotic Beef Flavoring
New Givaudan Flavors Include Picanha, Matambre and Chorizo Beef
51
Cabin-Like Retail Stores
Torafu Architects Creates Another Aesop Store with Warm Details
50
Emergency Fashion Deliveries
This Luxury Fashion Delivery Service is Smart and Effective
49
Interactive Shopping Signs
The Videotel System Helps Shop Owners Create Digital Signs
48
Hotel-Jeweler Partnerships
The Mandarin Oriental New York Engaging Escape Creates an Event
47
Hyper-Connected Dressing Rooms
The Connected Fitting Room Lets Consumers Take Control of Shopping
46
Social Media-Reserving Car Purchases
The BMW M5 Instagram Promotion Provides Real-Time Buyers Info
45
Beacon-Powered Retail Platforms
Swirl's Mobile Marketing Platform Engages Consumers on a New Level
44
Web Shopping Drop Boxes
Click-and-Collect Stations Help to Make Amazon Delivery More Convenient
43
Transformative Reading Experiences
D'Buk Editors Campaign Turns People into Who They Read About
42
Buying Assistant Apps
The Fetch E-Commerce Platform Makes Online Shopping a Simpler Process
41
High Top Pawnbrokers
A Teen Entrepreneur Launched the First Sneaker Pawn Shop for High-End Shoes
40
Pre-Work Dance Parties
Kickstart Your Workday by Partying Early in the Morning
39
Experiential Smart Shops
Sears Connected Solutions Allows Interaction with Automation Products
38
Shoppable Instagram Accounts
Vogue Instagram Sends Followers Links to Purchase Liked Items
37
Iconic Literature Quotations
BuzzFeed Brings Us the Most Popular Kindle Quotes
36
Wearable Wrist Payments
Barclaycard's Contactless Payment bPay Bands Will Reduce Cash Transactions
35
Anime Pop-Up Shops
A Pop-Up Shop in Paris Opened to Promote Pokemon X and Y
34
Disengaged Employees Infographics
Officevibes Illustrates the 13 Personality Traits of Bad Workers
33
Hi-Tech Wallpaper Bookshelves
The Digital Library Wallpaper is Full of Downloadable E-Books
32
Sustainable Supermarkets
Original Unverpackt Aims to Become Germany's First Waste-Free Supermarket
31
Connective Technology Departments
Dixons and Carphone Warhouse Introduce Smart Tech Departments
30
Gun Range Bars
Wilshire Gun Range was Granted a Liquor License
29
Mobile-Recognition Retail
LXR & Co.'s Innovation Store Uses the Thirdshelf App to Track Customers
28
On-Demand Delivery Apps
The WunWun Allows Consumers to get Products Delivered for Free
27
Web Shopping Stylist Services
ASOS Now Lets You Chat with an Online Personal Stylist for Free
26
Author-Approved Writing Implements
A Ninja Essays Infographic Illustrates Effective Writing Tools
25
Construction Equipment Shares
A B2B Sharing Marketplace Called FLOOW2 Allows for Increased Assets
24
Tribute Author Books
The Ernest Hemingway Foundation Ads Focus on Hemingway's Life
23
Standalone Job Search Apps
The LinkedIn Job Search App Focuses on Finding Employment Opportunities
22
Anime Character Cafes
The Sanrio Character Ranking Awards Cafe Celebrates the Best Cartoons
21
Instantly Shoppable Ads
Le Fast Shopping Lets You Scan an Ad, Buy & Receive Within 48 Hours
20
Boundary-Blending Retail Stores
NIKElab Merges the Online World with the Physical Realm
19
Comprehensive Shopping Apps
The Duane Reade App Makes Shopping Easier Than Ever
18
Medieval Home Securities
Defending Your Castle by William Gurstelle Inspires Playful Protection
17
Test-Driving Clothing Promos
GU Customers Are Trying on Clothes Outside Stores Without Purchase
16
In-Mall Car Showrooms
Pennsylvania's Cherry Hill Mall is a New Place to Test Drive a Car
15
Tantalizing Taco Burritos
The Taco Bell Quesarito is a Burrito Wrapped Up in a Soft Quesadilla
14
Camping Gear Sharing Platforms
The Outdoor Exchange Subscription Service is for Outdoor Equipment
13
Alerting Tablet Cases
The Smart Cover Case Lights Up When You Have a Notification
12
Butter-Dedicated Book Blogs
This Butter Blog Replaces Popular Book Titles With the Word Butter
11
Crowdsourced Style Sites
'What Goes With This?' is an Online Site that Offers Free Fashion Advice
10
Athlete-Friendly Earbuds
Beats' Powerbears2 Wireless Earbuds Resist Against Sweat and Water
9
Budgetary Product Search Sites
Five Star Finds the Best Amazon Products Within a Specific Budget
8
Teamwork Bottle Caps
The Coca-Cola Friendly Twist Campaign Makes a Bottle That Takes Two
7
Autonomous Real Estate Services
Zenly Helps Find New York Apartment Rentals on Your Terms
6
Cruise Line Chat Services
The Norwegian Cruise Line Offers Direct Representative Assistance
5
Social Enterprise Lending Websites
Buzzbnk is a Peer-to-Peer Crowdfunding Platform for the UK
4
Taco-Inspired Burgers
Del Taco's Taco Burger Swaps a Taco for Burger Buns
3
Immersive Virtual Safaris
An Online Experiential Travel Tool Gives Four Seasons Guests a Preview
2
Group Photo-Sharing Apps
Pikichat is a Fun Photo Sharing App for Chatting and Drawing with Others
1
Video Communication Apps
The Skype App 5.0's Overhaul Makes Texting, Voice and Video Calls Easy
Related Ideas
Celebrity-Starring Swimwear Campaigns
Kim Kardashian Fronts the SKIMS 'Swim Shop' Campaign
AR Runway Experiences
Vogue & Snap Created Custom Augmented Reality Experiences for Vogue World
Doll-Themed Fashion Collections
Bloomingdale’s Celebrates the Barbie Movie with New Capsule
Social e-Commerce Platforms
Hoppn Creates "A New Type of Centralized Online Shopping Experience"
AI-Generated Fashion Campaigns
Casablanca Spring/Summer 2023 Conveys a Hopeful Future
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
JD & Snap London Created an AR Storefront for Christmas
Next-Gen Graphic Attire
Serenity Trends’ Graphic Clothing Offers a Futuristic Aesthetic
Uplifting Gen Z Fashion
Boohoo & Pantone Created a Collection for Mental Health Awareness Month
Virtual Beauty Storefronts
The Clinique Lab is a Next-Gen Digital Retail Concept
Interactive VR Styling Apps
'J.Crew' Launched a Closet Management and Shopping App for Vision Pro
AI-Powered Shopping Apps
Shoptrue Curates Personalized Fashion Picks with Artificial Intelligence
AI-Powered Shopping Tools
Google AI Now Allows Shoppers to Browse AI Product Recommendations
Online Merchandise Storefronts
The Panera Shop Gives Access to Bread-themed Apparel & Carb-Couture
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
Consumption-Inspired Fashion Capsules
LOUTRE snd Dover Street Market Work on a New Capsule
Multi-Brand Virtual Malls
Bloomingdale’s Virtual Experience Spotlights Beloved Brands
AI-Powered Virtual Closets
Stylitics' Products Support Next-Gen Personalized Shopping
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
Digital Celeb Shopping Experiences
This Walmart Digital Shopping Experience Has Customized Carts
Circular Shopping Experiences
The Stock Market by Selfridges is a Sustainable Shopping Experience
Shoe Retailer AI Apps
SuperStep Partnered with 'IMSHOP' to Create a Convenient Mobile App
AR Retailer Haircare Experiences
Walmart Beauty Virtual Try-On Now Includes Hair Color Products
Co-Browsing Shopping Platforms
buywith's Next Gen Co-Browsing Patent Helps Customers Shop Together
Text-to-Shop Retail Services
Walmart Text to Shop Makes it Easier Than Ever to Shop
Futuristic Corporate Fashion Shows
Hugo Boss FW 23 Featured Sophia the Robot
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
AI-Powered Shopping Tools
Klarna's AI Image Search Helps Shoppers Find the Best Deals
AI-Powered Outfit Shopping Features
The eBay Shop the Look Feature is Powered by eBay.ai
Luxury Department Store Takeovers
Burberry and Harrods Offer an Immersive Shopping Experience
Sea-Inspired Luxe Swimwear Collections
A Burberry Summer Arrives for the SS23 Season of Warm Looks
E-Commerce Beauty Packaging
Aptar Beauty + Home's Redesigned Packaging is "E-Commerce Capable"
Modern Women-Exploring Luxe Fashion
The Fendi SS24 Series was Unveiled on the Runways
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
Virtual Clothing Designers
Nordcurrent's Pocket Styler Studio is a New Fashion Creation Platform
Digital Holiday Dresses
Bershka x DressX Digital Going Out Collection Targets Gen Z Customers
Experimental Summer Technical Fashion
_J.L-A.L_ Launches its SS23 Collection with Technical Cuts
Tech-Centric Automotive Retailers
Mercedes-Benz Kelowna Unveils a Futuristic Showroom Concept
AI-Powered Retail Tools
Walmart is Introducing a New Series of AI Tools for Customer Experience
AI Shopping Customization Tools
The Zegna X Experience Merges AI Technology & Traditional Retail
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Contemporary Ramadan Collections
Trendyol is Celebrating Ramadan with a New 105-Piece Collection
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
AI-Powered Fashion Assistants
Zalando is Launching a Virtual Assistant Powered by ChatGPT
Tech-Driven In-Store Events
Dyson Launches an Interactive Event at Harrods Department Store
UK Summer-Ready Sporty Fashion
Unknown London Launches a New Capsule Designed for Summer
Beauty Brand Accelerator Programs
Walmart Start™ Returns to Discover Next Gen Beauty Brands
Community Commerce Pop-Ups
TikTok Shop UK Opened a Pop-Up on London's Oxford Street
Interactive Shoppable High-Fashion Films
The Saint Laurent Summer 2024 Collection is Chic
Retailer-Backed Beauty Categories
Moda Operandi Launches a Curated Beauty Category
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
AI Beauty Shopping Apps
Trendio's Video Shopping App Shares Personally Curated Content
Riviera-Inspired Retail Experiences
Balmain Beach Club Brings France to Neiman Marcus Customers
British Culture-Honoring Luxe Fashion
The Burberry Summer 2024 Range is Unveiled During LFW
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Phygital Fashion Platforms
Macy's and Journee Debut the mstylelab Platform for Users
Live Commerce Holiday Windows
TalkShopLive's WindowShopping Merges Physical & Digital Experiences
Historical Doll-Themed Wardrobes
Consumers Can Rent Barbie's Dream Wardrobe Through Selfridges
Pop-Up Interview Stores
Trainline's Fashion Pop-Up Preps Gen Z for Interviews with Free Clothing
Custom Men's Footwear Services
Robert August Fuses 21st Century Technology with Craftsmanship
Integrated E-Commerce Apps
Amazon is Adding 'Buy with Prime' to Shopify through New Integrations
Shoppable Virtual Beach Houses
The J.Crew Virtual Beach House Shares Interactive Content & Games
Empowering Fashion Films
Victoria's Secret World Tour Reimagines the Iconic Show as a Feature Film
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Secondhand Fashion Editorials
Vinted Styled a Shoot Exclusively with Vinted Finds
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
2D-to-3D Jewelry Try-Ons
Perfect Corp.'s Newest Virtual Try-On Technology Empowers Jewelry Brands
Early-Access Shopping Apps
The J.Crew App Provides Users Access to Sales 48 Hours in Advance
Try-On E-Commerce Solutions
Zero10 Launches the New AI-Enabled Try-On Tools for E-Commerce
Artist-Styled Nostalgic Lookbooks
AURALEE and New Balance Reimagine Archival Fashion Designs
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Tom Ford Allows Consumers to Seamlessly Shop Its Spring 2024 RTW
AI-Powered eCommerce Reviews
Amazon Customer Review Highlights Leverage AI Capabilities
AI Clothing Try-Ons
Google's AI Shopping Feature Shows How Apparel Looks on Real Models
All-Angle Sneaker Shopping Engines
Google Search Allows Users to View Shoes from All Angles
Revamped Private Label Ranges
The Target up&up Collection Has Been Expanded and Updated
Omnichannel Grocery Technologies
Instacart Launches the New Omnichannel Solutions for Grocers
Digital Delivery Service Storefronts
Instacart Storefront Lets Retailers Customize the Interface
AI-Generated Shopping Campaigns
Sandton City's Latest Campaign Integrates Smart Technology
AR Secondhand Shops
American Eagle Outfitters' RE/AE Shop Spotlights Sustainable Goods
Beauty-Focused Shopping Apps
The 'Trendio' Live Shopping App Offers Access to Beauty Content
Virtual Skincare Experiences
Skincare Brand Laniege Launches its First Virtual Store with Obsess
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Louis Vuitton Delivers Resort 2024 with an Interactive Experience
Pop-Up Fashion Websites
Asos' Sample Sale Website Prices Everything at £5
Collaborative Vintage Buying-In Services
Weekday and Beyond Retro Join Forces on Archive Pieces
Wasteful Fashion Campaigns
Vestiaire Collective Reminded People to Shop Mindfully on Black Friday
Jewelry Rewards Initiatives
Mejuri Launches a New App and Loyalty Program Called Mejuri+
Communication App Shopping Experiences
WhatsApp Flows Allow for In-App Booking and Shopping
AI-Powered Retail Try-Ons
Walmart is Adding an AI-Based Try-On Technology for Online Consumers
Spring-Ready Fashion Editorials
The Garbstore Presents its New Campaign for the SS23 Season
Branded Customer Resale Marketplaces
Relove Enables Businesses to Launch C2B2C Storefronts
Virtual Beauty-Focused Stores
Laura Mercier Debuts the Virtual ‘World of Beauty’ Store
Innovative SCO Kiosks
Austrian Brand Shopreme Debuts a New Self-Checkout Kiosk for Retailers
20s-Inspired Sportswear Collections
Balmain Unveils Its New Vintage-Themed Sportswear Range
Virtual Shopping Assistants
Firework's AVA is a Digital Human That Enhances E-Commerce with AI
Active Lifestyle Retailer Ranges
The Sports Edit on M&S Now Features Reebok and Puma
eCommerce Fashion Sizing Solutions
'Stailor' Helps Customers Get the Right Size to Reduce Returns
Beauty Product Exploration Platforms
The Beautify.Tips Platform is for All Aspects of Beauty
Ecommerce Returns Programs
Loop Launches an App to Help Shopify Merchants Optimize Returns
Bespoke Interior Design Services
IKEA is Offering Online Design Assistance For Homes & Businesses
Designer Mystery Boxes
Luxury Fashion Platform HEAT Introduces a New Contemporary Mystery Box
Digital Retailer Strategy Updates
This Walmart eCommerce Update Refreshes the Website and App
Text-Based Shopping Features
Walmart Unveils a New Shopping by Text Feature for Mobile Shoppers
Personal Shopping Assistants
Klarna Debuts a More Personalized Shopping Feature Dubbed Ask Klarna
B2B eCommerce Retailer Platforms
Walmart Business Streamlines Access to Essentials
Small-Format Retailers
Nordstrom’s Small-Format Strategy 'Closer to You' is Expanding Until 2025
Efficiency-Driven Digital Ad Solutions
ShopLiftr is Revolutionizing Digital Advertising
Personalized Grocery Billboard Campaigns
Tesco Ireland Gets a New Live-Prompt Campaign
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Collaborative Home Decor Collections
Sweet July by Ayesha Curry x Pottery Barn Celebrates Summer
Offline Shopping Campaigns
'Shop Offline' Helps People Rediscover the Joy of Real-World Shopping
Virtual Makeup Try-Ons
Parfums Christian Dior Launches a Virtual Try-On Consultation Service
Virtual Personal Styling Services
Fashivly Was Founded by Professional Stylist Ashlyn Greer
AI-Powered Search Features
Shop Premium Outlets Enhances its Online Shopping with AI-Powered Tools
Grande Shimmeering Runway Shows
Saint Laurent Presents its Summer 2024 Womenswear at PW
AR-Enabled Google Tools
Google Launches a Slew of New Features for Search, Shopping, and Maps
Video-Powered eCommerce Services
Apple Shop with a Specialist Over Video Supports At-Home Shopping
Stigma-Reducing Period Brands
August Relies on Playful and Wholesome Branding
Personalized Fashion Advice Tools
Urban Stylers Offers Personalized Virtual Styling and Advice
Shareable Purchase Features
Fashion Retailer Hollister Has Launched Its New Share2Pay Option
Lifestyle Sales Expansions
At Home Launches Upgrades to Same-Day Delivery and a New Mobile App
AR-Powered Shopping Apps
Walmart Releases a New Augmented Reality Feature for its iOS Application
Immersive Luxury Fashion Campaigns
FLANNELS Launches Its 'Welcome to New Luxury' Campaign
Home Decor Apps
Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen Launch Mobile Apps for E-Commerce Sales
Clothing Try-On Services
Rixo Launches a New 'Try-Before-You-Buy' Service in the UK
Digital-First Denim Brands
True Religion Will Become a Digital-First Brand with its New Mobile App
Color-Changing Fall Fashion
Anrealage Unveils New Clothing Designs at Paris Fashion Week
Retailer-Backed Holiday Experiences
J. Crew Launches a New AI-Powered Holiday Experience
Video Call Shopping Services
Apple's Specialist over Video Service Enhances Personalization
Summer-Ready Boutique Shops
Urban Outfitters Unveils a New Dress Boutique Pop Up Opening in April
Science-Backed Styling Services
Hush Launches an Exclusive Styling Service for its Clients
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
Comprehensive Business Loyalty Solutions
BusinessQR Helps Brands Build Customer Loyalty
Enhanced Shopping Results
Google Updates its Search Engine to Better Aid Holiday Shopping
Smart Shopping Assistants
Bolt Shopper Assistant Supports Convenient, Personalized Experiences
Versatile Marketing Toolkits
Looper Insights Releases a Digital Marketing Insights Tool
Digitized Hair Consultations
Sally Beauty Debuts the Free Virtual Hair Coloring Consultations
BNPL-Enabled Home Retailers
At Home Debuts the Buy-Now-Pay-Later Program for Qualifying Purchases
Comprehensive Checkout Tools
TreviPay Launches an All-in-One Checkout Solution to Reduce Friction