The top June 2021 retail innovations put a focus on speedy deliveries, spotlighting small businesses and independent creators, as well as next-gen store designs that consider the needs of post-pandemic life and beyond.
While it's become fairly standard for some delivery services to turnaround orders in a matter of a few hours, some new partnerships are making it possible for people to get convenience store items, grocery goods and other essentials in 30 minutes, as seen in the Instacart Priority Delivery service launching in the North American market.
Retailers are also experimenting with on-demand modular marketplaces, augmented reality product discovery and fitting room experiences, as well as autonomous stores powered by 5G technology and computer vision technology to support safe and seamless shopping.
Top 45 Retail Trends in June
From Immersive AR Try-Ons to Ultra-Fast Grocery Deliveries:
Laura McQuarrie — Jun 19, 2021 — Business
45
5G-Powered Autonomous Stores
AiFi and Verizon Created a Next-Gen Convenience Store
44
On-Demand Modular Marketplaces
The Locket is Stocked with a Mix of Snacks, Meals and Brand Goods
43
Industrial Plywood Shoe Displays
Vans New Seoul Store Pays Homage to a Modern Art Exhibition
42
Immersive AR Try-Ons
Snapchat is Introducing Try-On Experiences with Fashion Partners
41
Vibrant Inclusive Fashion Collaborations
Target's Designer Dress Collection is Flowy and Floral
40
Outdoor Digital Signage Technologies
Samsung and Tim Hortons Elevate Digital Drive-Thru Displays
39
Sustainable Personalized Polo Services
Ralph Lauren's Made-to-Order Polo Program Reduces Waste
38
Designer Rainwear Collections
Canada Goose Partnered with Y/Project on a Unisex Rainwear Capsule
37
Small Business Shop Windows
Westfield's Side Hustle Heroes Initiative Spotlights New Businesses
36
Co-Branded Eco Cleaning Products
Grove Collaborative and Target Launch Sustainable Series
35
Swiping Try-on Apps
Zyler Offers a Simple and Realistic Clothing Try-on Experience
34
In-Store NFT Experiences
Sweet & Happy Jack Launched an NFT Series on Mental Health Awareness
33
Small Business-Finding Apps
The Amaze App Helps Locals Discover New Businesses in Their Area
32
Virtual Fitting Room Acquisitions
Walmart Acquires the Zeekit Virtual Fitting Room Software
31
Kid-Friendly E-Commerce Platforms
CAMP's Present Shop Lets Kids Safely Shop for Gifts Online
30
Viral Jewelry Storefronts
The Color of Tiffany is Taking a Backseat to Promote Yellow Diamonds
29
Circular Performance Apparel Initiatives
Arc'teryx Launches Circularity Initiative -- ReBird
28
Fast Casual Pancake Spots
IHOP Is Opening a New Fast Casual Concept, flip’d by IHOP
27
Library-Inspired Tablet Pop-Ups
reMarkable's A Better Place to Think Pop-Up Inspires Calm & Focus
26
Digital Local Fashion Stores
Amazon's Local Label Hub Spotlights Small Businesses
25
Circular Furniture Retailers
MADE Teams with Geev for a Furniture Giveaway Initiative
24
Office Retail Reorganizations
Office Depot Will Split into a Retailer and a B2B Business
23
Plant-Based Membership Plans
PlantX Recently Launched the New PlantXpress Membership Plan
22
BBQ-Ready Summer Seltzers
Vista Bay Hard Seltzers are Designed with Food Pairings in Mind
21
Mobile-Based POS Solutions
PayTabs Touch is a Cost-Effective and Contactless POS System for MENA
20
Brand Ambassador Agreements
Dick's Sporting Goods Has New Ambassadors for Private Label Products
19
Accessible Eco Produce Distribution
Hilton Hotels Recently Signed an Agreement with FreshOnTable
18
Plastic Elimination Retail Initiatives
Tesco Announced a New Reduced Plastic Packaging Initiative
17
Brick-and-Mortar Crypto Banks
India Opens 14 In-Person Crypto Currency Banks
16
Ultra-Fast Grocery Delivery Services
Instacart Priority Delivery will Offer Items in 30-Minutes
15
Retail Business Acquisitions
Gap is Selling Its Intermix Business to a Private Equity Firm
14
Soft Plastic Recycling Programs
Aldi is Trialling Soft Plastics Collection in the UK
13
Fashion Retail Acquisitions
South Moon Under Was Purchased by Ames Watson a Private Equity Firm
12
American Whiskey Expansions
Irish Brand Kirker Greer Spirits Picked Up Bowsaw American Whiskey
11
Sustainable Electronic Retail Designations
Best Buy Received Its First Zero Waste Certification
10
30-Minute Convenience Store Deliveries
7-Eleven & Instacart Expanded on Their Partnership
9
Same Day Retail Deliveries
Walgreens Launched Its New Two-Hour Delivery Service Across the U.S.
8
Clothing Retailer Acquisitions
Eddie Bauer Was Purchased by Sparc Group for an Undisclosed Sum
7
Retail Eyewear Collaborations
Gap Entered into an Eyewear Deal with De Rigo Launching in 2022
6
Canadian Marketplace Expansions
The Bay's Marketplace Appeals to a Wider Base of Online Shoppers
5
Zipper-Themed Virtual Showrooms
YKK Digitally Recreated Its Showroom in Londom
4
Paper Retail Acquisitions
Paper Source is Likely to Be Sold to Elliot Investment Management
3
Beauty Brand Courier App Deliveries
Esteé Lauder's Products Will Be Available Through Uber Eats
2
Grocery Pick-Up Rideshare Features
Uber Users Can Now Pick Up Grocery Orders During Their Ride
1
Clothing Sub-Brand Acquisitions
Ralph Lauren Sold Its Club Monaco Brand to a Firm Named Regent
Related Ideas
Open-Source WFH Offices
Open Sohko Design's Open-Source Designs Help People Create Work Spaces
Plant Growth-Optimizing Planters
The 's•pot' Smart Indoor Planter Has an Auto-Watering System
Performance-Tracking Gym Gloves
The Shape.Care Gym Gloves Offer Impressive Grip and More
Home Office Organization Accessories
The Litem Desk Organizer Has an All-in-One Design
Upcycled Denim Collections
Miu Miu Joined with Levi's for its Latest Line of Embroidered Denim
Sleek Otherworldly Work Desks
This Futuristic Work Desk by Encho Enchev is Porsche-Inspired
Sustainable Branded Graphic Tees
FUTUREVVORLD Challenges Streetwear Brands to Go Sustainable
Retractable Privacy Divider Cubicles
The 'Office Shell' Blocks Out External Disturbances
Versatile High-Quality Apparel
Wknd Nation is a Casual Loungewear Line Designed with Comfort
Pride-Themed Denim Collections
Levi's Pride 2021 Collection is Gender-Affirming and Inclusive
Next-Gen Folding Smartphone Designs
This Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Concept Has a Bezel-Free Design
Recycled Plastic Houseware Products
Weez & Merl Transforms Plastic Waste into Houseware Products
Inclusive Engagement Rings
Tiffany & Co. Debuted Its First-Ever Men's Engagement Ring
Minimalist Californian Cliff-Hanging Houses
Milad Eshtiyaghi Designs the 'Suspended House'
Virtual Tipping NFTs
Stella Artois is Auctioning NFT Art Collectibles to Benefit Bar Staff
Durable Organic Clothing Essentials
Canadian Streetwear Brand Kuwalla Tee Drops Two Collections
Immersive AR Try-Ons
Snapchat is Introducing Try-On Experiences with Fashion Partners
Vibrant Inclusive Fashion Collaborations
Target's Designer Dress Collection is Flowy and Floral
Outdoor Digital Signage Technologies
Samsung and Tim Hortons Elevate Digital Drive-Thru Displays
Reduced Plastic Produce Trays
ProducePack Punnet Trays are a Paperboard Alternative to Plastic
Virtual Car Interior Concepts
Lexus Reimagined the LF-Z Electrified Interior with Artists
WFH Coffee Delivery Programs
The Think Coffee Coffee-Break-At-Home Program Keeps Caffeine on Hand
Skater-Backed Eco-Friendly Sneakers
The Puig PK Primeblue Shoes from adidas Use Upcycled Plastic
Elevated Curved-Shell Armchairs
The Huma Chair Adds Rustic Sophistication to the Home or Office
Virtual Skincare Cities
SK-II CITY Shares an Immersive Experience with Animated Films
Custom Hard Seltzer Makers
The GrowlerWerks uKeg TWIST Crafts Effervescent Libations
Upcycled Dynamic Graphic Apparel
Acne Studios' New Sustainability Capsule is Eco-Conscious
Small Business Shop Windows
Westfield's Side Hustle Heroes Initiative Spotlights New Businesses
Post-Pandemic Gum Campaigns
EXTRA Gum's 'For When It's Time' Depicts a Fresh Start
Clarifying Skin Supplements
111SKIN's Clarity Beauty Dose Supports Clear Skin from the Inside Out
Virtual Shopping Districts
This Virtual Shopping Center Helps to Support Small Businesses
Ocean Conservation NFTs
Beneath The Waves Created NFTs That Let Buyers Tag and Watch a Shark
Food Waste AR Apps
Morton Salt's AR App Provides a Creative Solution to Reducing Kitchen Waste
Virtual Space Watches
Anicorn Watches Released Two NASA-Branded NFT Art Pieces
Swiping Try-on Apps
Zyler Offers a Simple and Realistic Clothing Try-on Experience
Oceanic NFT Artworks
Moen Created Five NFT Art Designs Inspired by the Five Major Ocean Gyres
Minimal Bohemian Lounge Chairs
The Layla Outdoor Chaise Lounge is Made to Last
In-Store NFT Experiences
Sweet & Happy Jack Launched an NFT Series on Mental Health Awareness
Small Business-Finding Apps
The Amaze App Helps Locals Discover New Businesses in Their Area
Recycled Textile Children's Furniture
The UPPAREL 'FLIP UP' Sofa Can Be Recycled After Use
Limted-Edition Sour Seltzers
Natural Light Launched a Sour Seltzer Just in Time for Summer
Food Waste-Preventing Ordering Apps
goMkt Fights the Food Crisis with Convenience & Mindfulness
3D-Printed Modular Offices
ArchiTech Company Collaborates with Royal 3D To Create R-IGLO
Exclusive Shopping Platforms
The DROPSHOP by Afterpay Shares Exclusive Merch, Offers & Experiences
Eco-Friendly Morning Masks
PAYOT Paris' Morning Mask are Eco-Conscious and Efficient
Cross-Cultural Retail Sandwiches
The IKEA Lingonberry Pulled Pork Sandwich Merges Flavors
Desk Chair Treadmill Adaptors
'QuitSit' Allows for Easy Walking and Running When Working
Augmented Gen Z Games
Pull & Bear's Pacific Game Marks the Launch of the Pacific Girls Collection
Athleticwear Trade-In Resale Programs
Lululemon Partners with Trove for New Clothing Pilot
Co-Branded Gamer Flip-Flops
Havaianas and Fortnite Launched Digital & Physical Products for Gamers
Fully Recyclable Sneaker Styles
The Adidas Made To Be Remade Ultraboost is Eco-Conscious
Non-Alcoholic Energy Seltzers
Performix SST Energy Seltzer Refuels with Zero Sugar & Zero Calories
Parking Space Sensors
Sidewalk Labs Created a Sensor Named Pebble That Displays Available Parking
Social Media Community Features
Facebook Neighborhoods Helps Users Connect with Locals
Gen Z Voter Campaigns
Snapchat's Speech to Street Encourages Young People to Vote
Skincare Fitness Kits
FaceGym is Venturing into Skincare with a Set to Prep, Train + Recover Skin
Sustainable Face Mask Packaging
The Detox Face Mask is Housed in a Compostable & Plantable Box
Scientifically Backed Customized Skincare
Nøie Addresses Chronic Skin Conditions with Technology
Hazelnut Canned Cold Brews
La Colombe Coffee Roasters Launched a Creamy New Flavor of Draft Latte
Mediterranean-Inspired Outdoor Furniture
The BOSC Outdoor Furniture Collection is Contemporary
Lactose-Free Upcycled Ice Creams
Beckon's Newest Flavor is Made with Broken Peanut Butter Cups
Charitable Snack-Themed NFTs
The Very First Slim Jim NFT Supports the World Central Kitchen
Precise Customizable Keyboards
Razer's BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless is a Compact Gaming Keyboard
Flavored Plant-Based Bacon
Prime Roots' Meatless Bacon Alternatives are Made with Koji
Office Retail Reorganizations
Office Depot Will Split into a Retailer and a B2B Business
Personalized Purchasing Platforms
Groupon Launched New Personalized User Experience Features
Indigenous Language Apps
Woolaroo by Google Arts & Culture Shares Endangered Languages
Smart Air Quality-Tracking Apps
The AirCare App by Gorjan Jovanovski has a Bright and Intuitive UI
Gluten-Free Ranch Water Seltzers
Karbach Brewing Co. Offers an Authentic Ranch Water Original
Smartphone Security Enabled SSDs
The Cléxi Secure SSD Offers a Secure Unlock Feature
Biodegradable Body Wipes
The Surviveware Biodegradable Wet Wipes are Scent-Free
Dedicated Plastic Recycling Programs
PepsiCo BottleLoop Makes it Easier to Recycle Packaging
Dried Fish Sushi Restaurants
Lucky Robot Creates Dishes Using Properly Aged Fish Ingredients
Masculine Acne Care Cosmetics
The Jack Black ProSeries Acne Remedy is for All Age Ranges
Fashion Takeback Services
French Connection and Thrift+ Teamed Up on a Takeback Service
Personal Muse-Inspired Fall Fashion
JiyongKim Delivers a FW21 Collection of Sustainable Garments
Receipt-Replacing Apps
The 'Plutus' App Eliminates the Need for Paper Receipts
Virtual T-Shirt Shops
UNIQLO's Animal Crossing Shop Stocks Real & In-Game Clothing
Local Allergen Tracking Apps
The Allergy Plus App Provides Users with Accurate Allergy Information
Skin-Caring Sunscreens
Ultra Violette's Tube Sunscreens are Hydrating and Mattifying
Retail Business Acquisitions
Gap is Selling Its Intermix Business to a Private Equity Firm
Heritage Month Ecommerce Updates
Shopify's Shop is Prominently Featuring Asian-Owned Businesses
Hiking-Themed Spring Garments
Craghoppers' A New Reflection Celebrates Climbing Heritage
Fashion Retail Acquisitions
South Moon Under Was Purchased by Ames Watson a Private Equity Firm
Intersectional Inaugural Apparel Capsules
VERYRARE Launches the Lullaby Collection for SS21
Eclectic Spring Fashion Campaigns
The Lacoste SS21 Capsule Celebrates its Iconic Logo
Sustainable Electronic Retail Designations
Best Buy Received Its First Zero Waste Certification
Community Building Banking Centers
NeighborHub's All-in-one Facility is More than Just a Bank
30-Minute Convenience Store Deliveries
7-Eleven & Instacart Expanded on Their Partnership
Same Day Retail Deliveries
Walgreens Launched Its New Two-Hour Delivery Service Across the U.S.
Heart-Shaped Mother's Day Pizzas
California Pizza Kitchen Launched Heart-Shaped Pizzas for Moms
D2C Alaskan Salmon
Alaskan Salmon Launched a Waitlist for Prized Copper River King Salmon
Pigment-Dyed Comfort Clothing
Richardson Launches its New Collection for the SS21 Season
Upcycled Unisex Hats
Harricana's Spring/Summer 2021 Collection is Available from Major Retailers
Retail Eyewear Collaborations
Gap Entered into an Eyewear Deal with De Rigo Launching in 2022
Summery Spiked Agave Seltzers
Lone Star's Agave Seltzers are Light, Refreshing, and Tasty
Cannabis-Enhanced Seltzers
LOKI Enhanced Seltzer is Made with the Cannabinoid Extract Delta-8
Artful Upcycled Denim Streetwear
Our Legacy WORK SHOP Joins Denim Tears on a Capsule
Flagship Retail Revitalizations
Macy's is Investing in the Surrounding Areas of Herald Square
Punch-Flavored Hard Seltzers
Truly Punch Hard Seltzers Come in Four Flavor Options
Upcycled Vibrant Sporty Garments
Art of Football Launches a New Capsule with a Sustainable Mindset
Paper Retail Acquisitions
Paper Source is Likely to Be Sold to Elliot Investment Management
Eco-Friendly Reusable Coffee Cups
A Hampshire Town Embraced Sustainability with the Overton Cup
Sustainable Clothing Campaigns
WRAP Launched 'Textiles 2030' with UK Retailers to Reduce Waste
Archival Spring Retro Apparel
Karhu Dives into its History for the SS21 Trampas Capsule
Next-Gen Mobile Productivity Laptops
The Samsung Galaxy Book Has 65W Fast Charging and More
Personalized Allergy Alert Apps
The WebMD Allergy App Tracks Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Supportive Blockchain-Based Remittance Platform
BankeNu Aids Displaced & Underserved Communities
Cask-Finished Irish Whiskey
Bushmills Original Debuted a Single Malt Irish Whiskey
AI Smartphone Keyboard Apps
The New Version of Typewise Uses Artificial Intelligence
Post Office Bank Centers
BankHubs Have Opened in Local Post Offices as Part of the CACA Initiative
Inclusive Small-Business Initiatives
GoDaddy and MLSE Support Black-Owned Small Businesses
Real-Time Allergy-Monitoring Apps
The Pollen Wise App Allows Users to Predict Seasonal Allergies
Jewelry Design Robots
Moxie Helps Pediatric Patients Design Custom Jewelry in the Hospital
Toy Takeback Programs
Mattel PlayBack Gives Used Toys a Second Life Through Plastic Recycling
Updated Bank Audio Systems
Axis Network Audio System Makes In-Branch Banking More Inviting