From cashier-free beverage shops to geo-targeting store campaigns, the October 2018 retail trends demonstrate how companies are using technology to blur the lines between the online and the in-store shopping experiences.
Perhaps the most visible shift apparent from the October 2018 retail trends is that retailers are attempting to reduce the barriers to purchase by going cashier-free. For instance, San Francisco's Standard Market concept uses AI technology so that consumers are able to shop without having to stand in line, scan items, or even stop to check out. Similarly, the The Drug Store by the beverage brand Dirty Lemon, allows customers to "stop by and take what you need" from a tiny retail window and then simply text their purchase after to be charged through the brand's SMS-based order system.
Top 30 Retail Ideas in October
From Cashierless Beverage Shops to Geo-Targeting Store Campaigns:
Katherine Pendrill — Oct 28, 2018 — Business
30
Best-Selling Product Stores
The Curated 'Amazon 4-Star' Store Contains Only Top-Selling Items
29
Localized Convenience Stores
EAT17 in London is Redefining the Familiar Convenience Store Format
28
Paper-Made Window Display Installations
Helen Musselwhite's Art is Whimsical & Multicultural
27
Augmented Reality Online Shopping
Opendesk Allows Its Customers to Choose Furniture with AR
26
Cashierless AI Stores
San Francisco's Standard Market Offers a Seamless Shopping Experience
25
Whimsical Family-Run Kid Shops
Treehouse Offers Eclectic Collections and Creative Spaces for Kids
24
Celebrity-Owned Lifestyle Pop-Ups
Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Opened a UK Pop-Up Store
23
Omnichannel Beauty Concepts
Sephora's Omnichannel Retail Concept Uses an App, Website & WeChat
22
Design-Friendly Floral Shop Hybrids
PlantShed is a Luxe Boutique Destination for Your Plant Needs
21
Multifunctional Golden Cubic Buildings
Stefano Boeri Architetti Designs a Geometry-Inspired Facade
20
Cashierless Beverage Shops
'The Drug Store' by Dirty Lemon is a Tech-Enabled Cashless Concept
19
O2O Eco Beauty Shops
Zalando's Beauty Station Boasts Stainless Steel Cubes & Recycled Cup Shelving
18
Charming Cartoon Cat Cafes
The New Hello Kitty Grand Cafe is Set to Open in Irvine, California
17
Historic Fashion House Popups
Toronto's Louis Vuitton Time Capsule Exhibit Boasts Archival Pieces
16
Social Media E-Commerce Platforms
IG Shopping Lets Buyers Purchase Directly on the New Platform
15
Thoughtfully Accented Sneaker Shops
Sole Finess Opened a Unique Women's Sneaker Shop
14
Successful Geo-Targeting Store Campaigns
IKEA Drives More Customers to Its Store with Data
13
Personalized In-Store Wishlists
The Conran Shop & Pinterest are Simplifying Shopping Experiences
12
eCommerce Fashion Collaborations
Amazon Fashion is Launching a New J.Crew Mercantile Collection
11
Curated Vintage Furniture Shops
Homestead Seattle is a Store That Sells Beautiful Retro Pieces
10
Shoppable Department Store Screens
Harvey Nichols' In-Store Touchscreens Share Shoppable Videos
9
Kid-Friendly Colorful Restaurants
The Pop Shop Offers a Unique Menu of Modern Comfort Food
8
Better-for-You Checkout Stands
Raley's New Check Stands Feature 25% Less Candy & Mindful Snacks
7
Inspiration Paint Pop-up Showrooms
Behr's Color in Action Pop-Up Promoted the Brand's New Color
6
Convenient Cashless Payment Apps
NETSpay is a Popular Digital Payment App from Singapore
5
Intuitive Personal Shopper Services
'MYSHOPOVER' Connects Shoppers with Premium Services
4
Charitable Stylish E-Commerce Lines
eBay & Karla Welch Collaborate on a Fashion-Forward Range
3
Purse-Promoting Pop-up Experiences
Janis Studios are Revealing Its Pre-Fall 2018 Collection
2
Visually Impaired Grocery Aids
Wegmans Supermarkets Offer a More Accessible Way to Grocery Shop
1
Smart Shopping List Apps
The 'Aisle Shopper' App Organizes Your Shopping List by Aisle
Related Ideas
Next-Gen Sneaker Stores
Foot Locker's Store of the Future Concept is Bolder and Easier to Shop
AI-Created Campaign Images
Martini Launches an AI-Powered Alcohol Campaign with a Flavor Focus
Water-Scarce Product Concepts
The Drop Store Envisions Products from a World with Less Water
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
JD & Snap London Created an AR Storefront for Christmas
Educational Sober Alcohol Markets
Sobr Market Flagship Store Reopens
Unified Grocery Shopping Platforms
Instacart Debuts New All-in-One 'Connected Stores' Platform
Contemporary Engaging Stores
New Balance Opens Unique Retail Concept Store on in Boston
Virtual Beauty Storefronts
The Clinique Lab is a Next-Gen Digital Retail Concept
Walk-In Freezer Concept Stores
Sainsfreeze Shows Customers How to Freeze Foods & Reduce Waste
Discount Retailer Mobile Apps
Family Dollar Debuted a New Mobile Shopping App for Customers
Convenience Store Metaverses
7-Eleven is Unveiling an Immersive Virtual World at CES 2023
Ultra-Accessible Kiosks
'The 46' Kiosk is the Most Accessible in the Micro Market Industry
AI-Powered Shopping Apps
Shoptrue Curates Personalized Fashion Picks with Artificial Intelligence
In-Store Beauty Sampling Kiosks
Ulta Beauty and SOS are Partnering to Promote Product Discovery
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
Multi-Brand Virtual Malls
Bloomingdale’s Virtual Experience Spotlights Beloved Brands
AI-Powered Virtual Closets
Stylitics' Products Support Next-Gen Personalized Shopping
Heat-Sensitive Vending Machines
Sprite's Vending Machine Drops a Drink When Temperatures Rise
Digital-Oriented Restaurant Redesigns
Wendy's Rolls Out New Design Concept, 'Global Next Gen'
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
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
AI-Augmented Retail Checkouts
This Checkout Solution Helps Prevent Theft and Scanning Errors
Text-to-Shop Retail Services
Walmart Text to Shop Makes it Easier Than Ever to Shop
AR-Based Store Replicas
Lowe's Will Create a 'Digital Twin Store' Using Augmented Reality
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Seasonal Autumn Treats
Target Launches a Fall-Themed Private Label Sweets Collection
Small-Format Department Stores
Macy’s Unveils Plan to Open Up to 30 Small-format Stores
Augmented Reality Stores
Zero10 is Debuting Its AR Store Prototype at Viva Technology in Paris
Magazine-Integrated QR Features
ARCADE Launches the ELLE x Clarks Shoe Visualiser and Experience
Computer-Vision Self-Service Kiosks
Toshiba's Vision Kiosk Identifies Items Without Barcodes
AI-Powered Snack Shops
The Aramark Quick Eats Store Has a Checkout-Free Layout
Rosé-Dispensing Billboards
Aldi's Billboard Serves Glasses of Wine at the Optimal Temperature
E-Commerce Beauty Packaging
Aptar Beauty + Home's Redesigned Packaging is "E-Commerce Capable"
Digital Grocery Screens
Kroger Launches the New Digital Smart Screens Across 500 Store Locations
Mixed-Reality Cola Billboards
This 3D Coca-Cola Billboard Dispenses Real, Cold Drinks
Self-Service Commerce Kiosks
Cantaloupe Go Brings Buy-and-Go Expereinces to Customers
AR Sampling Advertisements
The #TakeATaste Campaign Shares Free Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Bottles
AI-Enhanced Grocery Apps
Instacart Unveiled a Suite of AI Features Coming to its Mobile App
Smart Shopping Cart Ads
Instacart Unveiled Ads for Its AI-Powered Caper Carts
AI-Powered Retail Tools
Walmart is Introducing a New Series of AI Tools for Customer Experience
Grocery-Inspired Fragrances
Cashé by Instacart is a Scent That "Smells as Good as Cash Back Feels"
Cannabis Mini Marts
Jeeter's Pop-Ups Bring Retro Shop-in-Shops to Cannabis Retailers
Attention-Grabbing Retail Displays
Auo's Smart Shelf Displays Enhance the Customer Experience
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
Sustainable QSR Merch Launches
Starbucks Releases Eco-friendly Merch and More for Earth Month
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
Digitized Retail Shelf Labels
Lidl GB is Rolling Out Electronic Shelf Labels to All Its Stores
Tech-Driven In-Store Events
Dyson Launches an Interactive Event at Harrods Department Store
Automated Retail Stores
Muffato Launches Brazil’s First Automated Store Without Physical Checkouts
Leisure Activity Grocery Stores
The FreshTake Concept Grocery Store Blends Experiences
AI Beauty Shopping Apps
Trendio's Video Shopping App Shares Personally Curated Content
Gen Alpha-Targeted Ice Cream Trucks
Unilever Taps Robomart to Launch 'The Ice Cream Shop'
Retailer Health Goal Apps
'Sincerely Health' from Albertsons Companies is Feature-Rich
AI-Driven Convenience Stores
GS25 Launched an Autonomous Convenience Store Powered by Fainders.AI
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Curated Grocery Delivery Lists
Instacart Carts Offer Themed Shopping Lists Packed with Items
Beverage Dispensing Robots
Ottobot Brew is Ultra-Capable Beer Dispensing Robot
Live Commerce Holiday Windows
TalkShopLive's WindowShopping Merges Physical & Digital Experiences
Unstaffed Grab-and-Go Stores
ITRI and 7-Eleven Collaborated on X-STORE 7
Check-Out Free Convenience Stores
QuickTrip Integrates Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' Tech
Reusable Bag Retailer Programs
Closed Loop Partners is Managing a Reusable Bag Pilot for Retailers
AI-Powered Supermarkets
Green Picks Market Autonomous Grocery Store is Frictionless
Voice-Based AI QSR Services
Valyant AI and Paerpay Tansform Drive-thru Experience with AI
Boomer-Focused Grocery Services
Baby Boomers Continue to Dominate in Online Shopping Post-COVID
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Virtual Fitting Room Experiences
be Retail Social's 'beDynamic' Joins Up with Get Cutie
Efficiency-Driven Digital Ad Solutions
ShopLiftr is Revolutionizing Digital Advertising
Paper-Free Retail Receipts
The Diebold Nixdorf Vynamic Digital Receipt is Sustainable
Digitally Led Bakery-Cafes
Panera's Small-Format Store Has a Digitized Menu & Tracking Screens
Loneliness-Combatting Grocery Shopping Experiences
Oma's Soep Debuted a Shopping Basket Initiative
Virtual Appliance Showrooms
Samsung's Shoppable Instagram Profiles Replace Department Stores
Halloween-Themed Beverage Promotions
This Fanta Halloween On-Pack Promotion Offers Surprises
Cannabis Marketplace Apps
Jane Technologies Launches Its First iOS Shopping App
Streamlined Shoppable Video Ads
Instacart Launches New Shoppable Video Ads in 'Ads Manager'
Elderly Customer-Reserved Retail Zones
JD Announced Exclusive Service Zones for Elderly Customers
Reusable Contactless Cups
Starbucks' Borrow a Cup Pilot Explores Reusable, Recyclable Packaging
Omnichannel Grocery Technologies
Instacart Launches the New Omnichannel Solutions for Grocers
Digital Delivery Service Storefronts
Instacart Storefront Lets Retailers Customize the Interface
Digital Convenience Store Signage
Kwik Stop is Rolling Out New Outdoor LED Displays
AI-Generated Shopping Campaigns
Sandton City's Latest Campaign Integrates Smart Technology
Beauty-Focused Shopping Apps
The 'Trendio' Live Shopping App Offers Access to Beauty Content
Cashier-Free Grocery Chains
Automated Grocer 'Aisle 24' Opens a New Location in Toronto
Automated Beverage Dispensing Solutions
Backbar Offers Automated Dispenser for Multiple Beverages
Checkout-Free Grocery Stores
ALDI Launches the Innovative 'ALDIgo' Checkout-Free Grocery Store
Customizable Summer Drink Menus
Starbucks' Summer Menu Remix Lets Customers Remix Their Drinks
Low-Waste Shopping Solutions
ASDA, Avery Berkel & Hanshow are Enhancing Sustainability in the UK
Customized Convenience Retailer Apps
Family Express is Introducing a Personalized App Experience
Beauty Shop Deliveries
Uber and The Body Shop Expand Partnership to Include 75 New Storefronts
Innovative SCO Kiosks
Austrian Brand Shopreme Debuts a New Self-Checkout Kiosk for Retailers
Bartender Collaboration Apps
Drinktank is Changing the Way Brands and Bartenders Collaborate
Retail Food Preparation Stations
Urban Eat Debuts a Smart Retail Solution for its Food-to-Go Range
Virtual Avatar Workers
The Bite Ninja Platform Allows Retailers to Outsource Cashier Work Online
Apothecary-Style Supplement Stores
The New GNC Flagship Boasts a Warm, Open, Inviting Atmosphere
Self-Guided Cannabis Retail Experiences
BLAZE ECOM Revolutionizes In-Store Cannabis Retail
AI-Powered Beverage Dispensers
Pubinno Smart Tap Provides Perfect Quality for Draft Beer Systems
London-Based Startup Retailers
The Nothing Store is Opening a Location in Soho, London
Loss Prevention AI Checkouts
Vynamic Smart Vision Shrink Reduction Addresses Self-Checkout Issues
Digital Retailer Strategy Updates
This Walmart eCommerce Update Refreshes the Website and App
Curbside Cafe Retail Services
Target Drive Up with Starbucks Offers Drinks with Purchases
Text-Based Shopping Features
Walmart Unveils a New Shopping by Text Feature for Mobile Shoppers
Checkout-Free Campus Retail Experiences
Grubhub Will Use Amazon Just Walk Out Technology on Campus
Virtual Convenience Stores
The Instacart-Powered ALDI Express Offers 30-Minute Deliveries
Alcohol Cashback Programs
Swiftly's Alcohol Cashback Program Redefines the Rebate Process
AI-Powered Retail Payments
Focalpay's New AI Features Streamline Retail and E-Commerce Operations
AI-Powered Inventory Tech
Google Cloud is Introducing AI-Powered Inventory Tracking Technology
Personalized Grocery Billboard Campaigns
Tesco Ireland Gets a New Live-Prompt Campaign
Offline Shopping Campaigns
'Shop Offline' Helps People Rediscover the Joy of Real-World Shopping
Taiwan-Based AI Shopping Carts
Innolux Debuts a Smart Shopping Cart at FamiSuper Stores
AI-Powered Search Features
Shop Premium Outlets Enhances its Online Shopping with AI-Powered Tools
AR-Enabled Google Tools
Google Launches a Slew of New Features for Search, Shopping, and Maps
Micro Self-Service Checkout Kiosks
The 365 Retail Markets MM6 Mini Kiosk is Versatile
Virtual Convenience Store Concepts
Aldi Launches a Virtual Convenience Store Called Aldi Express
Seasonal Convenience Store Coffees
These 7-Eleven Seasonal Menu Items Embrace Cold Weather Flavors
Curbside Cafe Delivery Services
Target Fuses its Drive-Up Service with In-Store Starbucks Pickup
App-Powered Checkout Stores
MAPCO Opened its First Checkout-Free Convenience Store
Location-Based QSR Technology
Chipotle is Integrating Location-Based Technology Into its App
Updated Fresh Food Lines
One Stop Refreshes its Product Range to Offer Healthier and Fresher Items
Compact Automated Retail Checkouts
The OneView Self-Checkout Offers Advanced Features
QSR Summer Promotions
Starbucks Canada Offers Mobile Ordering and Rewards at Canadian Airports
Dating App-Themed Store Experiences
Tinder Opens Up a SwipeMart Store Location in Tokyo
Consolidated Rewards Apps
This App Offers Benefits For Convenience Store & Coffee Purchases
Retailer-Backed Holiday Experiences
J. Crew Launches a New AI-Powered Holiday Experience
Minimally Designed Store Openings
London Opens its Door at the New Self-Portrait Store in Chelsea
Video Call Shopping Services
Apple's Specialist over Video Service Enhances Personalization
Last Mile Delivery Enhancements
Oracle Taps Uber to Enhance its Uber Direct Delivery Service
Christmasy Convenience Retailer Promotions
The 7-Eleven Holiday Deals are Here for 2023
Holiday Meal Savings Campaigns
The Dollar General 'Decked Out In Deals' Campaign is Cost-Conscious
Revamped Grocery Loyalty Apps
Tesco Unveils the New and Improved Digital Clubcard and Grocery App
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
E-Commerce Optimizing Platforms
Lily AI Use Algorithms to Help Retailers Improve Their Webstores
Grocery Store Ad Spots
Morrisons, the UK Supermarket Chain, Celebrates Its Low Pricing in This Ad
Seasonal Grocer Celebrations
Natural Grocers AUTUMNFEST Offers Ample Discounts
Festive Value-Minded Retail Campaigns
The Spar BIG Deal of Christmas Campaign Launches This Month
Enhanced Shopping Results
Google Updates its Search Engine to Better Aid Holiday Shopping
Low-Cost Cosmetic Retailer Expansions
Dollar General is Rolling Out a New Beauty Layout
Autumnal Grocery Retailer Deals
These Nisa Autumn Deals Offer Halloween Cost Savings
Locally Focused Footwear Stores
The Athlete's Foot Opened a Neighborhood Concept Store in Atlanta
Retailer-Rewarding Brand Promotions
This PepsiCo Retailer Competition is Running in the UK