It used to be that retailers were built to last, but now we know that they are built to change; as we look to the future of post-pandemic retail, this has never been more true. As the retail industry emerges from phases of crisis and chaos into the recharting phase, we will see a deeper, more meaningful connection to the consumer.
Retailers will focus on what experience means - online and offline. Consumer-centricity will reach an all-time high. Technology will persevere, but will you stand up next to your competitors or stumble through the modern roaring ’20s? Consider how you’ve spent the last 18 months. Have you prepared for the next wave of shopper demand? Retailers are ready for a reinvention, and it’s closer than you think.
In my Future Festival retail keynote, I will be exploring the dramatic shifts in the Retail sector, including these 5 insights:
1. Shoppable Experience, Brands create in-person or virtual experiences that consumers can shop in
2. Virtual Lab, Virtual innovation labs let consumers test and design products remotely
3. Curated E-Commerce, Retailers are offering consumers suggestions by using both humans and tech
4. Retail Escape, Opportunities for creative presentation are abundant in virtual environments
5. In-Store Refill, In-store refill stations are designed for personal care brands with safety & sanitation top of mind
If you’re ready to learn more about the future of retail, join us at Future Festival! To get the full experience, upgrade your ticket to PRO and experience every keynote we have to offer on Day 2. Or, if you’re looking to stay inspired all year round, connect with us about getting your own custom retail research reports, retail trend webinars, and live retail presentations, including our retail innovation accelerator package.
I will leave you with one final thought about retail innovation in 2022; as retail continues to reinvent itself, will you move forward or fall behind?
The Post-Pandemic Future of Retail
Retail Innovation in 2022
Trend Themes
1. Shoppable Experience - Brands can capitalize on the consumer desire for experiences by offering unique and immersive shopping opportunities both in-person and virtually.
2. Virtual Lab - Retailers can offer consumers a chance to innovate and personalize products without being physically present in a store by providing virtual innovation labs.
3. Curated E-commerce - Retailers can improve customer experience by offering curated suggestions using both human and technological assistance.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry can leverage innovative technologies and experiences to reignite consumer interest post-pandemic.
2. E-commerce - E-commerce companies can explore curated experiences based on consumer preferences and offer virtual product innovation labs.
3. Personal Care - Personal care brands can incorporate in-store refill stations designed with safety and sanitation in mind, increasing consumer trust and satisfaction.