Experience

Trend - Brick-and-mortar storefronts are adding elements of gamification and entertainment to improve the in-store shopping experience. These 'retailtainment' initiatives add immersive experiences and interactive elements to increase consumer engagement and pull the focus away from simply spending money.

Insight - It is undeniable that the convenience and accessibility of online shopping leads to more consumers opting to simply shop online each year. While some who prefer in-store shopping value being able to physically touch, or try, an item before purchasing it, others are attracted to the social aspect of in-store retail. These features alone do not add enough value to pull online shoppers back to physical stores. This is leading to 'retailtainment,' brands debuting immersive in-store experiences.

Trend - While CBD-infused bath bombs have long been popular, cannabis brands are now releasing bath bombs infused with THC. This adds a minor 'body high' psychoactive element to the calming nature of CBD bath bombs, enhancing overall relaxation. These also offer benefits to skin, hair, and nail health.

Insight - As cannabis products become legal in more states and countries, consumer interest and willingness to engage with such products grows in turn. While some adults still avoid using these products, those who do consume cannabis-related products do so for a variety of reasons including anti-inflammatory benefits, relaxation, improvements to skin health, or stress-relieving properties. Brands are now releasing THC-infused products with minimal psychoactive properties to offer these benefits.

Trend - Retailers are deploying in-store kiosks powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These AI kiosks interpret and make recommendations for consumers interacting with them, thus streamlining the retail process. The advent of AI kiosks also reduces the required staff and, thus, costs for retailers.

Insight - Smart technologies are arguably the largest contributor to the ever-increasing number of retailers with seamless, stress-free in-store experiences. Consumers who shop in-stores enjoy the benefits of assistance from employees, as well as the ability to demo items that they may not have known about prior to entering the store. To further improve these experiences for consumers, brands are launching smart kiosks that use AI to assist, make recommendations to, and process payments from, consumers.

Trend - Brands are creating passive pop-ups, such as billboards or signposts, that beget consumers to engage with only a brief action. These are more engaging than regular billboards while not requiring much time from consumers. Additionally, brands do not need to staff these pop-ups, thus reducing costs.

Insight - The average person living in a major city faces hundreds of advertisements a day. To this extent, most simply filter out regular ads, leading to brands not leaving a lasting impression. While some brands try to launch full-scale pop-up events that invite consumers to explore a detailed activation, not all consumers have spare time for such activities, leading to brands finding a middle ground for pop-ups that beget enough interaction to leave an impression, but do not intrude on daily schedules.

Trend - As rage rooms become popular among consumers, brands are replicating this activity in their activations to craft a memorable experience that is also an effective outlet for stress reduction. This controlled environment allows individuals to release built-up frustration in a tangible, expressive way.

Insight - Consumers increasingly face stress from demanding work environments, social pressures, and global uncertainties. However, traditional relief methods may not always suffice. In response, companies are integrating various wellness practices into their activations to help alleviate consumer stress and create opportunities for consumers to engage with their products. Brands catering to the demand for wellness experiences appeal to consumers looking to invest in their physical and mental well-being.

Trend - Postcard-making workshops are becoming a popular feature at pop-up events, offering guests a creative, hands-on way to connect with the brand. These interactive sessions allow participants to create a tangible, personalized product that delivers a message and introduces a new brand to the recipient.

Insight - Consumers seeking unique shopping experiences are increasingly drawn to events that facilitate personal connections with brands and encourage sharing the experience with loved ones. In response, brands are designing pop-ups that allow consumers to create personalized keepsakes for those in their lives and invite these individuals to experience the brand. By focusing on consumers' desire for shareable moments, brands can attract an audience that values community throughout the product journey.

Trend - Hardware brands in the audio industry are releasing convenient, modern devices designed to reinvigorate retro forms of media. These devices add modern features to CD players, cassette tape players, or record players, removing much of the hassle from listening to these forms of media.

Insight - While many consumers in the modern era turn to subscription-based streaming services for all of their music needs, audiophiles and collectors still amass large collections of physical media. These consumers gravitate toward physical media whether for novelty or quality. However, many do not use their collections due to the hassle associated with outdated media players, such as requiring direct power and wired speakers. Brands are releasing convenient devices to target these consumers.

Trend - Artificial intelligence has been adapted to enable barcode-less product scanning, facilitated by algorithms that analyze images and videos of objects to identify unique features. This technology accurately accounts for retail items in real time, providing shoppers with seamless checkout experiences.

Insight - As artificial intelligence shapes consumer shopping experiences, brands increasingly rely on automation to address friction points and ensure high rates of fulfilled purchases. Adopting automation technologies minimizes wait times and maximizes throughput, allowing customers to complete shopping trips in shorter amounts of time. This approach helps businesses prioritize seamless experiences and reduce errors, aligning with consumer preferences for convenience.

Trend - Brands are developing educational, tutoring-style programs to teach seniors how to use digital technologies and navigate the online world effectively. These programs aim to reduce the likelihood of seniors falling victim to scams while teaching basic computer skills, social media, and online safety.

Insight - As emerging technologies continue to revolutionize various industries, older generations are actively seeking ways to enhance their media literacy. In response, programs have been developed to teach device operation and online safety, providing essential support for those needing help acclimating to the digital age. Businesses that offer support and resources to senior consumers can tap into a large and often underserved market segment, unlocking new opportunities for growth and brand loyalty.

Trend - Outdoor gadget brands are integrating mosquito-repelling features into less traditional devices. These multifunctional devices, such as lights, speakers, or air purifiers, repel unwanted insects from camping areas, ensuring consumers can enjoy their outdoor activities uninhibited.

Insight - Consumers who spend a lot of time outside, such as those who frequently enjoy camping, barbecues, or even simply spending time on their patio, know the struggles associated with unwanted insects, such as mosquitos or bees. However, many of these consumers are not willing to invest in a device specifically to repel the insects, as this may not fit in their budgets. In response to this, brands are integrating mosquito-repelling technologies into outdoor gadgets that would be purchased regardless.