Redirection

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 - 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 - As GLP-1 gains popularity in the western world as a weight management solution, brands are launching apps and services designed to support the GLP-1 community. These apps offer support through social forums, fitness and diet planning, and enable direct connections to healthcare providers if needed.

Insight - The number of adult consumers in North America and Europe that use GLP-1 supplements continues to grow at a rapid rate each month. These consumers are drawn to GLP-1 for its easy-to-use, ingestible format and its high efficacy rate. However, some GLP-1 users become complacent, relying on the supplement instead of balancing it with a healthy lifestyle, while others run into unforeseen medical side effects. Businesses are now launching apps and websites to support the needs of GLP-1 users.

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 - Game developers are implementing live billboard advertisements into their games. These advertisements are non-intrusive, meaning they exist in the game world but do not inhibit the players' interaction with the games. This is a value-add for advertisers while adding legitimacy to the game world.

Insight - When working with partnered clients, it is important for gaming brands to strike a balance between meeting the needs of advertisers while not hindering the experience of its players. While many free-to-play games result to timed video advertisements that interrupt gameplay, this is a negative experience for most players, as it interrupts the flow of the game, causing a negative perception of the ad. To more seamlessly advertise to players, developers are turning to seamless in-game advertising.

Trend - Brands are creating meat dishes that have been cooked using the sous vide method and then rapidly chilled or frozen to preserve freshness and flavor. These products offer convenience and quality, maintaining the dishes' integrity until they reach the consumer's table.

Insight - The demand for healthy pre-made meals has been fueled by consumers looking for convenient and affordable options that fit into their busy lifestyles. While these meals are also on the rise due to rising costs and social media influence, there is a distinct consumer segment seeking frozen options that replicate the taste and quality of restaurant dishes. Businesses accommodating this demand can appeal to those looking to elevate their dining experience without sacrificing convenience or quality.

Trend - Restaurants are partnering with social media-viral chefs and foodie influencers to create menus that resonate with younger audiences. These menus take inspiration from popular recipes and transform them in unique ways to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Insight - Short-form video platforms have contributed to a rise in consumer foodie culture. Algorithms have made it easy for unique, tasteful recipes to gain worldwide attention at a rapid rate. As a result of this, both professional and hobbyist chefs have taken to these platforms to share their takes on recipes, with many quickly gaining virality. In order to capitalize off of the popularity of these videos, restaurants are partnering with these creators to develop curated viral menus for patrons.

Trend - Automotive brands are becoming increasingly involved in the consumer technology industry by releasing co-branded smartphones, computers, components, and accessories. These products come with the established credibility of both respective brands, leading to rapid growth within the space.

Insight - Brand identity plays a key factor for most consumers when searching for new products. Brands commonly regarded as household names often get preferential treatment when two products are perceived to be equal. For many consumers, this is true even for products outside of the respective companies' typical industries. In order to capitalize off the preference for established brands, automotive companies are partnering with consumer electronics companies on co-branded offerings in both spaces.

Trend - Running clubs are soaring in popularity and brands are brands are tapping these groups for sampling opportunities and sponsorships. These clubs provide a structured and social environment for runners of all levels, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Insight - In an increasingly tech-focused world, people are experiencing heightened levels of loneliness and are seeking meaningful, real-life connections. The high cost of living has driven individuals to look for affordable and accessible ways to stay active and socialize. Many are opting for outdoor meet-ups in parks over traditional social settings like pubs. This shift is not just about cost savings; it’s about finding community and support in shared activities