Retailers create apps to accompany customers' in-store experiences
Trend - Retailers are increasingly merging the convenience of online shopping with the engagement of in-person retail--now with accompanied in-store apps. These apps help enhance customer experiences with everything from product information to shopping assistance.
Insight - Consumers' appreciation for online shopping comes from its convenience, and the wide range of choices they have when shopping online. However, in-person shopping offers a different level of engagement with products, and makes consumers feel more confident in their purchase decisions. Brands that are merging the benefits of both will be increasingly relevant in the contemporary brick and mortar space.
Insight - Consumers' appreciation for online shopping comes from its convenience, and the wide range of choices they have when shopping online. However, in-person shopping offers a different level of engagement with products, and makes consumers feel more confident in their purchase decisions. Brands that are merging the benefits of both will be increasingly relevant in the contemporary brick and mortar space.
Workshop Question - How could your brand merge digital and in-person shopping experiences?
Trend Themes
1. Omnichannel Retail - Brands that merge online and in-person shopping experiences will be increasingly relevant
2. Artificial Intelligence - AI-powered assistants like Buzzo can enhance digital shopping experiences
3. Mobile Apps for In-store Shopping - Apps that provide product information, inventory lookup, and scanning features can improve and streamline the shopping experience
4. Streamlining Returns - 'Happy Returns' and similar systems can reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction with in-store return drop-offs
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Businesses in the retail industry can benefit from implementing omnichannel and AI-powered customer experiences
2. Technology - The development and integration of mobile apps and streamlined return systems offer opportunities for innovation in the technology industry
3. E-commerce - Advanced retail navigation tools such as Simon Search cater to the growing popularity of e-commerce and offer opportunities for further innovation in the industry
