# App-Based Retail Retailers create apps to accompany customers' in-store experiences. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jul 28, 2022 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/appbased-retail ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the App-Based Retail trend? **App-Based Retail:** 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. ## The consumer insight behind the App-Based Retail trend 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 26, 2021 to Dec 17, 2022 - Published: Jul 28, 2022 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the App-Based Retail trend ### Omnichannel Retail Brands that merge online and in-person shopping experiences will be increasingly relevant ### Artificial Intelligence AI-powered assistants like Buzzo can enhance digital shopping experiences ### Mobile Apps for In-Store Shopping Apps that provide product information, inventory lookup, and scanning features can improve and streamline the shopping experience ### Streamlining Returns 'Happy Returns' and similar systems can reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction with in-store return drop-offs ## What the App-Based Retail trend means for industry ### For Retail Businesses in the retail industry can benefit from implementing omnichannel and AI-powered customer experiences ### For Technology The development and integration of mobile apps and streamlined return systems offer opportunities for innovation in the technology industry ### For 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 ## Workshop question How could your brand merge digital and in-person shopping experiences? ## Trend signals for App-Based Retail Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 74%, activity 51%, freshness 14%. - Popularity: 74% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 14% ## Examples of the App-Based Retail trend 5 featured examples from Feb 26, 2021 to Dec 17, 2022. - [In-Store Shopping Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicos-app): Chico's Launched a New Dedicated Mobile App with Poq Commerce (Category: Business) Implication: In-store shopping apps can provide a disruptive innovation opportunity for retailers to enhance their customers' experience while increasing the volume of sales. - [Retail Navigation Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simon-search): The Simon Search App Lets Customers Find Exactly What They Need (Category: Tech) Implication: The retail industry can improve physical retail experiences while also freeing up employee time by investing in innovative navigation and search tools - [Streamlined Return Processes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ulta-beauty-x-paypal): PayPal and Ulta Beauty are Testing Happy Returns at 1,300 Locations (Category: Business) Implication: There is an opportunity for retailers to streamline the return process, improve the customer experience, and reduce costs for both customers and retailers. - [AI eCommerce Assistants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artificial-intelligence-assistant): Haptik's Artificial Intelligence Assistant Works Like an In-Store Agent (Category: Business) Implication: Adopting AI-powered assistants and voice-enabled interfaces by eCommerce platforms and retailers can enhance customer experience and potentially increase revenue by providing a pe… - [Text Message Shopping Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/textual): Textual is a Conversational Commerce Platform for SMS (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers can benefit from integrating conversational commerce and text message marketing to improve sales and customer engagement. ## Recent trend clusters - [Keepsake Countdowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/holiday-countdown-gifts) (Business) - [Gentle Diagnostics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/home-heart-screening) (Lifestyle) - [Targeted Macros](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-protein-ingredients) (Lifestyle) - [Flavor Borrowing](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/soft-drink-flavor-mashups) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Fashionable Frozen Yogurts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aritzias-aok-caf) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)