# Omnichannel Bookstore Book shops are working to balance between online and offline environments. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Jan 17, 2020 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/digiphysical-bookstore ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Omnichannel Bookstore trend? **Omnichannel Bookstore:** Brick-and-mortar bookstores are attempting to retain interest among contemporary audiences by introducing tech-savvy features that enhance the experience. These are usually implemented to completely change or supplement one's visit and include technology such as augmented reality or facial recognition tech. ## The consumer insight behind the Omnichannel Bookstore trend As consumers lifestyles in the modern digital age have drastically changed, these shifts can be observed in the retail space as well. Now, people are looking for innovative retail experiences that balance online and offline environments. Many consumers still have a preference for physical retail in some categories as it allows them to inspect the product at hand. However, a lot of them are intrigued by innovative forms of retail that call on technology to expedite the point-of-purchase procedure or simply offer a more immersive experience. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 16, 2019 to Jan 14, 2020 - Published: Jan 17, 2020 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Omnichannel Bookstore trend ### Technology-enhanced Bookstore Experience The retail industry has had to adapt to digitally-minded consumers, causing bookstores to explore technology-driven ways to enhance experience, such as using augmented reality. ### Convenient and Digitally-Integrated Bookstore Concepts Unstaffed 24-hour bookstores that utilize facial recognition and cashless payment and feature apps for wayfinding have become a trend in the retail industry. ### Immersive and Interactive Brick-and-Mortar Bookstore Brick-and-mortar bookstores are looking to put the magic back into the physical book-buying experience through the creation of mini-mazes, augmented reality books and tunnel-like establishments. ## What the Omnichannel Bookstore trend means for industry ### For Retail Industry Retailers need to recognize the importance of technology-driven personalized experiences that balance online and offline environments. ### For Education Industry There is an opportunity for technology-driven, immersive, and interactive bookstore experiences that stimulate children's interests and increase enjoyment of reading experiences to attract the youth in the education industry. ### For Entertainment Industry A new immersive and interactive brick-and-mortar bookstore concept provides a new type of entertainment experience, allowing customers to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite novels. ## Workshop question How might your brand combine the physical and digital to enhance your product experience? ## Trend signals for Omnichannel Bookstore Trend score 5.9 out of 10, from popularity 88%, activity 79%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 88% - Activity: 79% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Omnichannel Bookstore trend 4 featured examples from Sep 16, 2019 to Jan 14, 2020. - [Immersive Tunnel-Like Bookstores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reading-experience-for-children): BookXcess Boasts an AR Reading Experience for Children (Category: Business) Implication: Retail bookstores can implement augmented reality and interactive elements to attract and engage customers, especially children. - [QR Code Bookstores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-up-bookstore): This Cashless Pop-Up Bookstore Only Sells One Book via a Window (Category: Business) Implication: Retail businesses that use QR codes and a cashless model can reduce transactional costs and gain innovative insights into customer behavior. - [Unmanned 24-Hour Bookstores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/24hour-bookstore): The Xinhua Bookstore Utilizes the 5G Network & Facial Recognition Tech (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement unmanned retail stores with advanced technology for an efficient and cost-effective operation. - [AR-Enhanced Bookstore Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bookstore-experience): Big Motive is Exploring How AR Can Be Deployed in Bookstores (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry can leverage augmented reality to create innovative and engaging experiences in physical stores. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)