# Beacon Infrastructure Retailers incorporate beacon tech into in-store infrastructure. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 8, 2016 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-mannequin ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Beacon Infrastructure trend? **Beacon Infrastructure:** As proximity marketing becomes more widely integrated with brick-and-mortar retail, many brands are opting to invest in store infrastructure that has beacon systems built into it. Whether incorporated into shelving systems or as attachments to the product itself, the natural incorporation of beacons into retail design highlights the continued progression toward an entirely unobtrusive relationship between individuals and their gadgets. In addition to highlighting the forward-facing implications of the Internet of Things, this shift points to the prominent role of technology in delivering personalization in retail settings. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 20, 2015 to Sep 16, 2016 - Published: Mar 8, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Beacon Infrastructure trend ### Proximity Marketing As more companies invest in beacon technology for in-store marketing and communication, proximity marketing will continue to be a growing trend in the retail industry. ### Paperless Technology With the rise of environmentally conscious consumers and advances in technology, there is an opportunity for businesses to adopt paperless retail solutions, such as electronic shelf labels and mobile coupons. ### Interactive Retail Spaces Consumer demand for more engaging, interactive in-store experiences is leading to the development of smart stores and beacon-enabled displays that offer personalized and dynamic content. ## What the Beacon Infrastructure trend means for industry ### For Retail Beacon technology and proximity marketing are transforming the retail industry, providing new ways to engage with customers and drive sales. ### For Marketing Proximity marketing and paperless technology are changing the marketing landscape, with new opportunities for targeted promotions and sustainable campaigns. ### For Technology The development of interactive retail spaces and smart beacons is a reflection of the ongoing innovation in the technology industry, with new solutions to improve efficiency, engagement and personalization. ## Workshop question What is one technology you're currently using? What would use of that technology look like in 5, 10, an 15 years? ## Trend signals for Beacon Infrastructure Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 58%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 58% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Beacon Infrastructure trend 9 featured examples from Feb 20, 2015 to Sep 16, 2016. - [Interactive Electronics Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-electronics): This New Target Store Will Focus Excessively on Smart Devices (Category: Marketing) Implication: This industry can take advantage of the trend of interactive retail stores to create innovative and engaging experiences for customers that differentiate them from their competiti… - [Interactive Smart Beacon Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-beacon): The Estimote Mirror Can Display Personalized Multimedia Content (Category: Tech) Implication: The Mirror smart beacon system could revolutionize the retail industry by providing shoppers access to detailed pricing information and personalized offers. - [Beacon Retail Tags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shelf-label): The New Displaydata 'Aura 29 BLE' Shelf Label will Display Promotions (Category: Tech) Implication: The retail industry can leverage the Displaydata 'Aura 29 BLE' shelf label to enhance the shopping experience and engage customers more effectively. - [Beacon Mall Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mall-app): The 'Skybird' Mall App Connects Retail Beacons Through a Singular App (Category: Tech) Implication: The retail industry can benefit from the disruptive innovation opportunity of implementing unified beacon apps, enhancing customer engagement and simplifying the shopping experien… - [Smartphone Coupon Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-fast-food-restaurant): McDonald's Fast Food Restaurants in Georgia Trial Beacon Technology (Category: Tech) Implication: Fast food chains like McDonald's can leverage beacon technology to offer personalized offers and increase customer loyalty. - [Furniture Shop Beacons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/in-store-marketing): IKEA Austria is Using Beacons for In-Store Marketing (Category: Tech) Implication: The retail industry can leverage beacons for targeted marketing and improved customer experiences. - [Paperless Retail Tags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electronic-shelf-labels): Panasonics's Powershelf Electronic Shelf Labels Give Shoppers Special Deals (Category: Business) Implication: Disruption opportunity in the retail industry by implementing electronic shelf labels and intelligent retail shelving solutions. - [Beacon-Embedded Mannequins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ted-baker-store): The Westfield Ted Baker Store Introduces Location-Based Technology (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry can leverage beacon technology and location-based push notifications to drive foot traffic, increase sales, and improve customer satisfaction. - [Location-Based Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/locationbased-ads): Microsoft Wraps Beacon-Enabled Advertising Around Its Retail Stores (Category: Business) Implication: The use of location-based ads by Microsoft within its retail stores presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the retail industry, revolutionizing targeted advertising to be… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)