# App-Powered Store Brands in China are partnering with WeChat for experiential in-store experiences. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jan 21, 2021 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/omnichannel-store ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.1/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the App-Powered Store trend? **App-Powered Store:** The use of WeChat to create in-store shopping experiences that feature digital experiences and enhancements is on the rise in China. These partnerships allow for more seamless interactions considering the prevalance of the WeChat app--allowing customers to engage in-store without having to download any additional apps. ## The consumer insight behind the App-Powered Store trend Experiential shopping is a growing focus for retailers as they enhance their understanding of how younger Millennials and Gen Z shop. These demographics are more likely to be drawn to brands that engage them using the same digital habits that they use on a regular basis. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 23, 2019 to Apr 6, 2022 - Published: Jan 21, 2021 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the App-Powered Store trend ### WeChat-Powered In-Store Experiences The use of WeChat for creating in-store shopping experiences is on the rise, providing opportunities for brands to seamlessly engage with customers without the need for additional apps. ### Omnichannel Retail Retailers are focusing on creating omnichannel experiences that can seamlessly integrate both online and offline channels, providing a consistent shopping experience to consumers. ### Phygital Shopping Malls Shopping malls are increasingly becoming phygital, blending physical and digital elements together to create highly immersive and interactive shopping experiences for customers. ## What the App-Powered Store trend means for industry ### For Retail Incorporating innovation and technology into traditional retail models is key to providing the experiential and personalized shopping experiences that modern consumers demand. ### For Beauty and Cosmetics Beauty and cosmetics brands are leveraging augmented reality and mobile technology to enhance their in-store experience and provide virtual try-ons to increase sales and engagement. ### For E-commerce Gen Z-oriented shopping apps that offer social and interactive features provide new ways to connect with younger, digital-savvy consumers and create personal experiences through fashion, style, and communications. ## Workshop question How is your brand catering to the digital habits of younger demographics? ## Trend signals for App-Powered Store Trend score 6.1 out of 10, from popularity 91%, activity 82%, freshness 11%. - Popularity: 91% - Activity: 82% - Freshness: 11% ## Examples of the App-Powered Store trend 8 featured examples from Jan 23, 2019 to Apr 6, 2022. - [Gen Z Cosmetic Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/experience-center): MAC Cosmetics' Experience Center Blurs Physical & Digital Realms (Category: Business) Implication: The MAC Cosmetics Experience Center showcases the potential for disruptive innovation within the cosmetics industry by combining technology and personalization to enhance the shop… - [Social Retail Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-retail): Burberry Announced It Will Create a Socially Integrated Retail Store in China (Category: Business) Implication: The fashion retail industry can embrace social media integration and interactive content to revolutionize the in-store shopping experience. - [Highly Immersive Phygital Malls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jdcom): JD.com Has Launched a Massive Interactive Mall in China (Category: Business) Implication: There is an opportunity for retailers to create phygital environments that provide an immersive and seamless shopping experience for customers. - [Mixed-Reality Shopping Navigators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shopping-navigator): iGO Leverages Augmented Reality and 5G for Commercial Shopping (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry can leverage mixed-reality shopping navigators like iGO to enhance the shopping experience and gain valuable insights on customer behavior. - [Gen-Z-Oriented Shopping Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taibang): Alibaba is Currently Testing a New E-Commerce App Called Taibang (Category: Business) Implication: Developing fashion and social shopping apps targeted towards China's increasingly important Gen-Z population represents a major disruptive innovation opportunity for the e-commerc… - [Brow-Styling Virtual Try-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-try-on): Perfect Corp. & Benefit Cosmetics Created an AR Eyebrow Program (Category: Fashion) Implication: The beauty industry is leveraging AR and real-time scanning technologies to create digital experiences for their customers. - [Omnichannel Airport Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auckland-airport): Auckland Airport's The Mall Platform is Boosting Post-COVID Sales (Category: Business) Implication: Airport retailers could leverage omnichannel retail strategies and advanced digital platforms to reach travelers, even during challenging times. - [Smart Celebratory Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-department-store): WeChat and BHV Marais Teamed Up for a Smart Department Store Solution (Category: Autos) Implication: The retail industry can benefit from integrating smart department store solutions that enhance convenience and cater to the needs of Chinese tourists. ## 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)