Assisted Conversion
Phygital
Retail
Brands merge physical and digital worlds in retail spaces.
Trend
What is the Phygital Retail trend?
Phygital Retail: Though digital elements in retail spaces aren't new, brands are now designing "phygital" in-store experiences from the ground-up. These stores offer a blend of experiences--the interaction of in-person retail, the convenience of e-commerce, and the novelty that's associated with tech-forward retail experiences.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Phygital Retail trend
The post-pandemic world has brought on many changes, but more consumers are now looking ahead and forward to a world with lifted restrictions that they can explore. Brands can find opportunities in this renewed hope among consumers, curating unique experiences for customers to enjoy.
Trend themes
Themes within the Phygital Retail trend
Three behaviours holding the trend togetherPhygital Retail Design
Designing physical retail spaces to blend with digital experiences offers a novel and immersive one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Interactive Sensory Experiences
Combining sensory elements and technology, such as augmented reality and sound technology, offers a new level of immersion for shoppers.
Renewed Consumer Hope
Post-pandemic consumers are looking forward to exploring new opportunities, creating a market for unique experiences for customers to enjoy.
Industry implications
What the Phygital Retail trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookRetail Industry
Opportunities exist to transform retail spaces into highly immersive and interactive environments that blend physical and digital elements.
Fashion Industry
Fashion companies that embrace phygital concepts can blur the line between luxury and new, offer unique experiences that transcend time, and capture the attention of consumers.
Food and Beverage Industry
Adding technology-based features, such as a robotic barista or IoT-powered mug, offers a new level of novelty for customers and provides opportunities for innovation.
Workshop question
What kind of customer-focused experiences can your brand create?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Phygital Retail
Trend score 6.5 out of 10, from popularity 92%, activity 89%, freshness 13%.
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Evidence
Examples of the Phygital Retail trend
10 featured examples from Sep 18, 2021 to Jul 25, 2024Six-Floor Phygital Retail Shops
The WOW Concept Store is a One-Of-A-Kind Shopping Experience
Retailers can create immersive shopping experiences that merge physical and digital elements to stand out and attract customers.
Gamified Metaverse Stores
Lacoste is Virtually Inviting Shoppers into the Jaws of a Croc
Fashion brands will continue to lead the way in creating innovative and immersive metaverse experiences.
Highly Immersive Phygital Malls
JD.com Has Launched a Massive Interactive Mall in China
There is an opportunity for retailers to create phygital environments that provide an immersive and seamless shopping experience for customers.
Phygital Thai Coffee Flagships
True Coffee Opens Flagship Store in Bangkok with Robot Barista
The coffee industry can leverage robot baristas and phygital elements to differentiate and revolutionize the in-store customer experience.
Enchanting Phygital Sensory Experiences
Nespresso's Gifts of the Forest Experience Includes AR
Phygital sensory experiences can transform the retail industry, allowing brands to create unique and immersive shopping experiences that enhance customer engagement and drive sale…
Phygital Y2K Collections
Zara's Y2K Creatures Collection Shares Digital & Physical Products
Fashion retailers can leverage phygital collections and collaborations with metaverse platforms to enhance customer experiences and expand brand reach, as demonstrated by Zara's Y…
Metaverse Shopping Malls
Avatly Offers a New Hybrid Shopping Experience for Avatars
Avatly's metaverse shopping mall presents opportunities for traditional retailers to expand their reach by offering virtual storefronts and product integrations.
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Macy's mstylelab digital shopping platform disrupts the traditional retail experience by integrating technology into the shopping process.
Advanced In-Store Media Solutions
Ephex Aims to Enhance the Retail Experience Through Technology
Advanced media solutions in retail technology are enabling more interactive and personalized in-store experiences, setting new standards for customer engagement.
Phygital Vintage Shops
Byronesque's Machine-B Combines Archival Styles & Emerging Designs
Phygital retail concepts like Machine-B are disrupting the traditional fashion retail industry.