# Simulated Selling Virtual shopping aids offer autonomy without sacrificing in-store engagement. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 4, 2014 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/simulated-selling ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.1/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Simulated Selling trend? **Simulated Selling:** While autonomous shopping offers quick and hassle-free methods of retail, relying on oneself to buy and analyze products can be stressful. Seeking to provide a digital alternative, retailers are turning to virtual in-store aids that provide sources of feedback and consumer engagement in a more intimate, yet individually tailored manner. This speaks to a desire to maintain a sense of customer service through more digital, yet less cumbersome means. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 15, 2014 to Jul 23, 2015 - Published: Jun 4, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Simulated Selling trend ### Virtual Shopping Aids Virtual shopping aids are improving the retail experience by offering a digital alternative to customer service. ### High-Tech Retail Hubs Retailers are creating high-tech retail hubs that utilize technology to create immersive retail experiences, combining both online and offline shopping. ### Virtual Fitting Services Virtual fitting services for traditional wear are emerging, allowing consumers to save time and try on garments without the need for a physical presence in-store. ## What the Simulated Selling trend means for industry ### For Retail Industry The retail industry is at the forefront of utilizing technology to improve customer experience and create new sales channels and opportunities. ### For Fashion Industry The fashion industry is embracing virtual fitting services that enable consumers to try on garments before making a purchase, thus reducing levels of inventory waste. ### For Technology Industry The technology industry is developing innovative solutions to improve the shopping experience through virtual and in-store retail aids, while also improving customer service. ## Trend signals for Simulated Selling Trend score 5.1 out of 10, from popularity 79%, activity 66%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 79% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Simulated Selling trend 4 featured examples from Apr 15, 2014 to Jul 23, 2015. - [High-Tech Retail Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retail-store-design): Harvey Nichols' Newest Retail Store Design Boasts Engaging Details (Category: Marketing) Implication: Design firms and architects can explore new ways of incorporating technology and interactive elements into retail store designs. - [Virtual Kimono Fittings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-fitting): The Matsuya Department Store Now Offers a Virtual Fitting Service (Category: Business) Implication: Virtual fitting services could disrupt the retail industry by revolutionizing the way customers try on and purchase clothes. - [Digital Product Showrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/product-showroom): Made.com's Display Shows Off Items Available Online and In-Store (Category: Business) Implication: Improving the in-store and online shopping experience for furniture customers through interactive showrooms. - [Digital Retail Mirrors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-retail-mirror): The Mirrus Retail Mirror Supports Unparalelled Customer Interaction (Category: Business) Implication: The Digital Retail Mirror is a perfect fit for duty-free retail, attracting customers and providing product explanations without staff. ## 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)