# Socialized Retail Social media informs retail spaces of the future. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Nov 16, 2015 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/socialized-retail ## Key Figures - Trend score: 6.0/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Socialized Retail trend? **Socialized Retail:** The collective power of social media has had an incredible influence on retail in the digital age. Moving forward, retailers will take this social energy and apply it to physical brick-and-mortar stores, encouraging forms of peer-to-peer engagement and allowing online communities to meet and thrive in physical contexts. The phenomenon of socialized retail suggests that shopping will soon be an activity that's experienced communally. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 17, 2015 to Aug 25, 2017 - Published: Nov 16, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Socialized Retail trend ### Socialized Retail The trend towards socialized retail suggests that shopping will soon be an activity that's experienced communally. ### In-Store Interactive Technology The use of real-time social feeds and interactive technology is a trend that builds stronger relationships with consumers who are highly motivated by social media. ### Large-Format Stores The trend towards large-format stores is meant to offer a new kind of shopping experience and encourages the consumer to interact with the merchandise. ## What the Socialized Retail trend means for industry ### For Retail The socialized retail trend will have the biggest impact on the retail industry as they work to draw consumers to brick-and-mortar stores. ### For Marketing Incorporating real-time social feeds and interactive technology into retail stores is a marketing trend that can deliver authentic brand interactions and increase brand following. ### For Fashion The trend towards large-format stores features new product zones and LED ads that are especially relevant to the fashion industry, which pivots around the trends and styles of the moment. ## Workshop question If your brand were to integrate social media into the brick-and-mortar space, how would you do so? ## Trend signals for Socialized Retail Trend score 6.0 out of 10, from popularity 91%, activity 80%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 91% - Activity: 80% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Socialized Retail trend 6 featured examples from Mar 17, 2015 to Aug 25, 2017. - [In-Store Selfie Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfie-contest): Joe Fresh Embraces Social Media to Focus on Word-of-Mouth Promotion (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion retailers can leverage in-store selfie contests as a way to promote their brand, gain followers, and increase engagement. - [Sprawling Accessories Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ardene): Ardene is Set to Open a Series of Large-Format Stores in Canada (Category: Business) Implication: Fast fashion brands can capitalize on the trend of opening large-format stores to showcase a wide range of products and attract a younger consumer base. - [VR Retail Waterslides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-retail): Topshop is Inviting Consumers to Take a Ride on Its Virtual 'Splash' Slide (Category: Business) Implication: Fashion retailers can use customized VR experiences and sensory marketing to create a unique shopping experience for customers. - [In-Store Mood Board Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinterest-boards): This JC Penney Campaign Involved the Use of Life-Size Pinterest Boards (Category: Marketing) Implication: Retailers can take advantage of social media platforms and in-store technology to drive foot traffic and enhance the shopping experience for customers. - [Social Media Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-media-vending-machine): IHeartRadio's Kiosk Turns Instagram Posts into Free Merchandise (Category: Business) Implication: The entertainment and radio industry can leverage social media vending machines to engage with their target audience, increase brand visibility, and drive online interactions. - [In-Store Instagram Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/millennial-focused): The New Macy's Location Features Millennial-Focused Tech Displays (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers can incorporate real-time social media feeds and interactive technology to create immersive customer experiences and build stronger customer relationships. ## Recent trend clusters - [Category Mashups](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/category-mashups) (Business) - [Festive Fusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/festive-fusions) (Lifestyle) - [Engineered Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/engineered-layers) (Fashion) - [Embedded Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-intelligence) (Tech) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Repairable Hardshell Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sperro-sv) - [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)