Category
Business
Assisted Conversion
Trend cluster
Category
Virtual
Malls
Brands are launching online re-creations of shopping malls and storefronts.
5.7
Trend score
Trend
What is the Virtual Malls trend?
Virtual Malls: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, brands are launching virtual shopping centers to recreate the traditional shopping experience online. These range from virtual street fronts to large-scale digital shopping centers and allow owners to showcase their products to a niche, virtual community.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Virtual Malls trend
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many consumers to remain indoors, without the opportunity to easily acquire the goods they had access to before. Many consumers are looking for streamlined and convenient solutions to continue their previous shopping habits and are turning to brands to provide a curated selection of products to browse.
Trend themes
Themes within the Virtual Malls trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Virtual Shopping Centers
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, brands are launching virtual shopping centers to recreate the traditional shopping experience online.
02
Virtual Reality Shopping
The use of 3D technology in virtual reality shopping malls and storefront platforms is gaining popularity among consumers.
03
E-commerce Free Trade Zones
Cities and governments are partnering to create e-commerce free trade zones, promoting the growth of online retail and offering benefits to retailers.
Industry implications
What the Virtual Malls trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Online Retail
Retailers can leverage virtual shopping centers and storefront platforms to showcase products and replicate the traditional shopping experience online.
For
Virtual Reality
The use of 3D technology in virtual reality shopping malls and storefront platforms provides disruptive innovation opportunities for retailers and technology companies.
For
International Trade
The creation of e-commerce free trade zones promotes international trade and offers benefits to retailers looking to expand their online business globally.
Workshop question
How can your brand leverage online communities to showcase its products or services?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Virtual Malls
Trend score 5.7 out of 10, from popularity 89%, activity 73%, freshness 9%.
Popularity89%
Activity73%
Freshness9%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Virtual Malls trend
4 featured examples from May 28, 2020CategoryArt & Design
Online Shopping Cities
Dubai Commercity is a Free Trade Zone Dedicated to eCommerce
The establishment of Dubai Commercity as an e-commerce free trade zone is a significant development for the e-commerce industry in the Middle East, attracting online retailers and…
CategoryBusiness
Virtual Storefront Platforms
Streetify Gives Consumers Access to Virtual Storefronts
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Bridging the gap between online and offline shopping experiences through virtual storefront platforms.
CategoryBusiness
Virtual Shopping Malls
New Zealand Company, EPIC, Recently Launched a Virtual Mall
Virtual shopping malls provide retailers a new opportunity to reach consumers without the limitations of physical space.
CategoryBusiness
Virtual Reality Shopping Malls
Alliance Studio Debuted a 3D Virtual Shopping Mall
Retailers can leverage virtual reality shopping and 3D technology to enhance their offerings and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
