# Virtual Marketplace Marketplaces are now taking place virtually to keep people safe. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Oct 16, 2020 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-marketplace ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.4/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Virtual Marketplace trend? **Virtual Marketplace:** Now that at-home shopping is people's only completely safe option, ecommerce is booming. Marketplaces are now included in this shift, with everything from farmers' to christmas markets now taking place virtually. ## The consumer insight behind the Virtual Marketplace trend As safety precautions become the norm in retail and public spaces, consumers still want to experience the normalcy that they've lost in recent months. Though their previous shopping and recreational habits look different now, having adapted alternatives is easier on consumers than having no alternatives at all. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 30 to Oct 16, 2020 - Published: Oct 16, 2020 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Marketplace trend ### Virtual Marketplaces As safety precautions become the norm in retail and public spaces, ecommerce is booming and adapters enable businesses to shift traditional markets online, creating virtual marketplaces that open up new opportunities and revenue streams. ### Immersive Festivals As virtual events become more mainstream, immersive festivals offer a new form of entertainment, connecting people safely and allowing them to experience the normalcy they crave while still observing safety protocols. ### Virtual Art Marketplaces Virtual events empower artists and creators to showcase their work and connect with buyers all over the world, opening up new opportunities for revenue streams, collaboration, and exposure. ## What the Virtual Marketplace trend means for industry ### For E-commerce As virtual marketplaces become more mainstream, traditional retailers must adapt and shift their focus online, creating new opportunities for businesses who can help with digital transformations, logistics, and marketing in the e-commerce space. ### For Entertainment As virtual events become more sophisticated, traditional event organizers and entertainment companies must adapt to the new normal, creating opportunities for companies who can help develop these events, offer new technologies to enhance the experience, and create immersive experiences for event attendees. ### For Art and Design Virtual art marketplaces present new opportunities for artists and creators to showcase their work and connect with buyers, opening up new revenue streams and collaboration opportunities for visual artists, graphic designers, and other creative professionals. ## Workshop question How will your brand continue to adapt as the pandemic goes on? ## Trend signals for Virtual Marketplace Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 79%, activity 73%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 79% - Activity: 73% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Virtual Marketplace trend 4 featured examples from Jun 30 to Oct 16, 2020. - [Virtual Christmas Markets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-christmas-market): The World’s Biggest Virtual Christmas Market Will Run in November (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate virtual Christmas markets into existing e-commerce platforms, allowing customers to seamlessly shop both online and in-person. - [Digital Sweets-Focused Festivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dessert-goals): Dessert Goals Restructures Its Event Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak (Category: Marketing) Implication: Event planning companies can embrace virtual events and develop creative strategies to deliver engaging and interactive experiences for clients. - [Virtual Farmers' Market Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farmers-market-apps): Chipotle's Online Marketplace Supports Supplies & Farmers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for the agriculture industry to adopt online marketplaces and e-commerce solutions to reach consumers directly. - [Virtual Art Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hallmarket): Hallmark's Hallmarket Shares Artwork by Hallmark Employees and Retirees (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The virtual art marketplace trend presents opportunities for e-commerce platforms to specialize in facilitating art transactions and supporting artists. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)