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Physical retail’s not going anywhere. But evolution is unavoidable. Here are key trends that could change the retail store landscape altogether.
1️⃣ Digital + Experiential = New Normal
Stores will have digital components galore. Customer experience focus will drive nifty technological adoption. Consider in-store user messages, notifications, pop-ups and other interactive activities for instance. (🔖 Don't even say the F word aloud in stores or you never know...)
2️⃣ Amping Up the Destination Angle
Stores will become desirable destinations for customers and thus naturally, zones for meetings. More stores will have people spending time eating, meeting, experiencing newer attractions, etc. Expect more of this wherever there’s space.
3️⃣ Newer Formats
Retailers are trying out smaller-box systems along with personalised on-site shopping styles. Flexibility is the keyword.
4️⃣ Collaborations Galore
More tie-ups are in the works. Like, a lot more. There will be ecosystems of various partners. Exclusivity will still exist, but only for productive collaborations with mutual benefits.
5️⃣ In-Store Fulfillment
Stores will widen their ambit in the coming days, doubling up as fulfillment centres, meaning your favourite retail store will start catering to delivery networks as well.
🛒 In a nutshell, these trends could make new-age stores more efficient, productive, and most importantly, attractive to customers. If not, what you just heard is the sound of another outlet dying.