As ecommerce maintains its high altitude and consumers continue to spend more time at home, businesses continue to seek out intel on what the year might look like for commerce so that they can take appropriate action and stay on top. IGD have released retail trend predictions that you’ll want to watch for this year.
Five retail trend predicitions for 2021
Following a disruptive 2020, five retail trend predictions, in particular, stand out as areas for businesses to focus on this year.
System upgrade: digitally enhancing operations
- Introduction of digital technologies that have a low capital investment and are easy to update
- Partnerships with third-party technology providers to speed up new tech introduction
- More use of machine learning and artificial intelligence at store level to drive revenue and increase customer satisfaction
Escalating ecommerce: driving online and profitability
- Retailers seeking to reduce their overall operating costs to accommodate online, improving processes and automation
- Encouraging shoppers towards click and collect
- Retailers assessing the options for rapid delivery, for example the same day or in a few hours
Making a meal of it: creating inspiration and excitement
- Retailers creating inspiring meal solutions for all occasions
- Retailers seeking to capture shopper spend that was previously taking place out of home
Holistic health: supporting health and wellness
- Greater focus from shoppers on hygiene and sanitation products for individuals and the home
- Retailers and brands trying to differentiate themselves by helping shoppers and consumers live healthier lives
- More tailored solutions in-store, either through assistants or using digital tools like apps
Recuperative retail: focusing on sustainability
- With climate change remaining a top priority, we expect retailers globally to push ahead with initiatives to support goals in this area
- Continued implementation globally of initiatives to reduce plastic and food waste
- Initiatives to build trust, loyalty and better relationships with shoppers, staff and communities
