What’s in Store?
We round up all the latest industry news and expert resources to help you deliver a better in-store experience.
2020 – the ultimate learning experience
2020 gave us a lot to reflect on – a year of unique, if not entirely positive, experiences which each had one benefit – we had to learn to quickly develop inventive and innovative ways to evolve what we do to meet the requirements of living with a pandemic.
Making sure it's a happy CX-mas
At the end of what can kindly be described as a ‘difficult’ year, it’s understandable that, despite some of us having to tighten our belts to the last possible notch, we’re looking to spend a little more this festive season to bring some joy to our Covid-restricted lives.
Conversational commerce – it’s time to talk
As the rapid adoption of virtual services has shown, smart retailers are committed to evolving their customer experience to make sure they have easy access to the products they need in the run-up to Christmas, especially when they may not be able to visit a physical store.
Remote control – tips for elevating the customer experience at distance
Customers are looking for the best way to shop safely on their own terms, and retailers are having to work harder than ever to maintain a level of experience that not only makes them feel special but also secures the sale.
The future beauty shopper
Safe retail – home and furniture stores
Research shows that 75% of furniture buyers want advice from a fully informed store associate before buying, whether they're in-store or having a virtual consultation. The latest article in our ‘Safe retail’ series takes a look at the steps home and furniture retailers need to take to meet their customers' requirements.
Stories from the Shop Floor
Customer experience – a virtual evolution
There’s no doubt that the last few months have seen a rapid evolution of the technology that has become central to our lives, helping the majority of us cope with the necessary changes to how we work, rest and play while we’re spending most of our time at home. And shopping is a key part of this.
The future of luxury – 5 things to expect from a changing market
It’s almost impossible to resist change and survive in the wake of external forces. Even a well-established retail sector such as luxury has to recognise and participate in the fundamental adjustments needed on both sides of the transaction process to ensure customers and store associates have confidence in its future.
Retail convergence: the key to the future of shopping
Understandably, the press has devoted many pages to the future of retail – experts from all parts of the industry have shared their opinions and proposed their solutions. What they all agree on is that, now more than ever, online and physical stores need to come together if retailers want to be in a solid position to deliver for their customers.
Millennials – breaking down the stereotypes
Of all the demographics with economic status, Millennials have without doubt attracted the most attention. The economic circumstances they have grown up with may have limited their options in some areas, but as shoppers Millennials present a tremendous opportunity for the right kind of engagement.
Safe retail – luxury stores
Like every other part of the retail industry, luxury as a sector has had to rapidly adapt and evolve how it connects with customers so that it can safely operate stores and services without sacrificing the high level of personal interaction expected by elite clients.
Safe retail – reopening beauty stores and counters
For a retail sector that relies on personalised contact with customers and an intimate knowledge of their purchases and preferences, safely reopening beauty stores and counters without losing that personal touch requires a degree of planning and creative thinking beyond what most other sectors have to consider.