We are well into 2014 now and hopefully
your retail merchandising tactics are going ahead without a hitch. That being
said, it is never a bad idea to keep an eye on the emerging retail trends and revamping
your plans to suit them. With that in
mind, we thought we’d rehash some of the ones we have found to be the most
inspiring and fruitful for the coming months!
1.
Personalization. What’s old is new
again, and recognizing your brand targets and building connections has become
more critical than ever. Shoppers don’t want to just be another number on your
visitor list – they want to feel catered to, and personalization is the way to
do this. A great way to achieve this is through the emotional connections made
through your merchandising. Sensory technology is great in this regard, and can
show customers that you are truly listening to their wants and needs.
2.
Content-rich experiences. A
one-dimensional shopping experience has become a thing of the past, and in
order to compete (especially with the rise of online/mobile shopping) creating
a high level of engagement can be highly effectual. Consumers want to be
entertained, but they also want to be informed – this can mean major gains when
it comes to ROI.
3.
Social Buzz. The importance of social
media has become well known over the last few years, as has the impact of
ignoring this growing trend. Giving consumers the chance to both voice concerns
and endorse your business means opportunities to grow and build brand loyalty
and recognition. Maintaining a strong hold on your social media continues to be
crucial.
4.
Resizing. Another growing trend this year
seems to be “rightsizing,” which means tailoring your stores to the ideal size
and number of locations that is right. This
has changed largely as a result of the growth of online/mobile shopping. If this is a trend you are considering, keep
in mind that it needs to be done properly – keeping customers satisfied and
maintaining a high level of customer service is paramount when it comes to
staying competitive.
5.
Reinvented Loyalty Programs. Shoppers
require more incentive than ever when it comes to making a purchase, and
loyalty programs can go a long way in achieving this. Take a look at your
loyalty program (if you have one), and think about ways of improving it.
Staying up to date with the most recent changes
in the retail world is really the only way that you can compete. For more about
the latest and greatest retail trends for this year, as well as advice on how
to implement them most effectively, Storesupport can help. Contact us today by
calling 1-877-421-5081.