Retail Trends + Strategies
Trade shows and industry events are opportunities for our team here at Cutler to gain first-hand knowledge and exposure to new trends, products and resources. The conversations we have with vendors and operators stimulate new ideas and creative ways to support our clients in their goals.
At GlobalShop, one of the retail industry’s largest trade shows, we had a chance to see what’s new in tech, aesthetics and the customer experience. Workshops from retail leaders such as Samsung, Lowes and B8ta gave us insight into what’s working from the operator’s perspective and challenges they’re facing.
We put together a list of the top five trends and strategies that we’re seeing emerge in the retail industry, within Brick + Mortar Aesthetics, Customer Experience, and Technology. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be expanding on each to provide a more thorough understanding that includes various examples and helpful how-to’s. If you want to discover the techniques that global retail leaders are using to influence customers and compete into today’s complex marketplace, be sure to keep an eye on our posts.
Here’s an overview of the topics we’ll be exploring:
Brick + Mortar Aesthetics
![Brick and mortar residential aesthetics with soft lighting and rounded interior](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-brick-mortar-aesthetics-residential.jpg)
Residential
Consumers feel at ease when familiar arrangements and details are incorporated
![Exposed retail brick and mortar interior with product display and familiar retail details](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-brick-mortar-aesthetics-exposed.jpg)
Exposed
Raw, industrial textures contrast finished products and reflect the nothing-to-hide honesty of the brand
![Raw industrial textures contrast finished products, beautifully showing off the retail brand in the context of the interior space](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-brick-mortar-aesthetics-curated-gallery.jpg)
Curated Gallery
In a time when there’s a constant flurry of products and information, selection is easier in a curated environment
![A comfortable and curated retail setting, with high end marble table tops, flooring, and a beautiful classy interior](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-brick-mortar-aesthetics-comfort-spaces.jpg)
Comfort Spaces
Physically going to a store is a leisure activity that involves mobile customer service and opportunities to socialize
![Unique chic product display and retail interior, purses pirched on wooded shelves, very high end](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-brick-mortar-aesthetics-theatricality.jpg)
Theatricality
The physical space is an opportunity to create an immersive experience, not just showcase a product or service
Customer Experience
![channel-less customer experience showing a 'just walk out' sign, the future of shopping is here!](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-customer-experience-channel-less.jpg)
Channel-less
Blend channels to make the consumer’s experience easier
![retail wall signage at daisy marc jacobs](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-customer-experience-generation-focused.jpg)
Generation-Focused
Know the differences between Gen X and Baby Boomers and develop a CX specifically for your target audience
![A stillshot of a home depot ad showing emotional connection tied to branding design](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-customer-experience-emotional-connection.jpg)
Emotional Connection
Go past customer satisfaction and strive for emotional connection to maximize customer value
![Temporary experiences are wound into the every day consumers life](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-customer-experience-temporary.jpg)
Temporary
Temporary products, stores and shopping centres guarantee a unique experience during every visit
![An outdoor photo in a city showing a brand experience with people gathered around engagin gin conversations](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-customer-experience-social-space.jpg)
Social Space
Create a destination for people to meet, relax, learn and shop together
Technology
![A woman in an airport using her mobile phone](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-technology-anytime-anywhere.jpg)
Anytime Anywhere
Customers shop, learn, pay and simply experience brands through mobile phones and payment systems
![A retail brand experience that includes AI and Robots helping a customer to shop](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-technology-artificial-intelligence.jpg)
Artificial Intelligence
Allow devices to perceive their environments and take action to successfully achieve their goals
![A mobile phone showing the retail possibilities of augmented reality](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-technology-augmented-reality.jpg)
Augmented Reality
Superimpose computer-generated images onto the real world to guide and support customers
![A customer service rep at a fashion retailer helping a customer to shop using personalization technology on an ipad](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-technology-personalization.jpg)
Personalization
A step ahead of customization, be prepared to meet each individual customer’s needs before you ask
![A man connecting his home with technology that integrates to automated ai and voice driven shopping and brand experiences](https://www.cutlerdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/retail-trends-technology-connected-home-2.jpg)
Connected Home
Interconnection and interoperability of multiple devices, services and apps throughout the home