Omnichannel
Brick-and-mortar stores have been struggling over the past decade, so much so that Credit Suisse estimated 8,600 shops would close last year in the United States and a quarter of malls will close in the next five years. Despite these numbers, though, things arenโt quite as dire they seem. While purchasing may be migrating online,โฆ
Weโve heard a lot about the struggle of brick-and-mortar retailers feeling the heat of competition from online pure-plays, so why are the biggest online retailers moving the other way? The latest news is that Alibaba.com will pay $2.87 billion for a 36 percent share of the Sun Art Retail Group, Chinaโs top grocer. The reasonโฆ
Itโs clear to see: new technology is changing the retail industry. For example, 34 percent of retailers are currently experimenting with autonomous technology. However, though adopting new tech to stay ahead is great, itโs just as important that retailers understand what theyโre getting into before implementing that tech into their business structures. Preparing for Retail'sโฆ
While e-commerce has enjoyed significant growth over the past few years, new innovations have created even more opportunities across the ecosystem; new platforms like voice, new devices like smart speakers, and the continued dissolution of the border between online and offline shopping are driving growth in this sector. Consumer goods companies, brands, retailers and other advertisers need to ensure they have a full picture of consumer behavior, and especially which digital touchpoints influence and drive revenue growth. In our first report for 2018, weโre excited to share some of our latest research on consumer behavior, and especially how it relates to the path to purchase โ i.e., what consumers are doing as they research, browse and purchase goods online.
In episode 131 of Total Retail Talks, Brian Schultz, senior director, e-commerce and digital product management, Crate and Barrel, discusses how the furniture and home decor retailer is using technology to better connect its customersโ online and offline shopping experiences. Schultz details how Crate and Barrel's native mobile app plays a role in customersโ in-storeโฆ
Since the beginning of brick-and-mortar retail, stores have strived to get their products into shoppersโ hands so they could get an in-person look and feel for their offerings. But now, if you walk into any retail location, odds are consumersโ hands are already full โ with their mobile phones. Mobility is completely transforming the stateโฆ
Modern retail as we know it had to start somewhere. From price tags, coupons and shopping carts, to customized in-store experiences, the โendless aisleโ and zero-waste supply chains, the industry has evolved beyond our wildest imaginations. But how did we get from retail 1.0 to where we are today? Modern Retail is Born Retail beganโฆ
At the core of omnichannel strategy, retailers are positioned to better serve their customers, strengthen overall brand experience and provide a seamless shopping journey across all paths to purchase. This said, many small to midsize merchants continue to wonder if omnichannel is obtainable for their businesses. Fortunately, omnichannel is more accessible than ever to retailersโฆ
94% of consumers will actually discontinue a relationship with a brand when messaging is not personalized and relevant to them.
The 2018 retail landscape is one of evolving platforms and new technology-driven consumer dynamics in which they change their preferences and purchasing methods as often as they change their shopping lists. So, how can retailers keep up with today's chaotic consumer behavior? Customer centricity is no longer an option, it's a marketing imperative.Todayโs consumers areโฆ