The top June 2021 retail innovations put a focus on speedy deliveries, spotlighting small businesses and independent creators, as well as next-gen store designs that consider the needs of post-pandemic life and beyond.
While it's become fairly standard for some delivery services to turnaround orders in a matter of a few hours, some new partnerships are making it possible for people to get convenience store items, grocery goods and other essentials in 30 minutes, as seen in the Instacart Priority Delivery service launching in the North American market.
Retailers are also experimenting with on-demand modular marketplaces, augmented reality product discovery and fitting room experiences, as well as autonomous stores powered by 5G technology and computer vision technology to support safe and seamless shopping.
Top 45 Retail Trends in June
From Immersive AR Try-Ons to Ultra-Fast Grocery Deliveries:
Laura McQuarrie — Jun 19, 2021 — Business
45
5G-Powered Autonomous Stores
AiFi and Verizon Created a Next-Gen Convenience Store
44
On-Demand Modular Marketplaces
The Locket is Stocked with a Mix of Snacks, Meals and Brand Goods
43
Industrial Plywood Shoe Displays
Vans New Seoul Store Pays Homage to a Modern Art Exhibition
42
Immersive AR Try-Ons
Snapchat is Introducing Try-On Experiences with Fashion Partners
41
Vibrant Inclusive Fashion Collaborations
Target's Designer Dress Collection is Flowy and Floral
40
Outdoor Digital Signage Technologies
Samsung and Tim Hortons Elevate Digital Drive-Thru Displays
39
Sustainable Personalized Polo Services
Ralph Lauren's Made-to-Order Polo Program Reduces Waste
38
Designer Rainwear Collections
Canada Goose Partnered with Y/Project on a Unisex Rainwear Capsule
37
Small Business Shop Windows
Westfield's Side Hustle Heroes Initiative Spotlights New Businesses
36
Co-Branded Eco Cleaning Products
Grove Collaborative and Target Launch Sustainable Series
35
Swiping Try-on Apps
Zyler Offers a Simple and Realistic Clothing Try-on Experience
34
In-Store NFT Experiences
Sweet & Happy Jack Launched an NFT Series on Mental Health Awareness
33
Small Business-Finding Apps
The Amaze App Helps Locals Discover New Businesses in Their Area
32
Virtual Fitting Room Acquisitions
Walmart Acquires the Zeekit Virtual Fitting Room Software
31
Kid-Friendly E-Commerce Platforms
CAMP's Present Shop Lets Kids Safely Shop for Gifts Online
30
Viral Jewelry Storefronts
The Color of Tiffany is Taking a Backseat to Promote Yellow Diamonds
29
Circular Performance Apparel Initiatives
Arc'teryx Launches Circularity Initiative -- ReBird
28
Fast Casual Pancake Spots
IHOP Is Opening a New Fast Casual Concept, flip’d by IHOP
27
Library-Inspired Tablet Pop-Ups
reMarkable's A Better Place to Think Pop-Up Inspires Calm & Focus
26
Digital Local Fashion Stores
Amazon's Local Label Hub Spotlights Small Businesses
25
Circular Furniture Retailers
MADE Teams with Geev for a Furniture Giveaway Initiative
24
Office Retail Reorganizations
Office Depot Will Split into a Retailer and a B2B Business
23
Plant-Based Membership Plans
PlantX Recently Launched the New PlantXpress Membership Plan
22
BBQ-Ready Summer Seltzers
Vista Bay Hard Seltzers are Designed with Food Pairings in Mind
21
Mobile-Based POS Solutions
PayTabs Touch is a Cost-Effective and Contactless POS System for MENA
20
Brand Ambassador Agreements
Dick's Sporting Goods Has New Ambassadors for Private Label Products
19
Accessible Eco Produce Distribution
Hilton Hotels Recently Signed an Agreement with FreshOnTable
18
Plastic Elimination Retail Initiatives
Tesco Announced a New Reduced Plastic Packaging Initiative
17
Brick-and-Mortar Crypto Banks
India Opens 14 In-Person Crypto Currency Banks
16
Ultra-Fast Grocery Delivery Services
Instacart Priority Delivery will Offer Items in 30-Minutes
15
Retail Business Acquisitions
Gap is Selling Its Intermix Business to a Private Equity Firm
14
Soft Plastic Recycling Programs
Aldi is Trialling Soft Plastics Collection in the UK
13
Fashion Retail Acquisitions
South Moon Under Was Purchased by Ames Watson a Private Equity Firm
12
American Whiskey Expansions
Irish Brand Kirker Greer Spirits Picked Up Bowsaw American Whiskey
11
Sustainable Electronic Retail Designations
Best Buy Received Its First Zero Waste Certification
10
Same Day Retail Deliveries
Walgreens Launched Its New Two-Hour Delivery Service Across the U.S.
9
30-Minute Convenience Store Deliveries
7-Eleven & Instacart Expanded on Their Partnership
8
Clothing Retailer Acquisitions
Eddie Bauer Was Purchased by Sparc Group for an Undisclosed Sum
7
Retail Eyewear Collaborations
Gap Entered into an Eyewear Deal with De Rigo Launching in 2022
6
Canadian Marketplace Expansions
The Bay's Marketplace Appeals to a Wider Base of Online Shoppers
5
Zipper-Themed Virtual Showrooms
YKK Digitally Recreated Its Showroom in Londom
4
Paper Retail Acquisitions
Paper Source is Likely to Be Sold to Elliot Investment Management
3
Beauty Brand Courier App Deliveries
Esteé Lauder's Products Will Be Available Through Uber Eats
2
Grocery Pick-Up Rideshare Features
Uber Users Can Now Pick Up Grocery Orders During Their Ride
1
Clothing Sub-Brand Acquisitions
Ralph Lauren Sold Its Club Monaco Brand to a Firm Named Regent
Related Ideas
Technology-Driven Retail Spaces
ARK Visual Unveils Future Stores as an Immersive Retail Identity
Next-Gen Sneaker Stores
Foot Locker's Store of the Future Concept is Bolder and Easier to Shop
AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
AI Retail Assortment Tools
dunnhumby Assortment Uses Advanced AI to Enhance Customer Experiences
Immersive 3D Fashion Exhibits
Portal:M x Virtual Fashion Exhibition Host a Phygital Experience
College-Targeted Food Pop-Ups
Uber Hosts 'The One Shop' Across University Campuses
Autonomous Micro Markets
Micromart Features Digital Price Tags & AI Product Recognition Sensors
GenAI Shopping Assistants
Shopping Muse Supports Michael Kors US Website Visitors
AI-Powered Smart Trolleys
Instacart Unveils a New AI-Powered Shopping Cart Partnership with Aldi
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Lotus Launched a 'Pick & Go' Location in Thailand
Retail Store Revamps
H&M Updates Shopping Experience with Luxe, Tech-Savvy Store in London
Wearable AI Retail Assistants
Augmodo Unveils a New Pilot Affecting Four Warehouse Locations
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Cost-Conscious Cashierless Microstores
Fainders.AI Launched a Prefab MicroStore Within a Gym
5g-Enabled Retail Showcases
Singtel is Surpassing Consumer Expectations with 5G Retail
Cosmetic Delivery Services
DoorDash, Sally Beauty and Mac Cosmetics Unite for New Delivery Options
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
AR-Enhanced Hair Dye Boxes
L’Oréal & Snapchat Brought an AR Packaging Experience to Walmart
Same-Day Fashion Rental Deliveries
Hurr x Deliveroo Helps Users Quickly Receive Pre-Loved Styles
AI-Powered Shopping Experiences
SOOT Introduced Moodboard-Inspired Shopping
AI-Powered Shopping Tools
Google AI Now Allows Shoppers to Browse AI Product Recommendations
AR Locker Rooms
Snapchat and Selfridges Created a Pop-Up for Virtually Trying on Sports Kits
Virtual Try-On Services
SpreeAI is Making Significant Strides in the Fashion Industry
Phygital Beauty Store Experiences
Sephora's Store of the Future Locations are Immersive
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Personalized Customer Service Tools
Walmart Launched 'Wallaby' Powered by Generative AI
Small-Format Grocery Stores
Amazon’s Whole Foods to Open New Small-Format Stores in Cities
Accessible Mindful Shopping Initiatives
Style DNA Brings Sustainability to Black Friday Shopping
GenAI Virtual Shoppers
Cindy by Imaginuity Boots Online and In-Store Foot Traffic
AI Beauty Shopping Experiences
Revieve x Google Cloud Launch the Next Gen AI Advisor Series
Shoe Retailer AI Apps
SuperStep Partnered with 'IMSHOP' to Create a Convenient Mobile App
AR Retailer Haircare Experiences
Walmart Beauty Virtual Try-On Now Includes Hair Color Products
Speedy Retailer Delivery Partnerships
Walmart and DoorDash Announced a New Partnership in Canada
Branded Low-Cost eCommerce Stores
Amazon Haul Offers Low-Cost Products to Attract Shoppers
AI-Augmented Retail Checkouts
This Checkout Solution Helps Prevent Theft and Scanning Errors
Physical Metaverse Merchandise Stores
Roblox will Sell Physical Goods with Shopify
AI Retail Wearables
Augmodo SmartBadges Track Tasks and Inventory in Real Time
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Small-Format Department Stores
Macy’s Unveils Plan to Open Up to 30 Small-format Stores
AR-Powered Try-On Rooms
Snapchat Unveils a New AR Locker Room at Selfridges Oxford Street London
Data-Driven QSR Campaigns
Burger King's BK Unwrapped Reveals Customers' 2024 Ordering Preferences
Magazine-Integrated QR Features
ARCADE Launches the ELLE x Clarks Shoe Visualiser and Experience
Personalized Ecommerce Updates
Google Shopping Introduces a 'For You' Feed for its Ecommerce App
AI-Driven Last-Mile Deliveries
The Rounds Predicts When Items Need Replacing with Machine Learning
AI-Enhanced Shopping Experiences
Coveo’s Collaboration with Shopify Seeks to Streamline Shopping
Live Shopping Flagships
Outlandish's Santa Monica Location Supports Live Social Media Shopping
AI-Enhanced Grocery Apps
Instacart Unveiled a Suite of AI Features Coming to its Mobile App
Refreshed Retail Initiatives
Target is Improving its Customer Experience Journey in 2024
Virtual Interactive Shopping Experiences
Appy Pie Endpoint Launches Suite of Virtual Try-On APIs
Smart Shopping Cart Ads
Instacart Unveiled Ads for Its AI-Powered Caper Carts
Global Fashion Promotions
E-Commerce Giant SHEIN Launches Extended Holiday Shopping Event
Shoppable CPG Ads
Instacart-Powered Shoppable Video Ads are Coming to YouTube
Rebranded Food Delivery Apps
Skip Revamps Its Brand Identity to 'Skip to the Good Part'
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Localized Retail Experiences
UNIQLO Sherway Blends Japanese Tradition with Toronto Culture
Attention-Grabbing Retail Displays
Auo's Smart Shelf Displays Enhance the Customer Experience
Hyper-Personalized AI Campaigns
Tesco's Stronger Starts Uses AI to Recognize Customers by Name
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
Luxury AR Packaging Solutions
Mytheresa Released App-Controlled Innovative Product Packagings
Recurring Grocery Delivery Features
Amazon Recurring Reservations Enhances Shopper Convenience
Members-Only Retail Platforms
Invite-Only Subscription Platform Mile Reshapes Luxury Shopping
Generative AI-Powered Retail Platforms
UST Has Introduced the UST Retail GenAI Platform
Enhanced Omnichannel Experiences
Lightspeed Commerce Addresses Challenges in Retail & Hospitality
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
AI Thrifting Assistants
ThredUp Debuts New AI Features to Enhance Consumers' Shopping Journeys
Size-Replicating Try-On Technologies
Google Shopping Debuts Virtual Dress Try-Ons in the U.S.
Curated Online Shopping Events
Walmart+ is Offering an Online-Only Shopping Event for Members
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
AI-Powered Clothing Shopping Partnerships
True Fit and Shopify are Working Together for Sizing
Expanded Food Delivery Apps
Instacart Partners with Uber Eats to Expand its Delivery Services
Rapid Grocery Delivery Services
Instacart and Albertsons Companies Have Expanded Their Partnership
AI-Enabled Retail Partnerships
Sainsbury’s and Microsoft Partnered to Elevate Shipping Experiences
Youth-Focused Pizza Launches
Domino's Pizza Relaunches its Gen Z-Focused Emergency Pizza Promotion
AI-Driven Convenience Stores
GS25 Launched an Autonomous Convenience Store Powered by Fainders.AI
Influencer-Led Virtual Shops
Walmart Launches the New Walmart Realm Digital E-Commerce Experience
AR Fashion Creations
The ETERNITEE AR Platform Enhances Consumer Interaction
Tech-Enhanced Grocery Retail Experiences
RSA America & the California Grocers Association Partner
Trend Prediction Services
Tagwalk Revolutionizes Fashion Forecasting with a New AI Dashboard
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
AR Watch Try-Ons
Perfect Corp. and TIMEZ Created a Digital Experience for Luxury Watch Shopping
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Wellness-Focused Retailer Ranges
Target is Welcoming More Than 1,000 Wellness Products
Try-On E-Commerce Solutions
Zero10 Launches the New AI-Enabled Try-On Tools for E-Commerce
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Aisle 24 Continues to Expand in Canada Amid Success
Loneliness-Combatting Grocery Shopping Experiences
Oma's Soep Debuted a Shopping Basket Initiative
Hardware Delivery Partnerships
Instacart and The Home Depot Partnered for Same-Day Delivery
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Expanded Retailer Delivery Ranges
Meijer Home Delivery Will Now Reach Four-Million More Households
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
Gamified Shopping Carts
Instacart Unveils New Updates to its Smart Shopping Carts
Virtual Eyewear Retailer Experiences
Walmart Optical Virtual Try-On is Available Online
Combined Retailer Deliveries
Walmart Pharmacy Delivery Also Offers Access to General Merchandise
Extra-Speedy Last-Mile Deliveries
Snappy Shopper and Stuart Announced a New Partnership in the UK
Scandinavian Aesthetics-Forward Shop Designs
Quadrant Design Shapes the Atmosphere in Eton's Shop
Autonomous Retail Solutions
Simbe Robotics Debuts a New Tool to Remotely Monitor Store Shelves
Grocery Loyalty Partnerships
Amazon & Morrisons Announce MorePoints Support on the Amazon Store
Geo-Targeting Store Advertisements
Tesco Recommends Ads Based on a Shopper's Location in a Store
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Automotive Mastermind has Adapted to Modern Consumer Patterns
Same-Day Beauty Deliveries
Sally Beauty and Instacart Expanded Their Partnership with New Offers
3D-Powered Furniture Retailer Networks
The 3D Cloud Network Introduces a Streamlined Solution
Small-Format Retailers
Nordstrom’s Small-Format Strategy 'Closer to You' is Expanding Until 2025
Navigational Grocery Store Apps
Speed Grocer is a Trusted Companion for a Quicker Shop
Accessible Online Retail Initiatives
Instacart and Walgreens Partnered to Accept SNAP/EBT Online
Late Night Retailer Deliveries
Walmart Now Offers Ultra Late-Night Delivery Nationwide in the US
QR Code Shopping Assistants
Nintendo Implemented Icecat Tech to Enhance In-Store Shopping
AI-Powered Automation Tools
LightSpeed Debuts a New AI Platform for Businesses to Automate Tasks
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Cloud-Based Grocery Technology
Pricer Plaza Signs an Agreement with a Tier 1 North American Grocer
AR Try-On Technologies
Nextech3D.ai Intends to Acquire Designhubz to Expand Its E-Commerce Prowess
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
Self-Guided Cannabis Retail Experiences
BLAZE ECOM Revolutionizes In-Store Cannabis Retail
Speedy Beauty Product Deliveries
DoorDash and Ulta Beauty Partnered for Same-Day Delivery
Seamless Grocery Services
JIVA Technologies Launches the We Got Groceries Official Website
Checkout-Free Grocery Stores
ALDI Launches the Innovative 'ALDIgo' Checkout-Free Grocery Store
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Asian Retail Automation Technologies
Ikea South Korea is Using Automation for Online Ordering
AI-Powered Retail Payments
Focalpay's New AI Features Streamline Retail and E-Commerce Operations
Personal Shopping Assistants
Klarna Debuts a More Personalized Shopping Feature Dubbed Ask Klarna
24-Hour AI-Powered Stores
REWE To Go and Lekkerland SE Open Germany's First Autonomous Store
AI-Powered Checkout Models
Amazon's Just Walk Out Technology Supports Seamless Checkouts
Global Food Retail Expansions
Supermarket Italy Emphasizes Global Flavors from Around the World
Checkout-Free Convenience Systems
7-Eleven Australia Integrates a Checkout-Free Shopping System
Multi-Brand E-Commerce Expansions
Multiple Grocers are Adapting Instacart's Storefront Pro Tool
Taiwan-Based AI Shopping Carts
Innolux Debuts a Smart Shopping Cart at FamiSuper Stores
Optimized Late-Night Deliveries
THG Fulfil's Next-Day Deliveries Support Late-Night Shoppers
Same-Day Grocer Delivery Benefits
Instacart and SNAP Will Offer Same-Day Delivery for Recipients
AI-Powered Search Features
Shop Premium Outlets Enhances its Online Shopping with AI-Powered Tools
AI-Powered Tech Deliveries
Best Buy Unveils the New AI-Powered Delivery Service
Mango-Scented Newspaper Ads
Swiggy Instamart Launched a Scented Campaign in the Times of India
Efficiency-Driven Digital Ad Solutions
ShopLiftr is Revolutionizing Digital Advertising
On-Demand Grocer Deliveries
Sprouts Farmers Market and Uber Eats Partnered for Fast Delivery
Beauty Retailing Expansions
Revolution Beauty Joins Amazon Distribution
Third-Party Coupon Providers
Instacart Taps Ibotta to Provide Customers with Digital Coupons
Social Media Tech Stores
Kronos Advanced Technologies Launches a Store on TikTok
Virtual Retail Solutions
Simbe's Store Intelligence™ Solutions Provide Results on a Global Scale
Retailer-Backed Holiday Experiences
J. Crew Launches a New AI-Powered Holiday Experience
Video Call Shopping Services
Apple's Specialist over Video Service Enhances Personalization
Curated Autumnal Retailer Collections
ALDI Finds for September Help Shoppers Kick Off Fall
Christmasy Convenience Retailer Promotions
The 7-Eleven Holiday Deals are Here for 2023
South African Delivery Enhancements
Takealot Introduces an Unlimited Free Delivery Subscription