Brands are gamifying brick and mortar stores for the retailtainment trend
Trend - Brick-and-mortar storefronts are adding elements of gamification and entertainment to improve the in-store shopping experience. These 'retailtainment' initiatives add immersive experiences and interactive elements to increase consumer engagement and pull the focus away from simply spending money.
Insight - It is undeniable that the convenience and accessibility of online shopping leads to more consumers opting to simply shop online each year. While some who prefer in-store shopping value being able to physically touch, or try, an item before purchasing it, others are attracted to the social aspect of in-store retail. These features alone do not add enough value to pull online shoppers back to physical stores. This is leading to 'retailtainment,' brands debuting immersive in-store experiences.
Insight - It is undeniable that the convenience and accessibility of online shopping leads to more consumers opting to simply shop online each year. While some who prefer in-store shopping value being able to physically touch, or try, an item before purchasing it, others are attracted to the social aspect of in-store retail. These features alone do not add enough value to pull online shoppers back to physical stores. This is leading to 'retailtainment,' brands debuting immersive in-store experiences.
Workshop Question - How can we integrate gamification and entertainment into our physical spaces to create a more engaging and immersive experience for our customers?
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Retail Experiences - Brands are increasingly exploring metaverse platforms to offer immersive and interactive virtual shopping experiences that captivate and engage digital-native consumers.
2. Augmented Reality Shopping - The integration of AR in physical storefronts is providing unique, gamified experiences that enhance customer engagement and blend the digital and physical worlds.
3. Experience-centric Grocery Stores - Combining grocery shopping with leisure and dining experiences is transforming supermarkets into community hubs where consumers can spend quality time and enjoy added conveniences.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Innovations such as gamification and AR are redefining in-store experiences to better compete with the convenience of online shopping.
2. Fashion - The fusion of gaming elements with fashion enables brands to offer personalized, interactive shopping experiences that appeal to younger, tech-savvy consumers.
3. Beauty and Health - By revamping stores with interactive and thematic designs, beauty and health retailers can attract the younger demographics seeking novel and engaging in-store experiences.
