Online and offline shopping reach a level playing ground to support each vertical
Implications - The online and offline retail worlds are colliding as we see a distinct increase in the ways that shoppers are demanding a tangible experience meshed with a discounted one. The clear divide between the two realms has predominantly been rooted in convenience and cost difference, but as more shoppers move online, the number of consumers craving an in-store experience is rising. A resulting push of consumers back into stores speaks to consumer demand for a custom, tangible shopping experience, but also to impulsive shoppers that are more comfortable with in-store purchasing.
Trend Themes
1. In-store Experiences - Consumers are demanding more in-store experiences, leading to the integration of online and offline shopping methods.
2. Augmented Reality - Augmented Reality is transforming online and offline retail, by bridging the gap and allowing consumers to consume media in a more interactive way.
3. Visual Product Search - Visual product search platforms are revolutionizing the way people shop by simplifying the shopping process and allowing customers to purchase items on the move.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry must integrate online and offline shopping experiences to meet consumer demands.
2. Technology - Technological innovations are driving the transformation in the way people shop, creating vast business opportunities for companies to create new products and services.
3. Artificial Intelligence - Artificial Intelligence is disrupting traditional shopping experiences, offering personalized recommendations and assisting users in navigating vast databases.
