Gamified shopping keeps customers hooked & coming back for more
Implications - An increasing number of websites are gamifying shopping, which, psychologically, can cause buying addiction. These sites include "flash shopping" sites with limited-time sales that make us feel a thrill when we buy something against a ticking clock, rewards-based sites that offer points in return for purchases, and deal-based sites like Plukka, in which the excitement is based on getting a great deal only if enough people agree to buy. All of these game-based shopping innovations elevate dopamine in the brain, which makes a person feel good about the shopping experience, thereby stimulating addiction and the desire to return for more. Thus, retailers will only continue to merge gaming and buying to intensify the shopping experience and attract -- and hook -- more customers.
Trend Themes
1. Gamified Shopping - Retailers are merging gaming and buying to elevate dopamine in the brain and stimulate addiction and desire to return for more. Businesses can consider gamification techniques to keep customers hooked on their products.
2. Collaborative Partnerships - Forming strategic partnerships can expand a company's reach and attract new customers. Companies can benefit from joining forces with other businesses and implementing collaborative partnerships.
3. Charitable Shopping - Websites like WorldWix allow users to donate part of what they spend to the charity of their choice. Companies can implement charitable structures in their business model to make a positive impact while increasing sales.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The gamified shopping trend can create disruptive innovation opportunities to keep consumers engaged and addicted to products.
2. E-commerce - Collaborative partnerships and social network shopping rewards trends can enhance e-commerce capabilities and help increase sales.
3. Non-profit - Charitable shopping websites like WorldWix and implementing charitable structures can help non-profit organizations increase donations while boosting sales for companies.
