Retailers look for tech advantage in an omnichannel world
Retailers are responding to new trends in shopping by integrating their sales channels to provide a unified experience
Online shopping may have grown significantly during lockdowns, but lots of people are returning to stores at the soonest opportunity. Reports of the demise of traditional bricks and mortar retailing appear to be premature, for the time being at least, but retailers that want to survive will need to provide consumers with a high-standard blend of online and traditional shopping options.
Retailers are responding to new trends in shopping by integrating their sales channels to provide a unified experience
What trends will dominate the retail landscape next year and beyond?
Which will win in the everlasting battle between online and bricks and mortar?
Second-hand shopping has been rebranded as thrifting or vintage; the growing trend is to reuse, recycle and repair to extend products’ lifecycle
Everything from houses to pets now has some form of technology underpinning the purchasing journey
Technology just part of the story as ‘it’s all about psychology and neuroscience’
What does the Irish retail landscape look like now and into the future?
Friction is often triggered in retail spaces due to a lack of speed of service
From virtual shelves to augmented reality, the smart brands are doing it
‘With the power to buy whatever you want at your fingertips, it’s more important than ever for retailers to offer customers an experience that’s worth leaving the house for’
Spending is increasingly happening on the high street as well as online and experts believe online and in-store shopping can now coexist
Where do Irish consumers fall on the adoption of technology?
Will online shopping ever replace in-store?
Consumers are looking at what everyone else is thinking. They are looking at social media reviews, comparison sites, Amazon reviews - these are a lot more convincing than what a brand says about itself
If your business is not on social media you are missing out, writes Jillian Godsil
What the future of retail looks like for Ireland
Stores need to look ‘Instagramable’ and offer an ‘unforgettable experience’ as retail moves towards ‘omnichannel’ trading, say experts
Retailers also need to have accurate facts and figures to hand when it comes to the environmental impact of their products, as this is what consumers are demanding
Sector is also having problems finding staff, driving up competition for resources and costs
As more payment options crop up every day, cash is going out of style
Wage support and online retail schemes have provided vital support for retail
Irish firms can recover by marketing local credentials and courting new markets
But GDPR has changed the game and businesses must ensure they get it right
Consumers still have an attachment to the physical shopping experience while new online shopping habits will persist
Dublin gift shop hasn’t looked back since switching focus during lockdown
What is omnichannel and why do Irish retailers need to embrace it?
Deids Mahon of Quack and Dirk delivered items for free everyday on her bike
There are many skills required for the sector, but communication is key
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