Retailing 2020 – 2030: taking a long view

Research continues to show that while online shopping continues to grow across most demographics, the youngest customers, Gen Z’s remain very comfortable shopping in-store, particularly if it includes a high level of experience, both through tech and touch. Walker Sands research shows 59% of 18 to 25-year-olds prefer a “brand experience”, but it be... See more

First described as the “store with no inventory” when introduced in late 2017, it is indeed very much more. The store is built around three key offerings: online order pickup and return, styling services, and tailoring and alterations. Other services vary by location but include nail services, bars, gift wrapping, even stroller cleaning...For Nords... See more

“When asked if customers prefer the convenience of a one-stop shop or the experience of a branded store, there is no one category where consumers are completely aligned on preference”. This clearly demonstrates the need for brands in virtually all product categories to balance both convenience and connection, while also balancing the digital and th... See more

Many of the new DTC brands are being positioned with the kind of care that many of the major brands used to be. They are keeping good company, being positioned in high-value environments of the likes of b8ta and Neighborhood Goods, where the value proposition can be clearly communicated and appreciated.

Transparency in sourcing and manufacturing has become table stakes in the minds of over two-thirds of 18 to 35-year-olds. Where something is made, under what kinds of working conditions, and environmental sustainability across the entire distribution chain are now all a part of the decision-making process.

1- NICHE RICH: Continued Customer Segmentation Refinement

Another new player on the RaaS scene is ShopFulfill which will open their first Anchor Shops concept in downtown Philadelphia in the second quarter of 2020. Anchor Shops focuses on giving digital native brands the necessities to gain traction offline by providing both space as well as logistics and infrastructure that otherwise would not be afforda... See more

Resale Gets Real

Third-Party, Retail as a Service (RaaS) Proliferates