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19 May 2023
Artificial Intelligence

Experiential Retailing

The evolution of Retailing in the past decade Over the past decade, the world of retail has undergone a significant transformation, driven by the rapid…

The evolution of Retailing in the past decade

Over the past decade, the world of retail has undergone a significant transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of technology and ever-changing consumer preferences. From the rise of eCommerce to Experiential Retail, the industry has experienced a seismic shift that has challenged traditional models and paved the way for new opportunities.

One of the most notable changes in the retail landscape has been the explosive growth of online shopping over the past decade. With the increasing prevalence of mobile devices and the proliferation of online marketplaces, consumers have more options than ever before to purchase goods from the comfort of their own homes. As a result, eCommerce has become an integral part of many retailers’ business strategies, with some even choosing to operate solely online.

However, despite the rise of online shopping, brick-and-mortar stores have not become obsolete. In fact, many retailers have found success by creating Experiential Retail journeys that offer customers unique and engaging shopping experiences. From pop-up shops to immersive showrooms, retailers have been experimenting with innovative ways to engage customers and differentiate themselves from their competitors.

At the epicenter of this shift lies the use of data analytics. Data analytics used effectively allow retailers to gain insights into consumer behavior and tailor their offerings to meet customer needs. This has led to the development of personalized marketing strategies and the use of targeted advertising, which have proven to be highly effective in driving sales and customer loyalty.

Overall, the evolution of retail over the past 10 years has been characterized by a shift towards technology and a greater focus on customer experience. As retailers continue to adapt to changing consumer preferences and adopt new technologies, the industry is preparing for its next evolution.

The Future of the Industry: Experiential Retailing

Experiential retailing is a concept that has gained significant momentum in recent years, as retailers seek to engage customers in new and innovative ways. Unlike traditional retail environments, which prioritize product placement and transactional interactions, experiential retailing is all about creating a unique and memorable experience for the customer, from top to bottom of the customer journey.

At its core, experiential retailing provides customers with an immersive and interactive shopping experience beyond simply purchasing a product. This can take many forms, from pop-up shops and displays to VR experiences and interactive product demonstrations. Experiential retailing allows retailers to build deeper connections with their customers. By creating an engaging and memorable environment, retailers can foster greater brand loyalty and build lasting relationships with their customers. Beyond that, retailers are empowered to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Creating a unique and memorable shopping experience in an increasingly crowded marketplace can be a powerful way to stand out and attract customers.

Perhaps most importantly, experiential retailing can be highly effective in driving sales. A better showcase of a brand’s products leads inevitably to an increase in customer interest and encourages purchases.

The shift to Experiential Retailing

In the past, retailers often focused on product-centric strategies, with the primary goal being to sell as many products as possible. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards customer-centric strategies, with retailers recognizing that the key to success lies in understanding and meeting the needs of their customers.

But how are leaders in the industry achieving this?

  • Invest in digital integration

    As the dynamics of retail continue to evolve, retailers find themselves seeking innovative solutions to counterbalance the decline in foot traffic within physical stores. A strategic move towards online acquisition stands as a promising avenue, necessitating a reallocation of resources from offline media to digital channels. By investing more in online marketing, industry frontrunners are successfully adapting their strategies to align with the changing behaviors of consumers. Customers now hold heightened expectations for digital channels, encompassing crucial aspects such as site speed, stability, and prompt delivery times. To remain at the forefront, retailers must begin by crafting web pages that are optimized for the digital shopping experience. This entails creating a seamless journey that minimizes friction and ensures a truly frictionless encounter for every customer.

  • Redesign Omnichannel

    In the face of shifting customer behaviors and evolving preferences, retailers must proactively assess their existing omnichannel offerings and seek opportunities for innovation and enhancement. The inability to engage customers in a traditional physical environment has compelled retailers to explore new avenues, bringing the essence of the in-store experience to the digital realm. Over the years, retailers have deftly adapted, innovating, and leveraging technology to seamlessly bridge the gap between the physical and online realms.

  • Transform the physical network

    In the span of the last three years, a significant shift has taken place in consumer behavior, with an increasing proportion of purchases transitioning to the realm of eCommerce. This profound change has resulted in a steady decline in physical store traffic, compelling retailers to reassess their strategies and optimize their networks accordingly. Embracing cutting-edge technologies, retailers now can delve into micro-traffic patterns, thanks to advanced data sources that provide intricate insights. In this transformative landscape, retailers are venturing into an innovative territory, exploring the concept of gray or dark stores for fulfillment. This emerging trend, long embraced by the restaurant industry, allows retailers to reimagine the traditional store format, adapting it to the evolving needs of customers.

  • Be an agile operation

    In an industry characterized by rapid and relentless change, retailers are compelled to constantly evaluate and evolve their strategies. This dynamic approach necessitates a profound shift towards harnessing real-time insights into customer behavior, coupled with the adoption of a new agile operating model. The key to success lies in being prepared for every possibility.

Overall, as the retail landscape continues to evolve, customer-centric retailing is likely to play an increasingly important role in the industry.

How Experiential Retailing is Impacting RetailTechs

In this rapidly evolving landscape, traditional retailing tactics fall short of capturing the attention and loyalty of today’s consumers. While some companies persist in investing their resources in TV ads, billboards, flyers, or even podcast ads, it is evident that experiential retailing reigns supreme.

Experiential retailing takes a direct approach by engaging customers firsthand, inviting them to immerse themselves in the brand experience. Gone are the days of merely positioning consumers as passive observers, hoping that traditional marketing efforts will resonate or be memorable. In fact, a staggering 93% of consumers assert that live events exert a far greater influence on them than TV ads. This immersive approach paves the way for genuine engagement and a deeper understanding of the brand’s identity.

Marketers Realized The Importance Of Experiential Marketing

According to the Freeman Global Brand Experience study, more than a third of CMOs said they plan to spend 21% to 50% of their budgets on brand experiences over the next several years.

80% of marketers believe live events are critical to their company’s success, and 77% use experiential marketing as a vital part of a brand’s advertising strategy. This is apparent in today’s retail landscape with pop-up shops literally popping up all over proving that companies can take creative risks that will resonate with their audience, even if the idea doesn’t relate directly to the company’s business model.

Consumers Want Memories, Not Just Products

In the realm of consumer behavior, the emergence of social media has significantly influenced priorities, shifting the focus toward creating memorable moments. While immediate product purchases may not always occur, these positive and memorable experiences hold a greater impact on consumer decision-making than conventional marketing methods. Surprisingly, 84% of event attendees express a more favorable opinion about the promoted company, brand, or product after participating in an event. Moreover, an impressive 98% of users feel a heightened inclination toward making purchases following their engagement with an activation. The infusion of human interaction and immersive encounters prove instrumental for brands.

An omnichannel approach has become a necessity rather than a choice.

Notably, MarTech stands out as the sector within RetailTech that has been most profoundly affected by the paradigm of experiential retailing. The successful implementation of a MarTech strategy tailored towards enhancing customer experiences serves as the foundational cornerstone of experiential retailing. While consumers may relish the experience of shopping in physical stores, this does not negate their utilization of other channels to assist their purchasing decisions. AdTech reports that a significant 61% of consumers deem their smartphones “very important” during in-store shopping expeditions.

Seamless transitions between the digital store experience and offline offerings play a pivotal role in elevating customer satisfaction. By refining these touchpoints, brands gain invaluable insights into consumer behavior and preferences regarding brand engagement. In this regard, investing in hyper-personalization becomes essential. In today’s hyper-connected world, consumers anticipate personalized content at every turn. As Forbes reveals, a staggering 71% of consumers feel frustrated when their shopping experiences lack a personal touch. Consequently, your experiential retail endeavors become far more compelling when you dedicate resources to crafting tailored experiences for your esteemed customers.

The Experiential retailing revolution

If hyper-personalization is the name of the game, then brands must find new creative ways to present their products. Accessibility and ease of use must be key concepts in Experiential Retailing. In-Store Technologies such as AR/VR are now more relevant than ever for brands to provide a truly immersive experience. By far the most cost-effective implementation of this trend is the addition of virtual 3D try-on in stores’ online shopfronts. In the study “Effects of 3D Virtual “Try-On” on Online Sales and Customers’ Purchasing Experiences”, data shows that the average sales per customer increased by $13 USD while decreasing the return rate by 27% due to the possibility of filtering out incorrect sizes and fits.

Unlocking the Potential of AI for Personalized Retail Experiences

The immense power of AI lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate multiple data inputs, revealing valuable insights about shoppers – who they are, what they purchase, and their buying habits. By leveraging AI, retailers can harness a wealth of information, including purchase history, loyalty data, precise location within the store, and additional data streams, to automatically trigger personalized mobile notifications or offers for relevant products nearby.

Imagine the impact of such an experience: while traditional methods have encouraged impulse purchases, the true essence of experiential retail lies in delivering a mobile notification tailored to a shopper’s dietary restrictions, their exact location within the store, and their preference for sustainable products. This next level of AdTech personalization creates a truly immersive retail encounter that captivates and resonates with customers on a profound level.

AI-powered personalization extends beyond understanding purchasing patterns; it also reveals the most effective communication channels for each individual. By analyzing data insights, retailers can discern a shopper’s preferences. This level of understanding allows retailers to tailor their interactions, accordingly, ensuring a seamless and satisfying journey for each unique customer.

In an era where intricate supply chains demand our attention, AI emerges as a reliable ally. The optimization of inventory on shelves to meet the needs of online orders, curbside pickups, and in-store shoppers stands as a crucial element in creating a positive retail experience. The frequent occurrence of out-of-stock items or misplaced products can significantly diminish the in-store journey. However, with AI, retailers can efficiently manage stock levels, replenish products promptly, enhance demand forecasting accuracy, and optimize assortment planning. This results in a finely tuned supply chain that keeps pace with evolving consumer demands and ensures seamless availability of products.

Storm5 empowers retailers to unlock their true potential

With all the possibilities that Experiential retailing offers, it is important for organizations to acquire the best talent to get them to stay competitive. At Storm5, we understand the critical importance of senior-level positions in driving business growth and innovation. That’s why we exclusively focus on recruiting top-notch professionals for roles. Our dedication to quality is unmatched, ensuring that we provide you with candidates who possess the right skills, experience, and cultural fit for your organization. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can link you with the talent you need to reach new heights.

 

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