Retail Store Marketing

  1. Standout Visual Merchandising Trends for 2024

    Visual merchandising is a crucial aspect of retail display that has evolved over the years, and the trends for 2024 are expected to be dynamic and innovative. As we look ahead to 2024, several key visual merchandising trends are poised to shape the retail landscape:

    1. Immersive Experiences: In 2024, visual merchandising will focus on creating immersive experiences for customers. Retailers will use technology such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to provide interactive and engaging displays. These immersive experiences will transport customers into a different world, making the shopping experience more memorable.

    2. Sustainable Displays: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, visual merchandising in 2024 will prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable displays. Retailers will use recycled and upcycled materials, as well as energy-efficient lighting to create

    Read More
  2. Grocery Stores Are Getting Creative With Virtual Content and Online Classes

    The current situation has required businesses to get creative, and even essentials like grocery stores are innovating to remain relevant and in business. Many grocery stores are getting creative and offering people ways to stay entertained and engaged without leaving their homes.

    Maintaining a Personal Connection

    With the changes made to grocery stores to accommodate social distancing, grocery stores see their new offerings as a way to help maintain those personal connections that they strive to create. Many families no longer go to the store to shop and have turned to other methods, like online ordering. Those who do shop no longer take their time or bring the family; it is just one person rushing through the shopping. This has led to a dramatic shift in engagement levels.

    Grocers Are Being Affected

    These strategies are essential for grocery stores as, despite being essential, the stores have been affected by the pandemic. Research

    Read More
  3. Ikea Considering New Store Concept for Queens

    Ikea is opening a store in Queens, but with a fresh format. The company is using this store as a chance to test out a new type of store that focuses on commuters. It will feature an improved layout and other changes. This store will be on the corner of Junction Boulevard and Queens Boulevard.

    The Layout

    The layout that Ikea will test in the new concept store will have thousands of products available. The big difference, however, will be that you will not be able to bring large furniture items home that day. This is a sharp contrast to how traditional Ikea stores. Instead, this Queens store will only offer those items via delivery, a move that it hopes appeals to commuters.

    There is a planning studio that serves as a showroom. Here, Ikea employees would help customers complete the relevant orders online so they can have larger items delivered to their doors.

    There will also be additional food options for customers to enjoy. Some of those allow

    Read More
  4. Macy's Is Using Snapchat and TikTok to Advertise Back to School Shopping

    The back-to-school shopping season is already well underway and Macy's has taken a unique approach. The department store is working hard to appeal to the younger generation by incorporating social media like TikTok and Snapchat.

    All Brand New Campaign

    The integration of Snapchat and TikTok are part of Macy's "All Brand New" campaign. This campaign also features TV and digital spots. The goal of the campaign is to celebrate self-expression and individuality while promoting the company.

    How Macy's Using Snapchat

    Macy's is the exclusive sponsor of Snapchat's original series, 'The Dead Girls Detective Agency' for season three. As such, the brand will be in the mentions and have product placements within episodes.

    Macy's will also be part of Snapchat's first activation of the ability to swipe up to shop. This will give viewers on the mobile devices the ability to shop for back-to-school clothing and accessories via interactions

    Read More
  5. EBay Shoppers Will Soon Notice AI-based Personalization

    More and more retailers are starting to incorporate artificial intelligence, including eBay. Last June, eBay announced that it would soon be including AI-based personalization. This will allow consumers to see items based on their shopping habits and interests.

    The New AI Features for Personalization

    The new AI-based recommendations and personalization go beyond those found at the moment. Even those without eBay accounts will be able to see “Recently Viewed Items.” Additionally, shoppers will notice tailored sales offers, shared trending items, and even a personalized homepage. There is also a new “Trending in Your Interests” section that combines your personal interests with the current trends, so you see the trending items that align with your shopping history and general interests.

    Using AI in Other Ways

    EBay will also incorporate artificial intelligence

    Read More
  6. Analyzing the Math on the New Starbucks Rewards Program

    In late March, coffee giant Starbucks announced upcoming changes to the company's rewards program. The changes include offering more redemption options. Analysts, however, are unsure whether Starbucks clients will like the updates to the rewards program.

    Starbucks Is Working to Boost Regular Customers

    Since the coffee market has become increasingly competitive, Starbucks has found itself dealing with reduced foot traffic in North America. The changes to the rewards program are one of several ways that the coffee chain is trying to get clients to return daily. Another method is investing in the various cold beverages on offer. Starbucks feels that changes to the rewards program, when done right, can help with this goal, as around 40 percent of daily transactions are from rewards accounts.

    The Changes

    The Starbucks rewards program continues to give members two stars for each dollar spent. There are no longer, however, two tiers

    Read More
  7. Shoe Giant DSW Is Offering Even More In-Store Nail Salons While Competitors Close Their Doors

    With many large retailers struggling to stay in business with the increase of online sales from platforms like Amazon, those that remain are using their creativity to deliver an enhanced customer experience. In the case of DSW, the shoe giant has already tested in-store nail salons and will be expanding this test.

    Testing the Nail Salons

    In 2017, DSW partnered with W Nail Bar, a natural partnership, as both companies have their headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. Starting that year, nail salons appeared in two DSW store locations within the city of Columbus.

    Now, DSW will be adding nail salons to five more of its retail locations in Dublin, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; and Austin, Texas. This will bring the total up to seven stores where customers are able to get their nails done before or after they go shoe shopping. The idea is that customers can buy sandals and get a pedicure at the same location so everything will look perfect.

    According to reports,

    Read More
  8. YouCam Launched an In-Store AR Mirror Via an App ' Perfect for Makeup Shoppers

    Retailers who sell makeup and other cosmetics have another tool up their sleeves with YouCam's release of a new app. YouCam is a suite of applications from Perfect, an augmented reality developer. Thanks to the expansion of YouCam, in-store shoppers are now able to virtually try on makeup. This particular feature comes via a new YouCam for Business application.

    Exploring YouCam for Business

    The YouCam for Business application functions as an augmented reality mirror in the store. It is able to instantly demonstrate over 100 different products, streamlining the shopping experience for makeup buyers by eliminating second-guessing.

    The application includes Perfect Console, which is the content management system retailers will use. This system also provides some data analysis to help the retailers adjust their business decisions. The application is already available on both Google Play and Apple's App Store.

    Using AI and AR to Virtually

    Read More
  9. Meet, the Company From Former Toys R Us Execs

    Toys R Us was all over the news last year when it liquidated its business due to stiff competition from online retailers. Following the liquidation, the Angelo Gordon investment firm, Solus Alternative Asset Management, and other lenders received control of the Toys R Us intellectual property, including Geoffrey, Babies R Us, and Toys R Us. Now, the former executives behind Toys R Us are making another attempt at appealing to the same demographic but with adjustments for the modern market that put its previous experience to good use.

    Introducing Tru Kids

    Starting on January 20, 2019, some of the former executives from Toys R Us began Tru Kids, a company that will manage those brands. Tru Kids has its headquarters about 20 minutes away from where Toys R Us used to have its headquarters, in Parsippany, New Jersey.

    The president of the new Tru Kids is Richard Barry, who was formerly the Toys R Us chief merchandising officer. The vice chairman is Yehuda

    Read More
  10. Retailers Like CVS and Lululemon Are Testing Paid Loyalty Programs

    Loyalty programs offered by retailers are nothing new, but the trend may be changing. More retailers are now introducing paid loyalty programs, and doing so with minimal pushback. Lululemon, Loblaw, and CVS are all testing out paid loyalty programs. The idea is that this will give their membership programs a feeling of distinction. At the same time, this offers a way to compete with Amazon Prime and similar programs.

    Are Paid Loyalty Programs Necessary?

    In the past, simply offering a loyalty program was enough. Clients appreciated the available rewards and saw them as a unique perk. However, rewards and loyalty programs have become so common that many consumers just see them as a privilege. Getting a birthday gift, free shipping, or a discount is no longer seen as something special; it is expected. In fact, one study found that the average American is a member of almost a dozen reward programs. This is why retailers are starting to test out paid loyalty

    Read More
Page