Consumer spending decreased in 2022 due to rising inflation, cost of living, and pandemic-related supply chain problems.
In fact, Morning Consult revealed a 4.3% decrease in consumer spending in December 2022 — making 2023 another anticipated challenging year for businesses.
The question is, how will retail companies reach out to consumers and encourage them to purchase amid all of this? Will this year bring positive changes?
This article will discuss five omnichannel retail trends businesses should adopt to enhance their customers’ online shopping experience.
Introducing omnichannel retail
Omnichannel retail offers customers a cohesive experience across all channels and touchpoints, including web, brick-and-mortar, and in-app.
It is a completely integrated approach to online and in-market shopping. Providing customers with a convenient experience across each stage of their buying trip is the main objective of omnichannel retail.
According to CommBox’s study, because of the seamless communication experience, about 80% of consumers favor omnichannel retail methods.
As clients utilize various channels, their data follow, and that’s how omnichannel retail results in a consistent brand experience.
5 omnichannel retail trends in 2023
Here are the five omnichannel retail trends that could shape your selling strategy:
1. Location-based mobile marketing
Location-based mobile marketing is one of the omnichannel retail trends that benefit users when they enable push notifications and location. This omnichannel retail trend also lets users get personalized recommendations and product offers from nearby stores.
Businesses may target customers more accurately and individually by using online messaging matched to a consumer’s location.
Marketing teams may leverage data location to communicate with customers based on variables such as proximity to a business, stall, or local events.
A real-life example is when Coca-Cola developed location-aware for vending machines in numerous countries. For instance, customers in places such as Australia may obtain instructions for vending machines selling their favorite soda cans.
2. AR/VR technologies
One of the omnichannel retail trends expected to gain popularity is using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology to combine online and physical experiences in retailers.
A report from Threekit shows that 61% of shoppers prefer a store that offers AR experiences. Retail businesses can use this trend to develop 360-degree experiences that allow customers to purchase online while exploring the shelves.
An example is the IKEA Place app, which allows consumers to digitally place true-to-scale 3D models of furniture and accessories in their spaces.
3. Social videos selling
Consumers view videos online for around one-third of their internet time. A video is an ideal medium for social marketing since people are more inclined to purchase a product after seeing one.
That said, introducing goods and services online using social media video selling is increasingly becoming one of the omnichannel retail trends to boost ROI.
Take a look at these two latest statistics reports:
- According to the latest statistics from OptinMonster, 84% of consumers claim that seeing a brand’s video persuaded them to purchase a good or service.
- Another statistics report from Wyzowl showed that 91% of enterprises will continue to use video in 2023 as part of their marketing strategy.
Influencer marketing is a powerful strategy that lets social media personalities promote products and services online. This is why leveraging video promotions will continue to be one of the trusted sources of product knowledge.
4. Appointment shopping
During the pandemic, appointment shopping was a popular approach for merchants to follow social distancing requirements. Businesses are seen to continue practicing this omnichannel retail trend this year and beyond.
Sale associates may tailor their service by using appointment shopping in two ways:
- Solo appointment – customers benefit from one-on-one access to store personnel due to lower occupancy. Scheduled customers may browse your business as they normally would without worrying about bumping into other consumers.
- Itinerary appointment – this is a more organized appointment shopping approach and is usually governed by the customer’s interests, requirements, or goals. A cosmetic brand, for instance, may provide product instruction and trials to interested clients.
Aside from managing the number of clients in your business, appointment shopping helps retailers establish a secure shopping atmosphere while connecting with consumers.
5. Leveraging customer data
More businesses are using customer data to drive sales. This approach is becoming one of the rising omnichannel retail trends.
When enterprises use consumer data to increase sales, they may design highly focused marketing efforts that are more likely to resonate with customers.
Customer data can provide valuable insights to data analysts and marketers as they can determine consumer preferences.
For instance, sales associates can use customer data to recommend goods and services that their prospective customers might be interested in. They can also send special offers based on the consumer’s last purchase.
Omnichannel retail trends shape the overall customer experience
Overall, these omnichannel retail trends significantly change how customers interact with brands. Retailers can give customers a seamless shopping experience across various channels by utilizing the power of technology.
Customers may now purchase offline, online, or through a mobile app while getting recommendations and deals specifically catered to their requirements.
Adopt these omnichannel retail trends for your business now and give your customers a more convenient and delightful shopping experience!
