Retailers are doubling down on technology and redesigned stores that fuse digital and in-store experiences. Here’s an overview of retail trends witnessed by Mood Media, global specialist in elevating the customer experience at the point of sale.
UK
Selfridges launches repair service
The sustainability drive among shoppers ditching fast, disposable fashion for longer-lasting, cherished clothing has prompted Selfridges to launch a repair service. The clothes mending service run by Sojo had previously been trialled on a one-month basis. Its success has led one of London’s most famous stores to commit to a part of its women’s clothes floor being devoted to Sojo and its repair specialists. Simple repairs can be carried out within the store, but more complex work will be undertaken at its East London facility. Items will then either be delivered to the customer or sent back to Selfridges to be picked up. Nearly two in three shoppers, 63%, revealed in Mood Media’s Charting In-Store Trends 2022 report that repair services would positively influence their decision to visit a store.
Spain
Madrid ballers get a shop of their own
Stores themed around a passion, particularly a sporting passion are starting to become more popular. Now basketball fans have an outlet just for them in Madrid. Basketball Emotion is only a few months old as a brand for super fans of the sport, and now it already has its first flagship store. The founders are hoping that shoppers will not only buy basketball equipment and sportswear but will also try out new items on its in-store court. The founders of the brand and store hope the 600-square-metre store will provide a space for fans and the general public alike to become immersed in the culture of basketball.
USA
Book a nap in the Casper lab
Casper has launched a new experience for those seeking the perfect night’s sleep. At its store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California it has opened its first ‘pillow lab’ and ‘snooze bar’ where trained experts can help shoppers get a better understanding of what contributes to a good nap and which products each person should consider. Those wanting to go the extra mile and give the products a thorough testing can book themselves in for a nap. Their belongings are safely stored while they book a slot between half an hour and an hour. The store also has a bunkhouse area for children to hang out when their parents are discussing their sleep patterns and considering a variety of Casper options. Such hang-out areas are highly popular according to the Mood In-Store Trends 2023 report. It found 53% of shoppers are encouraged to visit a store with a hang-out area and 49% will stay longer.
Date night scheme launches at Applebee
Applebee has launched an innovative idea – a date night membership scheme. For $200 a couple can enjoy a weekly visit for an entire year and tuck into most of the chain’s meal options and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is not included in the date night scheme. The chain is warning it is only issuing a limited number of year-long passes and that the scheme is not available in every outlet.
United Arab Emirates
Swarovski debuts rental service
The fashion industry is starting to get used to clothing being made available for rental but now Swarovski is trialling a new service through which customers can rent jewellery. At the newly renovated Dubai Mall, as well as via its UAE website, the brand is empowering customers to rent pieces for between 4 to 20 days for between 20% to 50% of its retail price. The test phase is running until June and requires customers to first pick their dates and then the piece or pieces they would like to rent, to ensure they are available.
Japan
Lacoste personalises customer experience in Tokyo
Personalisation is a major watchword in fashion retail at the moment as customers look for something a little extra from their experiences. At Lacoste’s new store in the trendy Harajuku district of Tokyo, a part of the second floor is devoted to personalisation, allowing people to customise their items. The large store features a wide range of shoes and clothing and, just to underline how its focus is now on experience, it also features its first in-store café. Mood Media’s Charting In-Store Trends 2023 report found that personalisation is a major trend retailers should consider tapping into. It found that 78% of Gen Z shoppers, or two in three Gen X shoppers, like to use digital display screens to discover both new products and their personalisation options.
Nike taps into Tokyo’s running community
Shoppers are not just customers, they’re people who often share a passion, and this is exactly what Nike is looking to tap into. Its latest Nike Ginza store in Tokyo is designed to bring together the city’s runners in a community of athletes. The store is set to be the home of running tutorials and talks and even features lockers so runners can drop off their work bag and head out for a jog. Expert runners will be on hand to offer personalised recommendations and those trying out new training shoes are allowed to trial suggestions on a real run to make sure they really are the best option.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
