As 2021 reaches its close, the retail industry has undergone a number of dramatic changes within the past several months.
But with seasonal trends continuing to fluctuate on a monthly basis, crazes can come and go in a flash. Continue reading to familiarise yourself with the top retail trends of 2021.
A rise in online shopping
With more consumers than ever before heading online to play the latest slot games, like Bonanza and Book of Dead, watching streaming media and keeping up to date with the latest social media happenings, online shopping is experiencing a rapid resurgence this year. With brick and mortar stores no longer a necessity, consumers can browse goods and services from the comfort of their own homes and checkout at the touch of a button. With flexibility and convenience now key determining factors for a growing number of shoppers, online shopping is expected to continue revolutionising the e-commerce world in 2021 and beyond.
The proliferation of social commerce
With social media continuing to cater to each and every aspect of our lives, native shopping on social channels is just one of the latest ways in which consumers are getting involved. By bypassing a third-party website, users can not only familiarise themselves with the latest product ranges but complete in-app purchases in a matter of seconds. In 2020, social media giant TikTok entered into a global partnership with multinational e-commerce company Shopify. As a result of the agreement, Shopify merchants can create, run, and optimise their digital marketing strategy on TikTok directly from the Shopify dashboard. By merging the two seemingly distinct platforms, the process of social commerce can be streamlined from start to finish.
The resurrection of the high street
Despite a clear shift to online shopping, high streets up and down the country have been treated to a well-needed rethink. With brick and mortar stores declining in popularity well before 2020, their welcome return is somewhat overdue. With a growing number of consumers supportive of an in-person shopping resurgence, high streets have begun catering to growing demand. With a number of industries and sectors, both online and in-person, facing robust growth in 2021, the high street is no different.
A rise in influencer marketing
Since its inception in the late 2000s, influencer marketing has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Previously focused on selfies and heavily edited product reviews, it is now a multi-billion-pound industry. In order to trust an influencer with the widespread promotion of their goods and services, brands have ensured only the best of the best are tasked with the job. For example, an authentic post is much more likely to convert leads to customers and drive website traffic in the long run. By prioritising the user experience from start to finish, businesses can expect to double their ROI in a matter of months. This is a great option for small or up-and-coming businesses looking to extend their reach and boost brand awareness.
The introduction of augmented reality
The introduction of augmented reality has taken a number of global industries and sectors by storm in recent years. Whilst it may not be a necessarily new phenomenon, the pairing of augmented reality and online shopping has bridged the gap between the digital and physical shopping experience. Several retail giants have already hopped on the trend including IKEA, Home Depot, and Target.
With the retail industry gradually returning to some sense of normalcy in 2021, a number of key trends are beginning to emerge. This includes a rise in online shopping, the proliferation of social commerce, the resurrection of the high street, a rise in influencer marketing, and the introduction of augmented reality.
