Subscribe to...
s for superco logo
12.21.2024
read
onshopify:

A weekly bulletin detailing the latest news and updates from Shopify.

12.21.2024
read
onshopify logo

A weekly bulletin detailing the latest news and updates from Shopify.

Create memorable experiences: the role of immersive and physical retail in commerce

For our 2024 DTC expectations study, we asked eCommerce managers and directors about growing consumer expectations. The responses highlighted the importance of immersive online retail and a significant return to physical stores.

This blog delves into these insights and offers omnichannel strategies to ensure your brand is fully prepared.

What is immersive retail?

Immersive retail leverages advanced technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create engaging, interactive shopping experiences. Unlike traditional retail, immersive retail aims to actively engage customers, providing a more personalised and memorable shopping experience.

Why is immersive retail trending and how is it shaping commerce?

According to Forbes, immersive experiences are one of the biggest internet trends in 2024. This is no surprise given that more and more brands are focusing on an enhanced customer experience to drive better retention. Consumers are increasingly seeking engaging and personalised interactions and brands that invest in the new technologies are better positioned to meet these expectations.

A few examples..

💄Many beauty and cosmetic brands have launched apps and online experiences that use AR to enable customers to try on makeup virtually. 

This feature helps customers make more informed purchasing decisions by allowing them to see how different products look on their skin tones.

👟Sports and apparel brands have begun offering virtual try-ons for clothing and shoes. Nike's flagship stores feature AR experiences that let customers customise shoes and see their designs in real-time. 

This interactive approach not only engages customers but also provides a unique, personalised shopping experience.

🛋️Furniture and home and decor brands like IKEA use AR to allow customers to visualise how furniture will look in their homes. 

Tools like this help customers make better decisions and reduces the likelihood of returns, enhancing overall satisfaction.

The value of physical retail in a digital world

Despite the convenience of online shopping, many consumers are returning to physical stores for the tangible, sensory experiences they offer. Physical locations allow customers to see, touch, and try products before making a purchase, which is something online shopping will never be able to fully replicate.

The rise of experiential and immersive retail, where stores offer unique in-person experiences, is attracting shoppers who seek more than just a transaction.

The importance of an omnichannel strategy

An omnichannel strategy integrates various channels, both online and offline, to create a unified customer experience. This approach ensures that customers have a consistent and engaging experience, whether they are shopping online or in-store. Here are five strategies from our experts, based on the trends we’ve discussed: 

1. Virtual try-ons and augmented reality

Virtual try-ons allow customers to visualise how products will look on them before making a purchase.This technology not only reduces uncertainty but also builds excitement, potentially leading customers to visit a physical store to complete their purchase.

2. Personalised in-store experiences

Personalisation is key to engaging customers. Implementing technologies such as digital screens that display personalised content based on customer preferences can make in-store shopping more relevant and enjoyable. These experiences can drive customers to visit stores more frequently and increase their overall engagement with the brand.

3. Seamless integration of online and offline channels

Ensuring a smooth transition between online and offline channels is essential. For example, allowing customers to buy online and pick up in-store provides convenience and flexibility, so customers can enjoy the best of both worlds.

4. Enhanced customer service with AI-powered tools

AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, can provide instant support and personalised recommendations, both online and in-store. These tools help streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction by offering timely assistance and relevant suggestions.

5. Influencer marketing and experiential retail

Engaging influencers and creating content around in-store events can draw customers in and create a sense of community. Pop-ups and experiential retail initiatives often result from such collaborations, helping to drive foot traffic and engagement both online and offline.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the integration of immersive technologies with physical retail is crucial for creating memorable customer experiences. By adopting a strategy that leverages these technologies, brands can enhance customer engagement, drive sales, and build long-term loyalty. 

If you’re looking for a personalised omnichannel growth strategy, reach out to our team of Shopify specialists. 

12.21.2024
read
on brand logo

DTC 2024 Expectations Report

s for superco logo
12.21.2024
read
onbrand:

A weekly bulletin detailing the latest news and updates from Shopify.

Create memorable experiences: the role of immersive and physical retail in commerce

For our 2024 DTC expectations study, we asked eCommerce managers and directors about growing consumer expectations. The responses highlighted the importance of immersive online retail and a significant return to physical stores.

This blog delves into these insights and offers omnichannel strategies to ensure your brand is fully prepared.

What is immersive retail?

Immersive retail leverages advanced technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create engaging, interactive shopping experiences. Unlike traditional retail, immersive retail aims to actively engage customers, providing a more personalised and memorable shopping experience.

Why is immersive retail trending and how is it shaping commerce?

According to Forbes, immersive experiences are one of the biggest internet trends in 2024. This is no surprise given that more and more brands are focusing on an enhanced customer experience to drive better retention. Consumers are increasingly seeking engaging and personalised interactions and brands that invest in the new technologies are better positioned to meet these expectations.

A few examples..

💄Many beauty and cosmetic brands have launched apps and online experiences that use AR to enable customers to try on makeup virtually. 

This feature helps customers make more informed purchasing decisions by allowing them to see how different products look on their skin tones.

👟Sports and apparel brands have begun offering virtual try-ons for clothing and shoes. Nike's flagship stores feature AR experiences that let customers customise shoes and see their designs in real-time. 

This interactive approach not only engages customers but also provides a unique, personalised shopping experience.

🛋️Furniture and home and decor brands like IKEA use AR to allow customers to visualise how furniture will look in their homes. 

Tools like this help customers make better decisions and reduces the likelihood of returns, enhancing overall satisfaction.

The value of physical retail in a digital world

Despite the convenience of online shopping, many consumers are returning to physical stores for the tangible, sensory experiences they offer. Physical locations allow customers to see, touch, and try products before making a purchase, which is something online shopping will never be able to fully replicate.

The rise of experiential and immersive retail, where stores offer unique in-person experiences, is attracting shoppers who seek more than just a transaction.

The importance of an omnichannel strategy

An omnichannel strategy integrates various channels, both online and offline, to create a unified customer experience. This approach ensures that customers have a consistent and engaging experience, whether they are shopping online or in-store. Here are five strategies from our experts, based on the trends we’ve discussed: 

1. Virtual try-ons and augmented reality

Virtual try-ons allow customers to visualise how products will look on them before making a purchase.This technology not only reduces uncertainty but also builds excitement, potentially leading customers to visit a physical store to complete their purchase.

2. Personalised in-store experiences

Personalisation is key to engaging customers. Implementing technologies such as digital screens that display personalised content based on customer preferences can make in-store shopping more relevant and enjoyable. These experiences can drive customers to visit stores more frequently and increase their overall engagement with the brand.

3. Seamless integration of online and offline channels

Ensuring a smooth transition between online and offline channels is essential. For example, allowing customers to buy online and pick up in-store provides convenience and flexibility, so customers can enjoy the best of both worlds.

4. Enhanced customer service with AI-powered tools

AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, can provide instant support and personalised recommendations, both online and in-store. These tools help streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction by offering timely assistance and relevant suggestions.

5. Influencer marketing and experiential retail

Engaging influencers and creating content around in-store events can draw customers in and create a sense of community. Pop-ups and experiential retail initiatives often result from such collaborations, helping to drive foot traffic and engagement both online and offline.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the integration of immersive technologies with physical retail is crucial for creating memorable customer experiences. By adopting a strategy that leverages these technologies, brands can enhance customer engagement, drive sales, and build long-term loyalty. 

If you’re looking for a personalised omnichannel growth strategy, reach out to our team of Shopify specialists. 

s for superco logo
12.21.2024
read

Create memorable experiences: the role of immersive and physical retail in commerce

DTC 2024 Expectations Report

Create memorable experiences: the role of immersive and physical retail in commerce

For our 2024 DTC expectations study, we asked eCommerce managers and directors about growing consumer expectations. The responses highlighted the importance of immersive online retail and a significant return to physical stores.

This blog delves into these insights and offers omnichannel strategies to ensure your brand is fully prepared.

What is immersive retail?

Immersive retail leverages advanced technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create engaging, interactive shopping experiences. Unlike traditional retail, immersive retail aims to actively engage customers, providing a more personalised and memorable shopping experience.

Why is immersive retail trending and how is it shaping commerce?

According to Forbes, immersive experiences are one of the biggest internet trends in 2024. This is no surprise given that more and more brands are focusing on an enhanced customer experience to drive better retention. Consumers are increasingly seeking engaging and personalised interactions and brands that invest in the new technologies are better positioned to meet these expectations.

A few examples..

💄Many beauty and cosmetic brands have launched apps and online experiences that use AR to enable customers to try on makeup virtually. 

This feature helps customers make more informed purchasing decisions by allowing them to see how different products look on their skin tones.

👟Sports and apparel brands have begun offering virtual try-ons for clothing and shoes. Nike's flagship stores feature AR experiences that let customers customise shoes and see their designs in real-time. 

This interactive approach not only engages customers but also provides a unique, personalised shopping experience.

🛋️Furniture and home and decor brands like IKEA use AR to allow customers to visualise how furniture will look in their homes. 

Tools like this help customers make better decisions and reduces the likelihood of returns, enhancing overall satisfaction.

The value of physical retail in a digital world

Despite the convenience of online shopping, many consumers are returning to physical stores for the tangible, sensory experiences they offer. Physical locations allow customers to see, touch, and try products before making a purchase, which is something online shopping will never be able to fully replicate.

The rise of experiential and immersive retail, where stores offer unique in-person experiences, is attracting shoppers who seek more than just a transaction.

The importance of an omnichannel strategy

An omnichannel strategy integrates various channels, both online and offline, to create a unified customer experience. This approach ensures that customers have a consistent and engaging experience, whether they are shopping online or in-store. Here are five strategies from our experts, based on the trends we’ve discussed: 

1. Virtual try-ons and augmented reality

Virtual try-ons allow customers to visualise how products will look on them before making a purchase.This technology not only reduces uncertainty but also builds excitement, potentially leading customers to visit a physical store to complete their purchase.

2. Personalised in-store experiences

Personalisation is key to engaging customers. Implementing technologies such as digital screens that display personalised content based on customer preferences can make in-store shopping more relevant and enjoyable. These experiences can drive customers to visit stores more frequently and increase their overall engagement with the brand.

3. Seamless integration of online and offline channels

Ensuring a smooth transition between online and offline channels is essential. For example, allowing customers to buy online and pick up in-store provides convenience and flexibility, so customers can enjoy the best of both worlds.

4. Enhanced customer service with AI-powered tools

AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, can provide instant support and personalised recommendations, both online and in-store. These tools help streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction by offering timely assistance and relevant suggestions.

5. Influencer marketing and experiential retail

Engaging influencers and creating content around in-store events can draw customers in and create a sense of community. Pop-ups and experiential retail initiatives often result from such collaborations, helping to drive foot traffic and engagement both online and offline.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the integration of immersive technologies with physical retail is crucial for creating memorable customer experiences. By adopting a strategy that leverages these technologies, brands can enhance customer engagement, drive sales, and build long-term loyalty. 

If you’re looking for a personalised omnichannel growth strategy, reach out to our team of Shopify specialists. 

s for superco logo
12.21.2024
read
onshopify:

A weekly bulletin detailing the latest news and updates from Shopify.

12.21.2024
read
onshopify logo

Create memorable experiences: the role of immersive and physical retail in commerce

For our 2024 DTC expectations study, we asked eCommerce managers and directors about growing consumer expectations. The responses highlighted the importance of immersive online retail and a significant return to physical stores.

This blog delves into these insights and offers omnichannel strategies to ensure your brand is fully prepared.

What is immersive retail?

Immersive retail leverages advanced technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create engaging, interactive shopping experiences. Unlike traditional retail, immersive retail aims to actively engage customers, providing a more personalised and memorable shopping experience.

Why is immersive retail trending and how is it shaping commerce?

According to Forbes, immersive experiences are one of the biggest internet trends in 2024. This is no surprise given that more and more brands are focusing on an enhanced customer experience to drive better retention. Consumers are increasingly seeking engaging and personalised interactions and brands that invest in the new technologies are better positioned to meet these expectations.

A few examples..

💄Many beauty and cosmetic brands have launched apps and online experiences that use AR to enable customers to try on makeup virtually. 

This feature helps customers make more informed purchasing decisions by allowing them to see how different products look on their skin tones.

👟Sports and apparel brands have begun offering virtual try-ons for clothing and shoes. Nike's flagship stores feature AR experiences that let customers customise shoes and see their designs in real-time. 

This interactive approach not only engages customers but also provides a unique, personalised shopping experience.

🛋️Furniture and home and decor brands like IKEA use AR to allow customers to visualise how furniture will look in their homes. 

Tools like this help customers make better decisions and reduces the likelihood of returns, enhancing overall satisfaction.

The value of physical retail in a digital world

Despite the convenience of online shopping, many consumers are returning to physical stores for the tangible, sensory experiences they offer. Physical locations allow customers to see, touch, and try products before making a purchase, which is something online shopping will never be able to fully replicate.

The rise of experiential and immersive retail, where stores offer unique in-person experiences, is attracting shoppers who seek more than just a transaction.

The importance of an omnichannel strategy

An omnichannel strategy integrates various channels, both online and offline, to create a unified customer experience. This approach ensures that customers have a consistent and engaging experience, whether they are shopping online or in-store. Here are five strategies from our experts, based on the trends we’ve discussed: 

1. Virtual try-ons and augmented reality

Virtual try-ons allow customers to visualise how products will look on them before making a purchase.This technology not only reduces uncertainty but also builds excitement, potentially leading customers to visit a physical store to complete their purchase.

2. Personalised in-store experiences

Personalisation is key to engaging customers. Implementing technologies such as digital screens that display personalised content based on customer preferences can make in-store shopping more relevant and enjoyable. These experiences can drive customers to visit stores more frequently and increase their overall engagement with the brand.

3. Seamless integration of online and offline channels

Ensuring a smooth transition between online and offline channels is essential. For example, allowing customers to buy online and pick up in-store provides convenience and flexibility, so customers can enjoy the best of both worlds.

4. Enhanced customer service with AI-powered tools

AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, can provide instant support and personalised recommendations, both online and in-store. These tools help streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction by offering timely assistance and relevant suggestions.

5. Influencer marketing and experiential retail

Engaging influencers and creating content around in-store events can draw customers in and create a sense of community. Pop-ups and experiential retail initiatives often result from such collaborations, helping to drive foot traffic and engagement both online and offline.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the integration of immersive technologies with physical retail is crucial for creating memorable customer experiences. By adopting a strategy that leverages these technologies, brands can enhance customer engagement, drive sales, and build long-term loyalty. 

If you’re looking for a personalised omnichannel growth strategy, reach out to our team of Shopify specialists. 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Read these next
all articles

sign up to our newsletter

Never miss ecommerce news, industry trends or Shopify Plus updates.