Retail Consumer Trends
Consumers are moving on a trajectory that tilts towards conscious spending, maximum value for money, and ease. With emerging economic realities, consumers are looking at ways to get better retail services at better prices. Trends are dynamic and they are the result of current societal realities. The retailer must be prepared to follow these trends as they are what influence buyer’s decision. Since the retailer is expected to be a member of the society, the consumer expects that the seller will would have marketing strategies channeled towards these trends. Below are some retail consumer trends which retailers may need to know.
Gender-Inclusive Beauty
Inclusivity is a big statement in this century. You must understand as a retailer that gender is a factor and from the time everyone was born, gender has become an important issue. You must incorporate designs, products, and other features in your store to show how you are in consonance with the genders. Unless you have a shop where only one gender feature, gender inclusivity is something you have to factor in.
Responsible consumerism
This is a type of consumer activism where the consumers check the products they buy to ensure that ethical standards are complied with when they are manufactured. Thus, there is a moral boycott of products deemed to have been unethically produced. It could be that the product was produced with unethical labor practices, unsustainable environmental activities, etc. As a retailer, you have to be conscious of issues like this. Research into products to find out which can be bad for business; follow the news to be informed of products that have been found out to be unethical in the production process.
Healthy Eating
This is a trend that resulted from the rate of heart diseases in the United States and other countries of the world. Healthy eating simply means consumers are choosing to avoid processed food and buy more of healthy food. Some foods have been associated with heart diseases and many customers have made a list of them. As a retailer looking to make sales, you should be looking at stocking healthy food on the shelf.
Easy-to-Install Home Security Systems
People are looking home security systems they can install themselves and keep track off from their handy devices such as smartphones and tablets. This is because of the complexity faced with security systems that require technical support to fit and fix. Thus, you should follow the trend to get more sales.
Luxury Industry
The “American Dream” is an open ended statement as luxury can easily be read to it. Americans resonate well with luxury. Businesses who tap into this make a lot in revenues every year; Apple phones are expensive, yet with a new iPhone, the bulk of the user get an upgrade.
Online and Physical Retail
Customers want ease in getting their products but they still want the unique experience of physical stores. Have a website where they can make orders and get their products and still have a physical outlet where those who love the brick & mortar can shop.