Smart Shopping. Trends and Technologies That Make Trading Better.
Good News for Retail. Innovative Ideas for Greater Success in Commerce.
The market is constantly changing — and with it come new innovations that inspire. In this DMS article, we’d like to introduce a few of them.
Tell It Your Way.
There’s so much to tell — especially in retail, where content marketing and storytelling are becoming increasingly important for brand management. After all, people simply love stories and visuals. Perfect for retail: videowalls can transform even small shops into stunning storytelling backdrops and captivate customers.
Now It Gets Personal.
Because one of the biggest megatrends in retail is personalization. One of the main reasons people visit stores is the personal advice they receive there. Thanks to digital technologies, personalization now includes many new dimensions. With 3D printers, completely individual products can be created. Products can be interactively configured and personalized. Plus: digital touchpoints can detect age, gender, or similar customer characteristics and display tailored content. And if the customer card is managed through a smartphone app, customers can also be addressed personally through that channel while in-store.
Who Decides? The Customer.
All these new technical possibilities should never be used to patronize customers. Today, people place great value on self-determination — both in how their data is used and how they spend their time. Good suggestions are welcome, but people still want options — and the ability to handle things themselves, such as at self-checkout stations.
Neuromarketing. Shopping With All the Senses.
Tests in DIY stores have shown that the artificial scent of freshly cut grass led more customers to believe that staff were especially knowledgeable. Insights like these can be used to create a rich brand experience at the point of sale — one that engages all the senses. This ranges from fragrance branding and immersive soundscapes to virtual visits to holiday destinations.
Let’s Play. Reaching Success Through Gamification.
No one wants to be bombarded with ads anymore. Active, playful engagement, on the other hand, creates emotion, memorable shopping experiences, and stronger customer loyalty. So, let’s play! The possibilities are endless: games on smartphones, touch displays, interactive floor projections, or gesture controls. And yes — digital signage is the perfect stage for these wow moments.
Many Channels, One Goal.
Call it seamless commerce or omnichannel marketing — it’s all about creating an integrated experience across every touchpoint. Whether customers learn about an offer from a friend, a social network, or a TV ad — if it interests them, they want to learn more about it quickly, try it out, and buy it. Whether they’re on the couch, on the go, or at work makes a big difference. When all channels work together seamlessly, and the boundaries between e- and m-commerce and physical retail are broken down with digital technologies, marketing can directly drive conversions.
Where Did the Hardware Go?
The computer keyboard is almost a relic of the past. As technical components — whether processors, cameras, or projectors — become smaller and wireless connectivity improves, hardware continues to fade into the background and integrate better into the environment. Gesture control and voice recognition are now advanced enough to be used widely. Mirrors can double as screens and transform a fitting room into a ballroom. Wearables like wristbands, smart glasses, or sensors embedded in clothing open up new ways to merge the digital and physical worlds.
Keep It Real!
Also becoming more essential: intelligent data analysis and real-time visualizations. Current technology allows us to gather plenty of useful information. Video cameras and sensors generate data about store traffic, shelf stocking, or visitor flow. Visualizing this data becomes a vital planning and management tool for retail. The insights can also be made available to customers — for instance, to guide them to the next available advisor.
And Now? Time for Your Success!
As you can see, there are many trending topics you can leverage for greater success in retail. And there’s also a reliable digitalization partner to support you along the way: We at DMS are here as a full-service agency — from the first idea to implementation and ongoing support.
One more tip for anyone who wants to trade better in retail: check out our inspiring DMS Talks — our webinars full of ideas and insights. Take a look and get inspired!
