In the last 3 years, shopping trends have changed more than ever. The days when we used teleshopping, magazines, and catalogs are behind us. It all happened due to the pandemic. It affected both online and offline shopping trends that changed customers’ habits forever. How will that affect your business in 2023?
Even though different demographic groups shop in different ways, it all comes down to the ways brands enhance the customer experience in the digital and real world. The single-channel mean of selling is behind us, so you’ll need to implement both online and offline trends to succeed in the following year!
1. Staff trends
Actual store locations won’t close anytime soon. People love going to malls and shopping streets to purchase items and see them in person. Besides shopping, face-to-face interaction with pleasant staff has never been more important. Therefore, if you want to keep your popularity as a brand, you need to pay special attention to staff trends.
Staff training, experience, and communication skills are what give a special feeling to your brand. Loyal and hard-working staff are the best representation of the brand. Instead of high employee fluctuation, consider implementing strategies to retain employees and gain such a reputation on the market.
2. AI support no matter when
Even though certain consumer groups will never stop visiting stores, you still need to cater to customers that prefer online shopping. And how can you do that if your employees are busy with in-store customers? You can’t expect them to split up, so, implementing AI and smart chatbots to your website will help you boost your conversion and keep your buyers satisfied.
One of the biggest perks of online shopping is that you can place an order no matter when. In addition to that, with the implementation of AI, your customers will have answers to their questions then and there. Artificial intelligence can also help them pick suitable items or suggest something new based on their shopping experience.
3. Faster check-out lines
Did you know that the average customer won’t wait longer than 10 minutes at the checkout register? To still be relevant in the offline world in 2023, you need to come up with creative and handy ways you can speed up your checkout process. What are some useful tips?
If possible, create fast transaction lines with people who can use contactless payment. On top of that, consider implementing the buy now, pay later method for your loyal customers. To additionally improve the experience, install more than one register for customers and calculate how much time per customer each salesperson is spending to optimize the time.
4. Allow different levels of personalization
Uniqueness and originality have always been the biggest trend no matter in which industry you work. However, allowing personalization takes you to the next level of online shopping and e-commerce. Taking that into consideration, you can offer personalization on different levels, starting from marketing, and content all the way to products, packaging, and delivery!
By collecting and analyzing your customer’s data, you can create a personalized marketing approach with content that suits them the most. Be among the first brands that also offer customization of products! Partner up with made to order manufacturers to make personalization possible for your customers. Their opinion and interests matter if you want to run a long-term business!
5. Create an extraordinary in-store experience
Not all shopping experiences are the same. Even though things function similarly in different stores, to stay on top of the game in 2023, you need to focus on the in-store experience for your customers. How can you create an extraordinary experience for your customers that will help you excel in 2023?
For instance, if you’re a specialized food shop, consider organizing sample tastings or workshops where they can make their own taste. On the other hand, if you sell clothes or accessories, install a photobooth, interesting mirrors, and prompts for photography, which will entertain your customers and draw them to your brand.
6. Multiple marketing channels
Depending on the target audience, many brands opted for one: digital or traditional marketing. Pursuing both channels was usually expensive and rarely paid off for the business. However, traditional marketing will make a subtle comeback in the year 2023 combined with digital creating one of the biggest trends you can’t miss.
Before the craze hits the markers, research your target audience and discover to which kind of marketing they react the best. Combine it with digital marketing and social media to get the best possible effect. Hire some micro-influencers to promote your brand or create a community online for your customers.
Final thoughts
With the increased popularity of online trends, offline ones seem to fall in the shade. However, 2023 will be the year when both online and offline trends will make a comeback and rule the market. Therefore, be among the first brands to hop on the trend and achieve better and improved results!
