last word

pure retail trends

Erinn Morgan

Retail trendspotters from around the globe offer the key directions in the big world of retailing for 2013, including the necessary moves to remain competitive.

1. UNREST IS HERE TO STAY.

Some retail pundits suggest that the undulating nature of the economy, and retail sales in general, is likely the new norm. In his “Retail Trends 2013” presentation for Retailomania, retailing expert Magnus Ohlsson suggests that retailers need a plan for surviving the next decade, not simply the next season.

Still, some predict that 2013 will be better than 2012 with retail sales rising—the Centre for Retail Research projects an increase of about 1.6 percent.

2. GOING LOCAL.

With consumers looking for security in unsecure times, Ohlsson also suggests that “local” will become the new “global” when it comes to retailing.

This is good news for local, independent retailers who may finally get a leg up by giving larger, global retailers a run for their money.

3. BRANDING CLEARLY.

Now more than ever is the time for retailers to define themselves. At the recent Shop.org annual summit, retailing experts said that a clear retail brand is a must today.

Speaker Steve Murray asked, “If your brand walked into a room, how would you describe it?”

4. IN-STORE EXPERIENCES.

Shop.org Summit speakers also stressed the importance personalized shopping experiences holds for the future. And, according to Ohlsson, “The degree of interaction between customer and the store will rise in order to increase perceived value. Store atmosphere, in terms of concept, merchandising, visuals, and technology, is paramount.” EB