Retail Consumer Trends

We hope that the year 2021 will go down in history as the become point in the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the start of vaccination. But the Coronavirus will not go away anytime soon, so we will learn to live with it, always taking the necessary precautions and precautions. And for the retail sector, everyday life will be no different. Sector businessmen should continue to apply some changes imposed by the new world reality.

The main change that occurred in retail in 2020 was the forced migration of consumers and companies to the digital environment. E-commerce platforms saw their sales increase surprisingly. Compared to 2019, growth was 70%. Today there are 1,600,000 virtual spaces specialized in sales in Brazil. This number represents 10% of the total number of active sites in the country. Data is from Big Data Corp. And the demand for digital purchases should continue to grow in the coming months.

All this because of social isolation. Perhaps the biggest challenge for the sector is to adapt to the omnichannel strategy, keeping in touch with customers through multiple channels, preserving the language used in the process.

This is not the only digital trend for retail in 2021. Several tools are being incorporated into everyday business. Automation is an example. Image recognition, artificial intelligence, sales robots and drones will be used a lot of going forward. Companies will increasingly strive to seek efficiency in their logistical processes, reviewing packaging for each need, thus improving the consumer experience, environmental impacts and space optimization. Many stores will adopt sharing logistics by sharing spaces with other companies. Others should invest resources in smart lockers, cabinets strategically located for consumers to pick up the product on their own. Changes in logistics they also include the review of physical operations, with the transformation of stores into distribution points, as in the case of dark stores. Everything to speed up deliveries, with quality and low cost.

Following digital trends, shopkeepers will intensify their search for novelties such as shop streaming (interactive video transmission, which allows public participation, facilitating the launch of products and promotions) and BOPIS (Buy On-line, Pick-up In Store), a sales strategy that integrates physical and virtual stores. To complete, the PIX should become the new payment method, making life easier for the consumer.

Retail will also see growth in microfranchises in 2021, due to rising unemployment. Low investment initiatives that should improve the circulation of wealth in the market.

In addition, to attract customers, companies will invest a lot in experience marketing, making the purchase journey pleasant, to awaken the feeling of belonging in the consumer, adding value to the brand. The physical stores are planning many sensory marketing strategies, making their environments more pleasant, with music, perfumes, and tasting sessions.

Another trend is the growing demand for healthy and sustainable products. Brazil is the fourth-largest market in the world for this segment, which annually moves 35 billion dollars. According to Euromonitor, this niche grows 12% a year.

If you are from the retail sector and want to implement some innovations listed here for your Logistics sector, know that we can help you. It will be a pleasure to serve you, chat with us.

BONUS!

Now in March, Euromonitor has listed the ten biggest consumer trends for 2021. A list that broadens horizons for those who want to stay in the market.

1. BUILD BETTER

Consumers are more demanding. They want businessmen to use their corporations to rebuild a better world, without environmental damage and with a less unequal society.

2. DESIRE FOR CONVENIENCE

Customers miss the conveniences of the pre-pandemic world and want companies to adapt to provide something at least similar to those amenities that are currently lacking.

3. OUTDOOR OASIS

Many companies are offering outdoor experiences, preserving all the precautions imposed by social distancing, so that consumers feel safe outside the home.

4. DIGITAL REALITY

It is a hybrid model between physical and digital realities. Virtual tours of stores perfectly exemplify this new model.

5. OPTIMIZING TIME

The pandemic has changed work schedules, demanding much more from all of us. That is why companies must be flexible when it comes to serving the customer, both in terms of customer service and delivery of goods, always striving for quality in the shortest possible time.

6. Restless and Rebellious

There is discontent with leaders around the world. In addition, prejudice and misinformation have generated crises of widespread mistrust. As a result, many customers are rebelling and putting their own interests first. Such a change is forcing companies to carry out surgical marketing actions on social networks, charging while such platforms fight fake news.

7. OBSESSION FOR SAFETY

The fear of contracting COVID-19 has forced companies to implement measures to ensure consumer safety, especially in terms of health, which will continue in the coming months.

8. SHOCKED AND REFLECTIVE

The pandemic has shaken all of us psychologically. Forced isolation is too drastic for many people. This factor has been modifying consumption trends. There is an expectation of increased demand for sports equipment, artistic products, handicrafts, musical instruments and on-line courses. The demand for knowledge is growing.

9. THE ORDER IS A BARGAIN

Due to the economic crisis, most consumers do not feel free to spend on what they consider superfluous. Companies must now offer affordable products. Those targeting the premium market must tell stories that justify the added value of the brand.

10. NEW WORK SPACES

The home office has changed not only work routines, but also consumption habits. There was growth in sales of IT products, for example, such as computers, microphones, and cameras. Purchases that were made during breaks in the workday were also changed and may represent an opportunity for those who want to offer a different experience to professionals who are currently at home.

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