The end of 2020 is filled with mixed emotions. The effects of Covid-19 are showing no signs of slowing down in 2021, as the virus continues to take advantage of the winter months. But customers are focused on staying positive as they enter the new year, showing a growing desire to engage with in-person experiences once again. About 36% of US customers say that they are already engaging in “normal” out-of-home activities, up from 20% in May (McKinsey, 2020).
As customer confidence in live experiences continues to rise, brands are reimagining their retail estate to incentivise customers to come back to store. They are investing in physical, developing immersive technology-inspired destinations that connect, engage and entertain customers in a bid to increase footfall, strengthen relationship and ultimately, drive revenue streams.
Swiss performance running brand On has launched a new tech infused flagship store in the heart of New York City. A ‘Magic Wall’ allows customers to analyse their running styles to find the perfect shoe, as well as engage with experiential changing rooms which transports customers to the Swiss Alps through scent and sounds.
Swiss chocolatier Läderach opens its new flagship in New York, designed to bring chocolate to life. Within the flagship, a one-story rotating cocoa-bean sculpture brings chocolate to life visually. The flagship also features live chocolate production demos and classes to give customers a truly sensory experience.
Luxury clothing retailer Flannels has announced the development of three flagship stores in England, including a seven-floor destination in Liverpool, England which is due to launch in 2021. The site will feature an all-new beauty destination, a rooftop restaurant and even an entire floor dedicated to leisure, activewear and sportswear, including a fitness studio.
Retail
Swiss Chocolatier Läderach launches New York flagship store
On launches digital New York flagship store
K11 Concepts launches K11 Art Mall II in Wuhan
Fashion brand Daily Paper launches first New York store
Holland & Barrett rolls out sustainable concept store
Gap will close Oxford Street, London store
Robomart launches mobile convenience store in West Hollywood, US
Hamleys will launch entire range on Ebay in bid to boost online presence
Hospitality
Bayan Tree Group launches sustainability grant scheme
Campaigns
Haribo leverages Instagram AR lens to make adults sound like kids
Burger King gives local businesses access to its Instagram accounts
Initiatives
JD Sports acquires US footwear brand Shoe Palace
Made.com hand out share options to staff
Amazon Fashion launches personalised clothing service ‘Made For You’
Facebook launches its Collab music app to the public
Apple releases Apple Fitness Plus
Yoox Net-A-Porter trials digital IDs to boost circularity and traceability
Instagram unveils ‘Shopping in Reels’
Image courtesy of On