While people have embraced online shopping during the pandemic, the demand for physical retail is still high with 37% of customers wanting to visit stores from online retailers to get a sense of the product and 28% to get the product right away (Diffusion, 2020).
As retail is being reshaped, DTC brands are rethinking how they connect and interact with their customers in real life. They are developing physical standalone store formats and smart partnerships to give customers the opportunity to test and trial products in new ways, and access help and guidance from expert colleagues, in a bid to strengthen brand loyalty and create more moments to engage.
US Department store chain Neighborhood Goods has launched a new store concept called The Marketplace in Austin, US. The store focuses on a curated selection of food-based Consumer Product Goods (FMCG) and DTC food brands. Customers can taste and purchase the products sold in store as freshly prepared meals whilst they shop, placing emphasis on tasting before purchasing.
Google will open its first permanent standalone physical store in Chelsea, NYC, this summer. Customers will be able to test, browse and see how Google products work together. They will also be able to speak to experts for help, support, and product recommendations on what to buy.
Retail
Google will open its first physical standalone store in NYC
Neighborhood Goods launches new CPG store concept store
Pret A Manger trials new petrol station format
Carpetright unveils new small store format in London
Hospitality
Mondrian plans Shoreditch European flagship opening in July
Premier Inn unveils plans to open one hotel per week over summer in the UK
The Hoxton unveils campervan experience called ‘Camp Hox on wheels’
Campaigns
Klarna launches new campaign to bust myths
Initiatives
Facebook launches livestream shopping Fridays
Poshmark and Snapchat partner to launch interactive shopping events
Snap launches new generation of AR glasses
IKEA launches home renovation quiz on Pinterest
Image courtesy of Neighborhood Goods
