Apple Vision Pro has opened up exciting opportunities for fashion retailers, creating possibilities for them to transform retail operations. From marketing strategies to in-store shopping experiences, fashion retailers are looking for ways they can use Apple Vision Pro to elevate different areas of their business.

According to recent surveys undertaken by Statista, approximately 18% of business owners in the UK are planning to invest in marketing experiences within Apple Vision Pro and intend to carry out virtual demonstrations. Undoubtedly, Apple Vision Pro brings exciting possibilities for retailers.

In this blog, we take a look at the potential ways the technology will transform fashion retail…

From Virtual Try-Ons to Immersive Shopping Experiences

 1. Virtual Try-Ons

Retailers can use the ‘spatial computing’ capabilities of the Vision Pro to facilitate virtual try-ons for clothing and accessories, providing customers with immersive views of how items will appear and fit in real life. Retailers can also enable customers to personalize products digitally, adjusting colors and sizes to their liking. This allows brands to enhance customer engagement and it provides valuable insights into customer preferences and behaviors. This immersive experience not only encourages consumers to make purchases in the short term, but the data collected from these experiences can also help retailers in their future product planning.

2. High-quality Customer Experiences

With Apple Vision Pro, retailers can provide shoppers with a unified platform to visualize products, read reviews, and check prices in real-time. This helps shoppers make confident purchase decisions, significantly increasing their satisfaction while reducing the risk of post-purchase regret and potential returns. Bringing together the advantages of both offline and online shopping, this technology allows retailers to maximize in-store sales through an integrated shopping experience.

3. Immersive Experiences

Apple Vision Pro enables retailers to create interactive and immersive product demonstrations. This technology transforms in-store displays into engaging and interactive experiences, prompting customer engagement and enabling shoppers to virtually try out various products. From virtual models showcasing various outfits to adding digital overlays that highlight product functionality, fashion brands can offer exciting in-store experiences for their customers. What’s more, retailers can use the technology to design creative virtual store layouts tailored for busy shopping seasons and festive occasions.

Whether it’s Christmas, Halloween, or a major sports event, retailers can adapt their virtual shopping environments to align with current trends. As a result, retailers can keep their customers engaged, increase in-store foot traffic, and stand out from their competitors.

Potential Bottlenecks

There is no denying that Apple Vision Pro has a number of benefits for retailers. However, one consideration that fashion retailers should take into account is the potential impact on the human aspect of their customer service. It is critical that retailers maintain a balance between technological reliance and human interactions. Customers have their own preferences for shopping, whether through a VR headset, with the assistance of an in-store associate, or to be left completely alone to browse in peace.

Fashion brands should view Apple Vision Pro not as a replacement for associates but as an additional technology option for customers. Ensuring high-quality customer experiences means providing choices and allowing customers to decide their shopping method. Retailers who are able to balance technology-centric experiences with human-led interactions will strengthen the possibilities of increased customer satisfaction.

Another key critical consideration is the logistical challenges facing retailers today and what they can realistically achieve in the coming years. The current price of Apple Vision Pro presents a hurdle, potentially causing retailers to hesitate as they evaluate the return on investment (ROI) for this technology. However, with glowing early reviews and the potential for retailers to harness its value, in-store implementations could follow, similar to the adoption of iPhones and iPads.

The fashion retail industry must consider the fact that virtual reality (VR) technology is still relatively unfamiliar to most shoppers, with limited adoption so far. As a result, any retailer who invests in VR early might see a slow uptake in in-store use of any headsets they deploy. It might become a waiting game to see which retailer takes the plunge first. However, if brands get their deployment right, early adopters could gain a competitive advantage.

What’s in the Future?

While Apple Vision Pro is in its early stages within retail, its future applications are promising. When combined with AI, Apple Vision Pro can enable fashion retailers to analyze data in real-time and provide personalized recommendations to their customers. This synergy will enhance cross-selling capabilities, leading to more sales opportunities and delivering customized, interactive in-store experiences.

Retailers can also integrate Apple Vision Pro with their store apps and mobile payment systems to leverage its image-recognition capabilities. This allows customers to scan items as they shop and complete transactions by just tapping their fingers together. This can create a mobile self-checkout experience, eliminating the need for checkout lines. The result? Retailers will be able to minimize in-store congestion, speed up transactions, and enhance the convenience and seamlessness of the customer shopping experience.

While there aren’t any strong deployments that strengthen the claim of Vision Pro’s usability in fashion retail, the gadget shows promising signs of making strides in the industry. As the technology advances, retailers must keep an eye out to capitalize on the innovation.

Looking to harness the power of cutting-edge technology to transform your retail operations? Get in touch.

https://retailvoices.co.uk/2024/06/how-can-retailers-maximise-consumer-loyalty/

Retail sales figures were estimated to have rebounded by 3.4% in January this year, signalling the largest monthly rise since April 2021. In order for retailers to capitalise on this increase in sales, they must prioritise boosting consumer loyalty. Not only does this help retailers ensure stability in the long-term, but it can also play a significant role in driving revenue, with BIA/Kelsey finding that loyal customers spend an average of 67% more per transaction.

Whether by delivering convenient and seamless shopping experiences or by offering personalised discounts, there are a number of strategies that retailers can use to retain customers and increase their loyalty. However, to ensure these strategies are seamlessly implemented, retailers should consider the importance of technology in facilitating the delivery of a top-tier customer experience.

The Need to Deliver Unified Shopping Experiences

Customers have unique and diverse shopping preferences, ranging from online, in-store and a hybrid mix of both. In order to deliver convenience to an array of consumers with varying expectations, and provide high-quality experiences that encourage shoppers to return, retailers must ensure they are delivering a well-balanced, omnichannel environment that integrates and caters to various shopper demands.

Consumers today want to shop on their preferred terms – through whichever sales channel they prefer. As a result, all channels a retailer sells through must be able to operate and communicate seamlessly in real-time in order to meet these expectations. Otherwise, retailers run the risk of creating delays in online orders, customer collections and wider stock distribution across all locations. Ultimately, this creates a fractured operation that only serves to frustrate customers.

In order to deliver an omnichannel experience, retailers must invest in a strategy that integrates online platforms with brick-and-mortar stores. From here they can deliver a diverse experience that caters to individual preferences and enhances overall brand loyalty.

Whether stepping in-store to browse and try clothes on, or buying online and picking up in-store when they have space in their busy schedule, shoppers value purchasing options that provide flexibility and enable high-quality experiences. An omnichannel strategy that delivers convenience can play a key role in creating customer satisfaction, and satisfied customers are more likely to return for another great experience.

How an Integrated CRM Can Facilitate Meaningful Interactions

Today, personalisation needs to be accurate and up-to-date. Something that was of interest to the customer in the past may not necessarily hold the same importance today. An integrated customer relationship management (CRM) system can facilitate the view of real-time data about evolving customer behaviour – from their purchase history through to their dog’s name. Personalisation is a key driver of customer loyalty, with consumers gravitating towards brands that understand their preferences and needs.

Having the ability to approach customers and immediately begin to tailor their shopping experience creates significant value. Drawing on previous interactions such as purchase and returns history, favoured items and shopping patterns, in-store assistants are able to customise their approach and make accurate and informed recommendations, all while making in-store visitors feel important to the retailer.

Installing an integrated customer management system allows retailers to set themselves apart from competition and show customers their dedication to providing a unique, tailored experience. Establishing an environment where consumers feel a level of dedicated service can assist retailers in building up their loyal customer base.

Streamlining the Checkout to Bust Long Queues

From self-checkout solutions to mobile Point of Sale (POS), there are many innovative technologies that retailers can deploy to streamline their checkout processes. This, in turn creates a hassle-free shopping experience for customers by reducing the time they spend waiting in checkout queues, which can be a significant barrier to consumer satisfaction and often leave customers abandoning purchases.

Leveraging the right technology to create a fast and convenient service is essential to retaining and building a loyal customer base. In a time where customers are driven by demand and instant gratification, they want to shop and purchase their items as quickly as possible. Adopting mobile POS technology can revolutionise the checkout process by allowing sales associates to complete transactions from anywhere on the shop floor, eliminating the need for fixed POS systems, and reducing wait times.

Alternatively, retailers have been adopting self-checkout solutions for years, allowing customers to scan and bag their own items for convenience. However, one technology transforming this experience is RFID-powered self-checkout. Utilising the scanning capabilities of RFID tags, retailers can facilitate automatic scanning of items within seconds, as soon as their basket is placed in a designated bay. While this streamlines the process for customers, fewer in-store associates are also required to be physically fixed to stationary checkouts. Instead, they can allocate more time to delivering high-quality customer service across the shop floor.

Creating a better, faster and more efficient check-out process encourages shoppers to return. Streamlining operations and removing barriers that lead to frustration for customers, and replacing them with seamless checkout experiences that can be completed in seconds will transform an in-store visitor’s shopping experience. By perfecting the final touchpoint of the customer journey, retailers can ensure shoppers leave with a smile on their face, and are encouraged to repeat that experience in the future.

Customer Satisfaction is Key

The customer is central to the success of retail. To continue to stay competitive in a saturated market, retailers must ensure they are adapting their business model towards their customers. This will play a crucial role in helping them to achieve their long-term goals. By integrating the right technology to streamline sales, personalise customer interactions and deliver services across a multitude of platforms, retailers can deliver high-quality customer experiences that drive significant levels of satisfaction and encourage loyalty.

Working towards creating a base of loyal customers contributes to a positive brand reputation with customers not only returning to make purchases in the future, but also recommending the store to friends and family, and driving new customers to the business. Loyal customers also provide vital insight and valuable feedback that retailers can use in order to improve their operations and overall experience. Overall, a loyal customer helps create sustainable growth and value from continuous spending, and technology plays a pivotal role in delivering that.

https://app.croneri.co.uk/feature-articles/cybershopping-2030?product=136#WKID-202405220911030843-29437325

In 2030, will the landscape of cybershopping have evolved into a seamless fusion of virtual reality, artificial intelligence-driven personalisation and sustainable consumption, revolutionising how we browse, buy and interact with products online? We look at what the future may have in store for the retail sector.

According to McKinsey, “phygital” will continue to shape the shopping experience for us all. With the rapid advancement of technology, the once-distant dreams of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, reshaping the landscape of retail as we know it. In this era of cybershopping, convenience, personalisation and sustainability are the driving forces behind every click and swipe.

In the age of cybershopping, every click, scroll and purchase leaves a digital footprint — a treasure trove of data waiting to be unlocked. Enter AI, the driving force behind personalised shopping experiences in 2030. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms and machine learning capabilities, AI-powered platforms can anticipate consumer preferences, tailor product recommendations and even predict future buying behaviour with uncanny accuracy.

With AI at the helm, shopping becomes less about sifting through endless options and more about discovering curated selections that speak to your unique tastes and needs. Whether you’re a fashionista on the hunt for the perfect outfit or a tech enthusiast in search of the latest gadgets, AI ensures that every purchase feels like it was made just for you. Businesses that can harness these powerful tools will be leaders in their sectors.

Amber Hovious, VP of Marketing and Partnerships at Teamwork Commerce.

We spoke to Amber Hovious, VP of Marketing and Partnerships at Teamwork Commerce, who commented: “AI-powered solutions are also likely to influence cyber shopping in 2030. Whether virtual assistants capable of personalising recommendations or chatbots offering real-time customer support, AI-powered solutions have redefined how retailers engage with their customers. Over the next few years, the technology is expected to become an integral part of retail operations, with 91% of retail IT leaders prioritising AI as the top technology to implement by 2026. As a result, AI will become an essential part of cyber shopping by 2030.”

However, in the quest for convenience and personalisation, one question looms large: what impact does cybershopping have on the planet? In 2030, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a fundamental principle that guides every aspect of the retail industry. From eco-friendly packaging to carbon-neutral delivery services, retailers are taking proactive steps to minimise their environmental footprint and promote responsible consumption. Additionally, from a business perspective, sustainability credentials and how these are communicated become a differentiator.

Of course, the transition to cybershopping isn’t without its challenges. From concerns about data privacy to the digital divide that separates those with access to technology from those without, there are myriad obstacles to overcome on the road to a fully digitised retail landscape. Yet, with every challenge comes opportunity, and the future of cybershopping is ripe with potential for innovation and growth.

In 2030, the lines between online and offline shopping will continue to blur, giving rise to new hybrid experiences that combine the best of both worlds. From pop-up virtual stores in augmented reality to interactive shopping events in metaverse communities, the future of retail is limited only by our imagination. As technology continues to evolve and consumer preferences shift, one thing is certain: the era of cybershopping is here to stay.

​

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Era’s Tour’ has arrived in the UK. The global superstar is set to perform the set of her highest-grossing tour to more than 1.2 million fans across 15 dates up and down the country.

..Ready for it?

Over the last year, Taylor’s iconic friendship bracelets have become a viral sensation. Fans have shared thousands of videos of their bespoke outfits for her events, showcasing their favourite albums through standardised merchandise, such as her commonly purchased Cardigan sets.

Loyal fans want to wear their favourite artists’ merch with pride and take home a t-shirt or poster as a token to remember what they’ll regard as the best night of their lives. According to a Forbes article, merchandise sales at the 60 The Eras Tour shows Taylor performed in 2023 made her $200 million. Meanwhile, Billboard estimates Taylor’s per-show average merchandise sales to be roughly $2 million.

Merchandise sales present significant opportunities for retailers, those who are able to manage it effectively can capitalise on the opportunities. As the Swiftie craze continues to surge, UK stadiums hosting the global superstar on The Era’s Tour must gear up to meet fan demand and maximise sales.

Enabling Fans to Shop in Style

Convenience is one of the key elements of fans’ merchandising experience. As they arrive at their long-awaited concert, feeling enchanted to see their favourite artist perform, they’re going to want to quickly grab their merchandise and head straight to their seats in a Lavender Haze.

Omnichannel fulfilment options enable consumers to shop at their convenience, particularly through click-and-collect, also known as Buy Online, Pickup In-store (BOPIS). Fans have enough to worry about pre-show, so BOPIS can allow them to simply purchase their merchandise ahead of time and collect it once they arrive in their Getaway Car at the stadium.

The key to convenience lies in providing options. With the Order Management System (OMS), stadiums can allow fans and visitors to purchase items at their convenience – whether completely online, fully in-store or using a mix of both.

Fulfil Fans Wildest Dreams

There’s nothing worse for fans than queuing for hours at a merchandise stand to get to the front and realise their preferred item is out of stock. Retailers need to lean on innovative inventory management systems that provide real-time visibility, allowing them to automate processes and avoid out-of-stock situations.

With an inventory management system integrated with their analytics, stadiums can better analyse data and forecast trends. This enables them to anticipate demand and boost sales effortlessly.  Additionally, retailers can offer customers the convenience of tracking their items online when using BOPIS, providing real-time notifications when their order is ready for pickup. As a result, they can significantly reduce in-store queues while driving sales.

 The Need for Swift Service

As the excitement builds before the tour, speed becomes crucial for both vendors and fans. A packed stadium often means a bustling store, and visitors are just as eager to find their seats before the show starts as they are to buy merchandise. To avoid the risk of fans giving up on buying a t-shirt and instead turning to bootleg sellers post-event or ordering online, stadiums need to consider innovative solutions like the Mobile Point-of-Sale (POS).

With the Mobile POS solution, merchandise staff can assist customers from anywhere in their stores within seconds. The solution frees in-store associates from fixed checkout terminals, drastically reducing queue times. Mobile POS allows associates to complete checkout transactions, answer customer queries, and also locate inventory. The result? Higher volume of sales and satisfied customers who can quickly secure their merchandise and make their way to enjoy the event in the heat of the Cruel Summer.

The Era’s Tour promises to be a dazzling experience for fans, leaving them enchanted. Stadium staff should aim to avoid any regrets when reflecting on their performance during these eagerly awaited tour dates. As one of the biggest tours hits the UK this month, stadiums must be prepared to meet the fans’ demands to drive maximum sales and deliver excellent experiences.

Want to learn more about how you can make Sparks Fly with an all-encompassing retail technology solution? Book a demo here.

Sustainability has been an ongoing focus for retailers in the past few years. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact their spending habits have on the environment, with one in ten saying they will make a purchase decision based on carbon footprint data availability. A further 27% of consumers have made significant changes to shop more sustainably, some are even willing to pay as much as 24% more for sustainable goods. Retailers must work to translate this across to their operations and strive to incorporate sustainable practices into their business models.

Celebrated annually on 5th June, World Environment Day aims to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. Consumers and businesses are encouraged to reflect on the choices they make and how they could live more sustainably. Our latest blog explores three key strategies retailers can adopt to meet their company’s sustainability and carbon-emission goals…

 1. Optimize Supply Chains

Currently, retailers are responsible for more than 25% of global emissions, much of which comes from their supply chain operations. Yet, with supply chains being so vast and made up of so many stages, total visibility can be challenging. By using an innovative Inventory Management Solution, retailers can gain precise visibility into their supply chain. As a result, they can enhance operational efficiency and boost sustainability. For example, by understanding what they have in their inventory they can better manage stock allocation, avoiding unnecessary transportation and overproduction of any items. This can significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Retailers can use RFID technology to gain item-level traceability in real-time. By tagging each product retailers can offer customers key information such as where items are sourced, and the journeys they have taken. Customers can access the data such as the origin of raw materials, holding retailers accountable for the sustainable sourcing of their products. This allows retailers to showcase their environment-friendly practices while enabling customers to make sustainable choices.

2. Recreate In-store Operations

From optimizing in-store layouts and designs to implementing sustainable practices such as paperless receipts, retailers can make the in-store shopping experience completely sustainable. Retailers can use innovative analytics and simulation solutions to optimize store layout and design for energy efficiency. By strategically arranging aisles, shelves, and product displays, retail brands can improve airflow, and boost natural lighting while reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating.

In order to reduce emissions from paper, retailers can transition to digital receipts and paperless transactions. As a result, they can minimize emissions associated with printing, transporting paper receipts, and paper waste. Retailers can provide digital receipts electronically via emails or mobile applications, promoting eco-friendly purchasing practices among customers.

3. Manage Returns

Returns continue to be a challenge for retailers, not only from a business view but also from an environmental perspective. All returned items are not resold and often end up in landfill sites, significantly adding to carbon emissions. In fact, the amount of online returns of fashion items produced 750,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide just in 2022. The figure did not include the emissions due to reverse transport, amounting to 350,000 metric tons of CO2 over the considered year. Identifying opportunities to improve operational processes to minimize returns can help retailers reduce unnecessary waste from returned items and enable them to improve customer satisfaction.

Retailers can reduce their online returns by improving their order fulfillment processes. According to Statista, nearly 60% of shoppers return items due to size issues. Other common reasons include damaged items, late deliveries and products not matching descriptions. By deploying an effective Order Management System (OMS), retailers can significantly improve these factors and reduce returns. When the Teamwork Commerce OMS receives order confirmation, the order fill logic creates a ship memo based on the allocated primary location, enabling a real-time data flow and total accuracy in order management. As a result, retailers can deliver the right product at the right time, enhancing customer satisfaction while reducing returns. Ultimately, this can improve their sustainability posture.

Sustainability Isn’t a Choice, But a Necessity

Today, the question isn’t when but how. Shoppers have become more conscious of their environmental impact than ever before. Retailers who take appropriate steps to become sustainable can earn consumer loyalty while playing a vital role in tackling a global challenge.

Learn more about how the right technology can align your strategy with your sustainability goals here!