Look back at 2024: UK Retail Trends in Review

With the countdown to the New Year just around the corner, 2024 appears to have shot by. And what a year it has been. The Paris Olympics took the world by storm, Oasis got back together, and pop icon, Taylor Swift is still going strong with ‘The Era’s Tour’. It hasn’t been a quiet year for the retail world, either. So far, 2024 has seen a number of brands exploring new and innovative solutions, catering to evolving consumer preferences, and adjusting to changing trends.

From AI and RFID to self-checkout kiosks and mobile POS solutions, there are a number of innovative technologies that have been making significant waves throughout 2024. As retail technology continues to evolve, brands must push the boundaries to gain a competitive edge over rivals. In this blog, we take a look at the key trends that shaped the UK retail industry in 2024…

AI & Excelling Sales

AI has been a key tool in helping retailers streamline and create personalized shopping experiences for customers. Many global brands such as Amazon have introduced AI to analyse product attributes and customer shopping information through search, browsing, and purchase history.

Likewise, skincare brand Dove has seen a 7% higher purchasing intent through providing AI tools to customers. One of its three new AI tools, the BeautyHub PRO, offers product advice for both skincare and haircare on one engaging online platform. It not only helps consumers find products that work for their specific needs but also drives growth for the brand’s beauty portfolio. The same Dove report revealed that 43% of consumers are more likely to complete a purchase after utilizing the Beautyhub PRO tool.

AI allows brands to seamlessly go the extra mile for consumers by providing personalised product recommendations and exclusive deals to entice customers and optimise sales opportunities. In doing so, brands can put all their efforts into creating the ultimate customer experience.

The Rise In Speedy Shopping

2024 also saw a rise in consumer appetite for speedy shopping experiences. Features such as same-day delivery and express checkouts are becoming ingrained behaviours for shoppers on the go. According to Statista, in 2023 nearly two-thirds of global shoppers anticipated receiving their items within 24 hours, and this demand for speed has only continued in 2024. 

To keep up with demand, supermarket chains such as Co-op have introduced a 24-hour rapid delivery service. Likewise, the impact of customers wanting a speeding shopping experience is also making its way into stores. Sainburys introduced a mobile point of sale (POS) system that allows staff to approve transactions via tablet. The platform has now been rolled out to over 22,500 checkouts across the country. This ultimately speeds up the checkout process and boosts the consumer shopping experience.

Improving consumer satisfaction will be pivotal for brands moving forward.

Entertaining Experiences: A 2024 Priority for Retailers

Throughout 2024, many brands seemed to have looked outside the box to create engaging and innovative retail journeys for their customers.

Brands such as IKEA are among the many retailers that have aimed to create an immersive experience for their customers. In June, the brand launched a collaboration with gaming brand Roblox to open up its first virtual store within the game. This allowed fans to branch out and live their home-furnishing dreams, virtually. Furthermore, beauty brand Benefit has also dived into the immersive side of retail, by launching a 3D shopping experience for customers. Available across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France, shoppers will be able to add Benefit sets to their digital cart and virtually try on products.

As retailers progress into 2025, innovative ways to create exciting experiences for customers will be key in building brand loyalty and keeping up with consumer demand. The retail landscape is ever-changing and retailers need to ensure their brand is up to speed with what retail technology has to offer for their online and in-store operations.

The Balancing Act of Self-checkout

Self-checkout solutions have been a hot topic throughout 2024. While some retailers seemed to question its ability to ensure high-quality customer experiences, others have credited the tech with boosting efficiency. Some of the UK’s leading retail brands made their debut with self-checkout kiosks in their stores. 

Clothing brand, Primark, has been one of many retail giants this year to continue to introduce self-checkouts. First mentioned in 2022, the brand has been rolling out self-checkout terminals across the UK with 75 stores to date, streamlining in-store services and enabling the brand to expand into click-and-collect services.

To allow in-store associates to utilise their time more effectively during peak shopping periods, M&S recently announced its decision to deploy self-checkouts in changing rooms areas. By 2028, the brand plans to install over 100 self-checkout kiosks for customers, designed to streamline in-store experiences and alleviate pressure on associates.

What’s On The Cards for 2025?

For retailers, it has been a year of learning and adapting. With technology deployment now one of the most important factors of any in-store experience, it is clear the UK retail scene recognises the need to evolve with it. Moving into 2025, brands will be expected to bring new ideas to the table, and introduce and build on innovative tools such as AI and RFID technology to ensure operations run smoothly and that customers have the best service possible.

Looking to level up your retail prospects for 2025? Get in touch with our team today!