The new year is almost upon us. This past year has been an exciting one for the retail industry. We have seen a huge surge in the use of technology, which has driven competition way up. 2017 promises to see more new technology, and more new opportunities to meet the changing demands of your customers. This means that the new year will also bring new retail trends. Here are a few of the projected trends for 2017 and what they mean for you.

Better Customer Experience

More and more stores are turning to online selling. They’re penetrating all types of digital media though websites, mobile selling and social media. With customers being bombarded on a daily basis with all of these options, stores will need to find ways to stand out as well as provide an experience that customers enjoy. This means making their stores easy to navigate and the purchasing experience easy.

At the same time, not all customers are looking to buy things online. There’s something to be said for going into a physical store and interacting with products and employees. Your customers are going to be looking for a great experience, and you can give them that by surrounding them with engaging displays, accessible employees, providing valuable services with appropriate products and customer loyalty programs.

Unique Customer Experiences

Not only do customers want a great experience when they walk through the doors of a physical store, they also want that experience to be unique. Otherwise, what’s the point of going to the store when they can just get the products online? You can provide your customers with a one-of-a-kind experience by making your store feel more inviting, as if you were welcoming customers into your own home, and not pressuring your customers to make a purchase. This may mean that you need to alter your displays to be more inviting and up-to-date, as well as using social media and unique promotions to your advantage! Check out the clean and contemporary style trend that’s popping up in many stores to get inspiration for updating the aesthetic of your store.

Niche Stores

Due to the demand for a unique customer experience, there will most likely be a rise in niche shops, which offer knowledgeable employees and an experience tailored to each customer. If you run a larger company, this means that you might have to create a niche within your store to provide that same experience.

Better Employee Experience

For many employees, a job at a retail store means coming in, doing their job and going home. They don’t often feel a part of the company, or that what they’re doing makes a difference, and as such may not provide the best service they can. 2017 will most likely see the rise in companies investing more in their employees. This investment can mean better wages, more training, and/or empowerment. Happier, more involved employees create a better customer experience, which in turn, means more success for the company. If you have not already done so, it may be time to start investing in your employees, or else you may find it difficult to keep them around.

Cognitive Commerce

Technology, such as the point of sale (POS) systems, will be able to help all kinds of businesses by giving them access to data and trends about what sells and what doesn’t. By analyzing this type of data, you will be better able to form a strategy, such as a change in the way, or where, products are displayed, to improve your customer satisfaction and your bottom line.

2017 is sure to see a number of new retail trends. InStore Design Display is ready to help you stay on top of the latest trends with all manner of displays. Contact us today and see just what we can do for you.