The retail business is ever changing as consumers have become just as dynamic when it comes to what they are looking for in a store. With 2018 coming to a close, it is now time to look ahead at what retailing trends will develop next year. Top Canadian retailers are already bracing themselves for what is to come and they are readying plans to accommodate impatient shoppers.
The retail sector in Canada is larger than it has ever been. This will continue to create stiff competition between brands in 2019. Each retailer will adopt new technologies and practices that would best attract customers. In the past years, customers have come to realize that brands are always working to meet their demands, as such, they have become harder to please.
J.C. Williams Group Senior Advisor John Torella said that today’s consumers have no time and patience. Consumers from way back when preferred stores with massive selections but now, they want the entire shopping process to be as simple as possible. To keep up with this new trend, it is likely that retailers will adopt click and collect programs.
Aside from faster shopping, retailers are going to attract customers through personalization as well. Some retailers could give their customers the choice to personalize their shopping experience via a questionnaire that asks their preferred colors, sizes and more. This, of course, speeds up the shopping process too since the choices of the customer will be narrowed down.
What is great about this trend is that both small and big companies can easily partake in it. Since small brands have a smaller customer count, they will find it easier to create personalized experiences for their shoppers. The common factor between small and large companies adding personalization to their arsenal is technology.
Shop and scan test finishes with lackluster results
Many retailers are already testing new methods to speed up the checkout process. Just recently, Walmart Canada groceries have begun trying out hand-held self-checkout programs. Upon entering the grocery, shoppers are given a scanning device that allows them to begin the checkout process as they go around the aisles.
The results of the initial testing phase were not all too good. While having the ability to instantly register items to a cart is good, customers still have to fall in line and pay at the register by the end of their shopping. While not many are bought into the idea of shop and scan, for now, there is some room for improvements.
The next step for this trend is for retailers to determine more convenient payment methods that streamline the entire shopping process.
The Canadian retail sector is due for some major changes and consumers have a lot to look forward to in 2019. Aside from faster shopping times and more convenient shopping methods, Canadian retailers could come up with more innovative ideas to fully grasp the attention of their dynamic customers.