Are retail brands diversifying?

Diane Wehrle, Insights Director at Springboard said:

“The impact of train and tube strikes today on footfall is very clear to see, with a large proportion of people clearly working from home.”

And with a further two days of strikes ahead this week and knock-on disruption in all the in-between days, high street retailers are likely to really feel the effects on business this week.

But off the back of the challenges the sector has faced across the past 2+ years, some brands already have a plan and are getting ahead of the game. 

Primark is one such brand, as they are finally making a move to online commerce, with the launch of a click-and-collect trial on their (up until now) non-transactional website.

They plan to build homes suitable for households of different sizes and available for short and long-term rents, and the developments will include shared roof gardens and fitness studios, with tenants given the option to have their homes furnished by John Lewis.

“Helping to create homes has always been at the heart of what we do and we now have a unique opportunity to use our expertise and skills in new ways to deliver much-needed new housing.”

There’s no doubt times are still challenging, but what could be key to the future of physical retail stores?

Startle Account Director, Chris Turner, has a clear vision:

“Store takeovers to launch products are the future of retail. Everything working in unison, a full integration of digital screens, sound, lighting and getting your hands on physical products. I can foresee music artists partnering with brands to help launch the latest product in store. Imagine the lights going down and the music starting up as the artist starts to perform for what would be a captivating experience that will really enhance brand equity and, not to forget, sales.”

That’s our kind of vision. And certainly something that would be a great customer experience.

But what do we mean by a great customer experience exactly? For your own brand and business, picture interactive screens that empower customers to creatively engage with products and capture imaginations, whilst your atmosphere responsively adapts throughout the day based on your business needs minute to minute. Increase dwell, drive spend, nudge repeat custom…

It’s all possible with Startle.

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