Cate Trotter, Insider Trends – 23 Retailers Leading the Digital Innovation Race
(Image Source: Insider Trends)
The coronavirus pandemic last year had caused unexpected challenges to retailers. Some chose to back down and wait passively for the storm to pass, while others chose to overcome these challenging times through innovation and setting new industry standards. In this article, retail consultancy firm Insider Trends took a look at 23 retailers leading the digital innovation race across the beauty, fashion, sports and grocery sectors. These retailers have displayed “InnovACTION”, which refers to their proactiveness and how they take action by innovating to improve their businesses. Let’s check them out!
Beauty
1. Mac Innovation Lab
The new MAC store in New York combines the digital and physical experience. It applies AR technology to the customer’s experience. MAC lovers can now try on different shades of lipsticks under different lighting modes with an AR mirror and save their looks to their smartphones. This addition will significantly help customers in choosing the right shade.
2. Amazon Salon
After launching grocery stores, Amazon has opened its first hair salon. This is an experimental hub for new technologies. Similar to MAC, Amazon uses AR to help customers try on new hairstyles and colors before coming to a final decision. They can also learn more interesting information about products through a “point-and-learn” display.
3. SK-II City
In a different approach to purchasing skincare products online, SK-II shoppers will be immersed in a virtual city inspired by Tokyo. They are able to explore the environment, watch animations and trigger charitable donations. This concept is expected to reinforce the connection between customers and brands.
4. L’Oréal House of Worth
L’Oréal in Shanghai partnered with WeChat to create a personalized experience for each customer. Face-scanning technology will also be utilised to give customers a skin analysis report to help them choose the most suitable product.
5. Old Spice
Old Spice has opened its first physical space – a bold move considering the pandemic. The space will function as a barbershop and retail store at the same time. The space is truly a brand hub, where customers can find “easter eggs” from advertising campaigns. They can also see the in-store content studio, where digital content is created and distributed on all the brand’s channels. To see how other leading retailers are innovating, check out the full article on Insider Trends!
About Cate Trotter
Cate Trotter is the Head of Trends at Insider Trends, and also one of the world’s most influential people in retail. Cate has been named one of LinkedIn’s 12 Top Voices in the UK and is regularly quoted by publications such as Forbes. In addition to opening and closing conferences around the world, Cate has delivered retail presentations to brands such as Chanel, Nike, Galeries Lafayette, EE, Johnson & Johnson, Debenhams, Jaguar Land Rover, and Levi’s.
About Insider Trends
Insider Trends is an end-to-end retail consultancy that has been delivering meaningful, original, no-nonsense insights on the future of retail for more than 12 years.
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