The retail industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Economic uncertainty, shifting consumer expectations, and rapid tech advancements are pushing brands to innovate like never before. Whether browsing online or shopping in-store, customers now demand tailored, immersive experiences. And they expect their journey to be seamless and convenient across all touchpoints.
To keep up, brands must embrace an omnichannel approach that builds trust, enhances engagement, and drives sales. In this article, we’ll explore the biggest challenges facing retail today and how merchandising agencies are creating innovative solutions to shape the future of shopping.
Delivering an Experience-led Approach
Retailers need to consistently adapt their customer experience to meet evolving expectations. Customers want experiences that resonate with them, creating greater trust and authenticity. 86% of shoppers say authenticity influences their brand choices, and 81% say they need to trust a brand before making a purchase.
The Solution: Merchandising agencies like Channel Assist help brands stand out by creating compelling, sensory-rich experiences. We incorporate cutting-edge technology to create immersive displays that help brands tell their story.
Take TUI, for example. Using VR headsets, their customers can explore a dream holiday destination before even boarding the plane. By layering sensory elements, like sight, sound, and even scent, our displays evoke emotions that align with the brand’s identity. These memorable moments leave lasting impressions and inspire confident purchasing decisions.
We also create immersive environments with pop-up shops, creating a buzz about the brand and increasing foot traffic instore. In a recent TUI campaign, we increased store footfall by an impressive 168%. Read more about the TUI interactive roadshow that helped drive a measurable, retail outcome.
Getting Omni-Channel right
Shoppers expect a seamless journey across online and offline channels. Inconsistencies in pricing, stock, or service can disrupt the experience and erode loyalty so it’s vital to get these elements right. Brands that master omnichannel strategies report a 91% higher year-over-year customer retention rate.
The Solution: Channel Assist bridge the gap between online and instore by leveraging their strong relationships with brands and retailers. We understand the importance of visibility and good visual compliance, ensuring that products are displayed correctly and always available. In 2023, we provided omnichannel support to 20% more retailers compared to the previous year and achieved accreditation to support every retail location across the UK and Ireland.
Through regular in-store audits, we ensure stock levels, pricing, and POS information are accurate and up-to-date. With all aspects aligned across platforms, we create a seamless experience that builds long-term loyalty with today’s savvy shoppers.
Display Maintenance Issues
Retailers often struggle with stock shortages or overstocking, particularly during peak season. Poorly maintained or outdated displays further complicate stock management, leading to missed sales opportunities and damage to brand reputation. Balancing stock and maintaining displays are crucial for a seamless shopping experience.
The Solution: Merchandising agencies offer real-time inventory insights and agile warehousing solutions for better display maintenance support. At Channel Assist, we store spare parts for retail displays across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. This reduces downtime by 18%, ensuring broken or outdated displays no longer disrupt the shopping experience. By streamlining logistics and offering rapid turnaround, we help retailers adapt to fluctuating demands with ease.
Sustainability
Customers are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of their choices, driving demand for eco-friendly products made from sustainably sourced materials, reusable components, and energy-efficient options. Brands that prioritise sustainability not only meet these expectations but also build stronger connections with eco-conscious customers.
The Solution:
At Channel Assist, we take a proactive approach to reducing our carbon emissions. Our regional teams help achieve this by planning their trips for optimal carbon efficiency. Additionally, by using reusable displays with the ability to retrofit designs, we proved more sustainable merchandising solutions that support our brands and the environment.
Employee Training and Retention
Retail staff turnover is notoriously high, averaging 50% compared to 35% across all sectors. This is often due to a lack of career development opportunities and well-being support. Engaged, motivated employees who feel valued can become a retailer’s strongest brand advocates and deliver outstanding customer experiences.
The Solution: At Channel Assist, we deliver enjoyable and memorable training experiences. With flexible, blended learning options, ranging from in-person sessions to virtual and mobile training, retail staff are equipped with the knowledge they need to succeed. With interactive tools like quizzes, polls, and gamified learning modules, employees can master brand messaging without disrupting productivity.
The Role of Merchandising Agencies in Retail Transformation
The ability to innovate and navigate these challenges is crucial for long-term success. Partnering with a merchandising agency with the expertise and resources to handle these challenges, ensures brands and retailers can stay agile while delivering excellent customer experiences.
By aligning Channel Assist’s expertise with your strategic vision, we can create a retail experience that resonates with your customers and sets you in good shape for the future.
Ready to start? Get in touch today to explore how we can help your brand lead the retail transformation in the year ahead.
How are Merchandising Agencies Shaping the future of retail?
With economic uncertainty, shifting consumer expectations, and rapid tech advancements, the retail industry is facing some of the biggest challenges yet. Merchandising agencies are helping by creating innovative solutions to create an immersive customer journey that create a seamless omnichannel experiences.
How do Merchandising Agencies Deliver an Experience-led Approach?
Merchandising agencies like Channel Assist help brands stand out by creating compelling, sensory-rich experiences. We incorporate cutting-edge technology to create immersive displays that help brands tell their story.
How to get Omni-Channel right?
Channel Assist bridge the gap between online and instore by leveraging their strong relationships with brands and retailers. We understand the importance of visibility and good visual compliance, ensuring that products are displayed correctly and always available.
Why is Display Maintenance so important?
Maintaining displays is crucial for a seamless shopping experience. Retailers often struggle with stock shortages or overstocking, particularly during peak season. Poorly maintained or outdated displays further complicate stock management, leading to missed sales opportunities and damage to brand reputation.
