New Trend Hunter Report Explores Experiential Retail

June 29, 2018 | TrendHunter.com’s latest free monthly report for Toy Association members, titled “Experiential Retail,” explores how brands are using innovative technology, gamification, and big data to customize and streamline the consumer experience.

“The report draws attention to examples of how retailers are using in-store experiences to attract new customers and deepen fans’ loyalty to their brands,” said Anne McConnell, senior director of market research & data strategy at The Toy Association. “Toy companies looking to innovate can learn from these strategies and further connect with fans.”

The June Trend Hunter report highlights:


  • Streamlined Custom – Brands are utilizing digital technology to give consumers a more personalized and streamlined experience as they shop. Calling it a "web-in-store" experience, French department store Galeries Lafayette installed digital handbag kiosks in its stores, where consumers can use digital tags on handbags to call up product information, including other colors and models, via the company’s website as well as checkout options.

  • Branded Printing – Retailers are experimenting with on-site 3D-printing kiosks that allow customers to personalize their purchase, producing highly-targeted products that meet their exact needs and preferences. The Adidas “Knit for You” pop-up shop in Berlin, Germany offered patrons the ability to order custom-fitted and styled sweatshirts that are created in four hours or less using 3D printing technology.

  • Immersive Beauty – Beauty brands are creating more experiential in-store services to fully immerse customers in the products and services they offer. Sephora has revamped several locations into Sephora Beauty TIP Workshop concepts, where "TIP" stands for "Teach, Inspire, Play." The stores offer one-on-one makeovers; “InstaScent” technology where clients can test out appealing scents while working with fragrance experts; skincare consultations and mini-facial services, among other in-store features.

  • Retail Gaming – Non-tech retailers are incorporating gaming in various forms to boost engagement with their brands and products. For the opening of a new IKEA store in a suburb of Dallas, TX, customers were invited to virtually partake in pillow toss games and mingle with pandas in their natural habitat. IKEA's use of VR also highlighted its innovative product designs and sustainable initiatives as consumers learned about the furniture in an engaging, experiential way.

  • Sensorial Merchandising – Brands are curating sensory-packed spaces to cater to consumers’ interest in memorable and social media-friendly experiences. WAH London, a UK-based nail and beauty salon, offers immersive virtual reality experiences to experiment with different nail patterns and customized colors.

This report is the latest in a series from the research company offering in-depth perspectives and trends in various areas related to the toy industry. For additional relevant trends, toy companies may click on the report’s consumer insights examples, scroll down, and click the images for further information. Members are encouraged to send topic suggestions for future trend reports to The Toy Association’s Anne McConnell.

TrendHunter.com has accumulated nearly 3 billion views from more than 100 million visitors. The data research company helps clients “Dive Deeper,” “Work Smarter,” and “Save Effort” in order to increase the overall success of their companies and brands.