Merchandising Retail Trends: Retailing in 2017

merchandising-retail-trends-smEvery year, at the beginning of the year, we try to nail down our favourite merchandising retail trends for the upcoming months. This year is no different. 2017 is set to be a big year, so let’s get started.

Merchandising Retail Trends: Retailing in 2017

  • Customer service tops the list, as it does every year. Your customers, no matter their age, location, etc., want great customer service – it is as simple as that. Now, more than ever, your customers are looking for top-notch service. If they don’t receive it, they’ll leave empty-handed or unsatisfied – and may just choose to return to your competitor next time. The average consumer now knows more about any given product before they get to the store because they have done their research – you need to be sure to provide more on the store floor. Also remember that your employees are your actual bread and butter – make sure they are delivering the service your customers expect – and acknowledge them for doing so.
  • Social media is your best friend. If you’ve yet to jump on the social media train, you need to catch up. Not only should you be treating social media as media – it represents a very valuable resource with regard to marketing – you also need to be reaching out to your customers. Customers are heading online to talk about your store, your products, and your service. Are these things amazing? They’ll tell their networks. Not so great? They’ll shout that from the rooftops too (metaphorically-speaking of course). Are they talking to you? Make sure to talk back.
  • Convenience is the name of the game. Canadians’ lifestyles necessitate convenience – this isn’t news to anyone. Prepared meals, self-check-outs, online shopping: these are all examples of the consequences of that need. That being said, the regular, run-of-the-mill take-out dinner just doesn’t cut it anymore (although we are not suggesting these have seen their day – of course they are still very popular) – you need to provide more, in a very convenient package.
  • More mobile. Customers have been moving online for years now, relying more and more on their mobile devices. However, it wasn’t until recently that grocery began to emerge on the list of what they’re looking at. The popularity of mobile applications like Flipp show just how much Canadians are turning to their mobile devices to find deals – both prior-to and during their shopping outings. Make sure that you are taking advantage – at the very least with a mobile-responsive website.

Retail merchandising makes a difference. All of the above are important – and many of them can be achieved in one fell-swoop using a retail merchandising strategy. Experiential marketing, planogram compliance, retail intelligence, people support – all are measures to put in place to ensure customers are being served in the best way possible.

This year, make the most of your budget by taking note of these merchandising retail trends. Make 2017 your best year yet! Marketsupport can help. Get in touch today: 1 877 421 5081.

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