FuturistU > Retail > Omnichannel Retail > Module 2 / 5

Hybridization in Retail

Instructor: Ady Floyd
Brand Engagement
Download the Brand Engagement Trend Report
In the first module of omnichannel retail, Ady explores what Hybridization means in the retail landscape and how it's being used to fuel successful retailers today. In order to capture the attention of shoppers from all generations, retailers need to combine online and offline platforms to create seamless shopping systems. It's no longer enough to offer just one single platform, or even two; brands need retail hybridization that binds together apps, brick-and-mortar establishments, e-commerce, beacon technology and everything in between in order to reach the masses.

In this module, you'll learn about what trends are being used to create these interchangeable platforms and allow consumers to experience the best of online and offline shopping as one.
Related Trend Report: Brand Engagement
Workshop Questions:
1. How could you integrate your brand or products into adjacent markets?
2. What is one industry you could tap for inspiration?
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Featured Insights

Retail Retreat
Brands are displaying products outside the store setting as a fun retreat
Implications - As consumers seek out retail experiences that go beyond simple product purchasing, brands are taking note by setting up showrooms and product displays that take place in alternative settings, specifically environments that offer rest and relaxation. Offering consumers hotel rooms and apartment units that integrate the brand’s product lines, retailers are allowing consumers to experience what enjoying their products would be like in real-world settings.
Workshop Question - How could you integrate your brand and products into adjacent markets and businesses?
4.5
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Megatrends
Apartment-Style Furniture Showrooms
Apartment-Style Furniture Showrooms
The Apartment by the Line is Set Up Like a Real Home
In an effort to make furniture shopping a more personal experience, the decor brand ‘The Line’ created a unique showroom in New York dubbed ‘The Apartment by the Line.’ With... MORE
Experiential Furniture Studios
Experiential Furniture Studios
Pepperfry is Changing the Way Consumers Shop for Furniture in India
With more than 10 stores now in operation, Pepperfry is quickly changing the way Indian consumers buy furniture. Instead of trying to sell consumers on specific pieces from the moment they walk into... MORE
Branded Boutique Hotels
Branded Boutique Hotels
The West Elm Hotel Will Double as a Furniture Showroom
West Elm, a chain retailer under the William-Sonoma umbrella, is introducing the West Elm Hotel—a chic hotel which hopes to turn its loyal home decor-buying consumer base into overnight guests.... MORE
Connected Cosmetic Retail Kiosks
Connected Cosmetic Retail Kiosks
The 'E-stylist' Maximizes Consumer Capabilities When Shopping
The conceptual ‘E-stylist’ cosmetic retail kiosk has been designed as a digital solution that aims to streamline the capabilities of stores by allowing shoppers to easily peruse products... MORE
AR-Powered Virtual Fitting Rooms
AR-Powered Virtual Fitting Rooms
Suning is Presenting AI & Smart Retail Solutions at CES 2019
This year at CES in Las Vegas, Suning—China’s largest omni-channel retailer—will be sharing a range of smart retail solutions, including its Magic Runway. At CES 2019, Suning will be... MORE
Brick-and-Modem
Physical stores' rise in popularity prompts online retailers to adapt
Implications - Years ago, online retailers took the traditional market by storm, upending the brick-and-mortar sales model. Since then, brick-and-mortar retailers have responded by providing consumers with experiences they can't get online. The process has now come full circle, as e-commerce brands recognize the unique appeal of physical stores and thus offer online experiences that mimic brick-and-mortar shopping. While evolution is natural in any industry, brands that search out and recognize the value behind traditional techniques can further improve their modern operations.
Workshop Question - What is the most appealing aspect of the traditional marketing techniques in your industry? How could you adapt that technique to suit your modern day practices?
6
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Activity
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Patterns
Megatrends
Virtual Shopping Street Platforms
Virtual Shopping Street Platforms
Orchard Mile Lets You Build Your Own Online Shopping Street
As retailers continue to seek ways to bridge the gap between in-person engagement at brick and mortar stores and the convenience of shopping online, this luxury “e-tailer” allows... MORE
Shoppable Fashion Storefronts
Shoppable Fashion Storefronts
Fred Segal and Mastercard Created a 'Rock ‘n Roll Holy Land'
Window displays are often designed to do little more than catch the eyes of consumers and inspire them to enter a physical retail space, but Fred Segal and Mastercard recently teamed up to redefine &#... MORE
Interactive Shopping Apps
Interactive Shopping Apps
The Simons Department Store App Lets Users Upload Product Photos
Canadian fashion retailer Simons is all set to launch a new smartphone shopping app that is designed to make it easier than ever for customers to experience a more streamlined and consistent... MORE
Virtual Mall Apps
Virtual Mall Apps
The Dote App Brands Itself as a "Mobile Mall"
‘Dote - The Mobile Mall’ is an app that connects consumers to deals from more than 100 different brands, making it easy to shop for favorite items with ease. As a “mobile mall,&#... MORE

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

AI Intimacy
Retail brands are using AI to create deeper emotional connections with customers
Trend - Retail companies are deploying AI systems that go beyond transactional interactions to build genuine emotional relationships with customers. These technologies learn individual preferences, remember personal details, and anticipate needs in ways that make customers feel truly understood. AI is being used so every interaction feels like a continuation of an ongoing relationship.
Workshop Question - How could your brand use AI to remember and celebrate the small details that make each customer feel uniquely valued?
7.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Interactive AI-Powered Retail Kiosks
Interactive AI-Powered Retail Kiosks
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore Launched the Luna Kiosk
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore have announced a new partnership that will see the performance footwear brand and the creative agency offering access to the Luna kiosk. The artificial... MORE
Optician-Focused AI Retail Solutions
Optician-Focused AI Retail Solutions
KITS Eyecare Ltd. Has Introduced OpticianAI™
KITS Eyecare presents an advanced artificial intelligence platform designed to modernize the eyewear shopping experience — OpticianAI™. This system combines facial recognition, prescription... MORE
AI-Powered Retail Advisors
AI-Powered Retail Advisors
Lowe's Mylow Companion Enhances Service & Associate Onboarding
Lowe's Mylow Companion is a new AI tool for associate sales floor devices and it's poised to enhance the in-store customer experience and the associate onboarding process. The app quickly provides... MORE
AI-Powered Loyalty Programs
AI-Powered Loyalty Programs
The Ubacart Loyalty Program is Targeted Towards Convenience Stores
The Ubacart loyalty program has been created by the brand as a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered discount solution for shoppers to help them enjoy exclusive discounts and wards for their... MORE
Omnichannel Acceleration
Brands diversify retail presence across digital & physical channels
Trend - As traditional DTC models face growing challenges from supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer preferences, brands are rapidly expanding their presence across multiple retail channels. This expansion includes leveraging retail media networks, exploring social commerce, maintaining brick-and-mortar locations, and creating seamless experiences between digital and physical touchpoints.
Workshop Question - How can your brand create more seamless connections between its various retail channels?
5.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
Hugo Boss Launches a New AI-Powered Product Content Feature
Hugo Boss is enhancing its online customer experience by incorporating artificial intelligence technologies that streamline product discovery and interaction. Launching globally, the brand hopes... MORE
Efficient Omnichannel Fulfillment Centers
Efficient Omnichannel Fulfillment Centers
National Logistics Services is Building in Caledon
National Logistics Services has announced the construction of a new, highly automated omnichannel fulfillment center in Caledon, Ontario. This 624,000 square foot facility, which will feature state-... MORE
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Automotive Mastermind has Adapted to Modern Consumer Patterns
Automotive Mastermind has adopted an omnichannel approach to automotive sales to address the evolving consumer patterns in the industry. This strategy integrates various channels, including online... MORE
Omnichannel Messaging Platforms
Omnichannel Messaging Platforms
DIDWW Aims to Streamline Global Business Communications
With global business communications on the rise, leading telecom operator DIDWW recently announced the launch of its omnichannel Messaging Platform to streamline international communication.... MORE
Employee-Free Retailer
Brick and mortar stores are turning to AI to mitigate labor costs
Trend - Retailers and grocers are testing fully automated locations to lower costs. By saving on the many complications associated with labor, these retailers are able to offer reduced prices for the benefit of the consumer. These often begin as solo test locations before expanding based on demand.
Workshop Question - How could your brand alter its operations to reduce costs of its products or services for consumers?
6.3
Score
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Megatrends
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Lotus Launched a 'Pick & Go' Location in Thailand
Lotus’s Pick & Go employee-free store in Thailand represents a significant step forward in retail innovation. The store, which operates without any staff on the premises, leverages... MORE
Employee-Free Smart Stores
Employee-Free Smart Stores
The 'Teo' Employee-Free Store in Germany is a Success Story
The Teo unmanned smart store concept in Germany, developed by the German supermarket chain tegut showcases a unique direction of retail. Initially launched in Fulda in November 2020, this store has... MORE
Smart Shopping Cart Rollouts
Smart Shopping Cart Rollouts
ZeroQs Raised Over €457 Thousand to Invest in Smart Shopping Carts
Warsaw-based retail startup ZeroQs has successfully raised €457,000 in funding from Freya Capital to further develop and expand its smart shopping cart technology. The company’s innovative... MORE
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Aisle 24 Continues to Expand in Canada Amid Success
Aisle 24, a cashierless grocery retailer, continues its expansion across Canada with the launch of a new, larger store concept. Founded in 2016, Aisle 24 operates 24/7, fully automated stores that... MORE
Retail Lounge
Retailers are launching experiential events to enhance connections to consumers
Trend - Retailers in various industries, such as department stores, luxury brands, and more, are launching in-store lounges and experiential events. These events are designed to enhance the comfort of shoppers while deepening the connection between the shoppers and the brand.
Workshop Question - How can we create experiential in-store events that enhance consumer engagement and strengthen their connection to our brand?
7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
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Megatrends
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Knix is elevating the intimate apparel shopping experience with its new 1,800-square-foot pop-up at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The Canadian brand’s fifteenth North American... MORE
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
Zen-Inspired Experiential Retail Concepts
One Golden Thread Opens Its Innovative Space
One Golden Thread, the regenerative apparel brand based in LA, has announced the grand opening of its Flagship Experiential Retail Concept on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach. The innovative space... MORE
Immersive Lifestyle Stores
Immersive Lifestyle Stores
Gelato Pique Has Inaugurated Its Standalone Store in South Korea
Gelato Pique’s latest retail activation is strategically located in the vibrant Hannam-dong area of Seoul. This significant launch introduces a unique lifestyle space encompassing a garden... MORE
Tranquil Retail Environments
Tranquil Retail Environments
NEOM Wellbeing Has Launched Its First U.S. Storefront in New York
NEOM Wellbeing’s storefront in New York’s West Village marks an important step in its global expansion. The store spans 481 square feet and is designed as a tranquil retreat from the... MORE
Luxury Jeweler Boutiques
Luxury Jeweler Boutiques
Château D'ivoire Renovated Its Downtown Montreal Location & It's Stunning
Château D’Ivoire, a longstanding luxury jeweler in Montreal, has reopened its downtown location following a significant renovation. The revamped store offers over 20,000 square feet of space... MORE
Visual Aid
Brands are designing packaging to be accessible for consumers with visual impairments
Trend - Brands are creating packaging designs with smart solutions for consumers with visual impairments. These solutions include scannable codes or symbols that interact with smart applications to provide either easier-to-read or audio-based information, more effectively supporting shoppers.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage technological solutions to make our products more accessible for a wider range of consumers?
6.6
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Popularity
Activity
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Megatrends
Accessibility-Focused Packaging Designs
Accessibility-Focused Packaging Designs
Müller Debuts Accessible Packaging Designs
Müller has announced a significant update to its product offerings as the brand debuts its new accessible packaging designs. The venture seeks to make shopping more accessible for visually impaired... MORE
Inclusive Shopping Labels
Inclusive Shopping Labels
Coca-Cola Debuts NaviLens QR Codes for Visually Impaired Consumers
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)’s Great Britain Christmas can multipacks will now include NaviLens codes on its cardboard packaging designed to aid partially sighted or visually impaired... MORE
Scannable Infant Products
Scannable Infant Products
SMA Nutrition Introduced NaviLens Codes into its Product Packaging
SMA Nutrition, a division of Nestlé, has incorporated NaviLens technology into its infant nutrition product packaging. This development is intended to improve the shopping experience for parents... MORE
Visual Impairment-Friendly Packaging
Visual Impairment-Friendly Packaging
Haleon and Microsoft Have Partnered for Inclusive Packaging
Haleon and Microsoft have partnered on a new packaging initiative to help those with low vision or who are blind to read labeling on a range of products. The partnership coincides with World Sight... MORE
AI-Assisted Cooking Partnerships
AI-Assisted Cooking Partnerships
Unilever and Be My Eyes Partnered to Support Shoppers
Unilever and Be My Eyes have announced a new partnership that will support blind and low-vision shoppers using the latest technology for an easier shopping experience. The partnership builds on... MORE
eCommerce Assistant
Online retailers are using generative AI to create natural-sounding assistants
Trend - Brands with online storefronts are launching assistants powered by generative AI to improve experiences for customers. These assistants can interpret natural language, and have intimate knowledge of the business' product portfolio, enabling them to suggest well-suited products for consumers' needs.
Workshop Question - How could your brand leverage generative AI models to enhance its customer experience on its online platforms?
6.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Autonomous Ecommerce AI Agents
Autonomous Ecommerce AI Agents
Baresquare Debuts Tywin, a Tool Positioned as an Industry First
Baresquare has introduced Tywin, the industry’s pioneering fully autonomous ecommerce AI agent. This tech-forward solution aims at revolutionizing ecommerce workflows by automating complex... MORE
GenAI Shopping Assistants
GenAI Shopping Assistants
Shopping Muse Supports Michael Kors US Website Visitors
Dynamic Yield by Mastercard announced an advanced generative AI tool called Shopping Muse at the end of 2023 and now, Michael Kors is the first retailer to make Shopping Muse available to consumers... MORE
Informed AI Storefront Assistants
Informed AI Storefront Assistants
Bosch Worked with Zoovu to Assist its Online Customers
Bosch Power Tools has partnered with Zoovu to enhance its ecommerce storefront through the implementation of an AI assistant. This collaboration leverages Zoovu’s Semantic Studio to transform... MORE
AI-Powered Online Shopping Assistants
AI-Powered Online Shopping Assistants
Firework Has Unveiled AVA, an AI-Powered Virtual Assistant
Firework’s AVA is an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to enhance online shopping experiences. This digital human avatar utilizes Firework’s proprietary language model and aims to... MORE
Enterprise Retailer-Targeted Commerce Platforms
Enterprise Retailer-Targeted Commerce Platforms
Lula, Inc. Has Introduced Lula Commerce
Lula Commerce by Lula is positioned as a comprehensive online ordering and managed services platform designed for enterprise retailers. This new product suite aims to help retailers with limited... MORE
AI Kiosk
Smart kiosks that provide recommendations and point-of-sale support are being deployed
Trend - Retailers are deploying in-store kiosks powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These AI kiosks interpret and make recommendations for consumers interacting with them, thus streamlining the retail process. The advent of AI kiosks also reduces the required staff and, thus, costs for retailers.
Workshop Question - How could your brand improve its consumers' experiences by employing artificial intelligence, or other, smart features?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AR Retail Kiosks
AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
Virtual try-on experiences for apparel and accessory products have revolutionized the way consumers shop online, and BIG Digital and DeepAR are bringing immersive experiences to retail settings with... MORE
AI-Powered Payment Systems
AI-Powered Payment Systems
Mashgin Introduces a New AI-Powered Checkout System with Verifone
Mashgin, an innovative leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-based self-checkout systems, is joining forces with Verifone, a global pioneer in payment solutions. The core of this innovation lies... MORE
Intuitive Self-Service Order Kiosks
Intuitive Self-Service Order Kiosks
The GoTab Self-Ordering Kiosks Support Quick Service and More
The GoTab Self-Ordering Kiosks are the latest solution from the hospitality technology brand that’s engineered with an intuitive customer experience in mind to support quick ordering, hybrid... MORE
Self-Service Commerce Kiosks
Self-Service Commerce Kiosks
Cantaloupe Go Brings Buy-and-Go Expereinces to Customers
Cantaloupe Go is a new product line of self-service commerce solutions and it was recently unveiled by Cantaloupe at The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Show 2023. At the event,... MORE
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies Teamed Up for New Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies (ART) have teamed up to provide consumers with a quick meal at their leisure that’s easy for them to access at their leisure. The partnership will see... MORE
Gamified Storefront
Brands are gamifying brick and mortar stores for the retailtainment trend
Trend - Brick-and-mortar storefronts are adding elements of gamification and entertainment to improve the in-store shopping experience. These 'retailtainment' initiatives add immersive experiences and interactive elements to increase consumer engagement and pull the focus away from simply spending money.
Workshop Question - How can we integrate gamification and entertainment into our physical spaces to create a more engaging and immersive experience for our customers?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Gamified Metaverse Stores
Gamified Metaverse Stores
Lacoste is Virtually Inviting Shoppers into the Jaws of a Croc
French clothing brand Lacoste teamed up with Web3 development company Emperia to create a metaverse store that invites shoppers straight into the jaws of a virtual crocodile. Inside the space,... MORE
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
JD & Snap London Created an AR Storefront for Christmas
As part of its ‘King of the Game’ Christmas campaign, sports retailer JD teamed up with Snap to turn its London storefront into an AR storefront. With the storefront turned into a giant... MORE
play_circle_filledMulti-Sensory Flagship Stores
Multi-Sensory Flagship Stores
KATE Shibuya Offers Immersive Digital and Physical Experiences
KATE Shibuya presents a groundbreaking flagship store that integrates digital and physical elements to offer an immersive shopping experience. This innovative retail environment blends cutting-edge... MORE
Digital Snowball Competitions
Digital Snowball Competitions
The LEGO Snow Throw Pits NYC and London Stores Against One Another
The LEGO Snow Throw is a first-of-its-kind transatlantic, interactive game that transforms storefront windows into digital snowball machines. For the holiday season, people who pass by the 5th... MORE
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Watsons, a leading Asian beauty and health retailer, has strategically upgraded its stores as interactive cosmetics retail stores to cater to the interactive and dynamic preferences of Gen Z and Gen... MORE
Accessible Grocery
Grocery delivery platforms now accept electronic benefit transfers
Trend - Electronic Bank Transfer (EBT) is becoming a standard payment method as consumers seek convenient and secure ways to pay for grocery deliveries. This payment method aims to help individuals relying on government assistance programs access essential food items with ease and dignity.
Workshop Question - How does your brand demonstrate attentiveness to the financial well-being of its customer base?
2.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
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Megatrends
Accessible Online Retail Initiatives
Accessible Online Retail Initiatives
Instacart and Walgreens Partnered to Accept SNAP/EBT Online
Instacart and Walgreens have announced a new partnership to support online SNAP/EBT payments online to help consumers in the US who utilize the programs with a way to access items in an even easier... MORE
Online Grocery Equity Initiatives
Online Grocery Equity Initiatives
Broulim’s Fresh Foods Will Start Accepting SNAP Payments Online
Broulim’s Fresh Foods has announced it will start accepting Supplement Nutritional Assistant Program (SNAP) payments online in a bid to help enhance equity for shoppers. Shoppers in Idaho will... MORE
Nutritional Assistance Retail Partnerships
Nutritional Assistance Retail Partnerships
Raley’s and Instacart Partnered for SNAP Recipients
Raley’s and Instacart have announced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) integration for customers who use the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) to help provide easier access to... MORE
Grocery Delivery Payment Updates
Grocery Delivery Payment Updates
DoorDash Now Accepts SNAP/EBT Online Payments
DoorDash has announced it will continue broadening food access for consumers by offering consumers the option to use SNAP/EBT online payments with a handful of participating retailers. The grocery... MORE
EBT-Supported Grocery Deliveries
EBT-Supported Grocery Deliveries
Amazon Debuts an Unlimited Grocery Delivery Service for EBT Users
Amazon is streamlining its grocery shopping capabilities by launching a new unlimited grocery delivery subscription for Prime customers with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. As a part of... MORE