2025 Retail Trends: Simple Ways to Improve Store Performance

Make shopping easier

Even though online shopping has grown dramatically since 2020, most goods are still purchased in stores. CapitalOne Shopping statistics show that Americans spent just over $7 trillion in retail stores and only $1.2 trillion online in 2023. 

However, over the past few years modern consumers have been increasingly utilizing online resources while shopping in stores, so having those channels available is very important. 

The pandemic brought the rise of click and collect programs like Buy Online Pickup In-Store (BOPIS), curbside pickup, and all sorts of local delivery options. Mobile applications expanded the checkout counter to store aisles, the lumberyard, garden center, and delivery locations. 

By investing in POS systems that integrate both online and in-store sales, along with mobile applications and comprehensive ordering and inventory management, stores can improve their customer service by offering a cohesive online and in-store shopping experience. Omnichannel shopping isn’t a trend. It’s where shopping is headed and it’s going there rapidly. 

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In-aisle marketing

Creating a welcoming shopping environment has forever been a goal of brick-and-mortar retailers. With the seemingly endless options for shoppers today, that goal is even more important. 

Visual merchandising can be enhanced with in-store videos that feature product demonstration videos, DIY projects, store sale items, YouTube videos, both corporate and local advertising, social media platforms and more. 

Another visual marketing tool that can save retailers time and money is electronic shelf labels (ESLs). One of the most time-consuming tasks in retailing is pricing and price changes. ESLs are digital shelf labels that are controlled via wifi through a back-office server. They allow retailers to quickly and easily set and adjust pricing on products. 

Both of these types of marketing enhance a store’s shopping experience and can easily be integrated into its point-of-sale system. 

Increase Payment Options

For retailers, accepting payments is a lot like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. And it’s in their best interest to be ready for as many variations as possible. 

The days of cash, check, or charge are long gone. In addition to those venerable three options, there are credit and debit cards, gift cards, mobile payments, digital wallets, buy now pay later options, Automated Clearing House (ACH), and more.  

A recent study by EY, a global financial services company, showed that 73% of retailers recognized that failure to accept alternative payment methods could impact sales. So, whether it’s taking the plunge into their first point-of-sale system (POS) with integrated payments or expanding options to various forms of mobile wallets, retailers who are adapting are benefiting. 

Upshot: Tech Investments Improve Store Performance

Forrester, a global business and technology research company, estimates 2025 retail sales of $24.9 trillion, one-fifth of which will be online sales. To accommodate more consumers using a variety of channels from which to shop and various methods of payment, 20% of retailers are planning to launch customer-facing online applications. 

“You want to connect with your customers in line and online, so it’s extremely important to offer many ways to buy products,” Charles Owen, Chief Experience Officer at Paladin Data Corporation, says about integrating online and in-store commerce. “You can connect with your customers better and more often. You cannot only reach new customers, you can connect with your existing customers with sales and offers. It also lets you sell while your store is closed. It’s 24/7 availability, which is vitally important in today’s business landscape.”    

brian bullock 

Author