Thoughts From Unified Resources In Display
Unified Resources in Display is a 35 year old, creative retail merchandising company, that services some of the most iconic retailer and CPG brands in the world. We leverage technology, creativity, human understanding and data-driven insights to create connected experiences that drive sales and build brand commitment.
We asked Mitch Edelman, President & Principal of Unified and Jim Wiemer, VP Creative & Marketing at Unified what the future of in-store displays holds:
The future of in-store retail displays promises to be an exciting blend of technology, personalization, and interactivity. As technology continues to advance, traditional static displays are evolving into dynamic, data-driven, and highly immersive experiences that captivate and engage customers in entirely new ways.
Digital Integration: In-store displays are becoming increasingly digital. Interactive screens, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) technologies are reshaping the shopping experience. Customers can virtually try on clothes, visualize furniture in their homes, or receive personalized product recommendations based on their preferences and past shopping behavior.
Our take: We are already working with clients to deploy what used to be very simple, 4 way floor displays with new, custom-made digital screens. Where creating customs screen has been cost prohibitive in the past, new display technologies allow for screens of different sizes/shapes to be used in retail displays. Adding the content management service allows for messaging to be delivered in any number of ways, including day parts, etc.
Personalization: Data analytics and AI-powered algorithms are driving hyper-personalization in displays. Retailers can tailor content to individual customers in real-time, creating a more relevant and engaging shopping journey. For instance, smart mirrors can display outfit suggestions based on the shopper's style and the items they're trying on.
Our take: Based on research and data gathered, retailers and brands are able to localize products based on demographics. Many of our displays deployed to retailers, promote fine-tuned merchandise specific to their customer’s needs. Localization is key. Standardization has ended. Communities are growing more diverse, values, lifestyle ethnicity and wealth.
Sustainability: Eco-conscious consumers are pushing for more sustainable retail practices. In-store displays are expected to align with this trend by using environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and recyclable components.
Our take: Resale at retail is now. Several leading retailers are entering or expanding into pre-owned goods. Millennial and Gen Z generations prefer sustainable buying options. We expect this trend to continue to grow to mainline outlets. Technology is helping trace production and purchase to disposal. The entire supply chain is now on the radar and consumers are making buying decisions based on data.
Data and Analytics: Displays are becoming valuable sources of customer data. Retailers are using sensors and cameras to collect information on shopper behavior, enabling them to optimize store layouts, product placements, and marketing strategies.
Our take: Retailers can gain valuable insights into their customers' habits and preferences so they can adjust their product offerings, pricing even return policies. Today’s shopper can easily compare prices, research products on-line and in-store. This shift has forced retailers to use data to personalize outreach efforts. Retailers have the ability to re-engage with customers by offering attractive promotions. Retailers are able to create a more efficient supply chain, optimal pricing and curate products based on real-time analytics. We are working on solutions that track purchased products to meet shoppers needs and maintain inventory for maximum revenue for our clients.
Seamless Omni-Channel Integration: In-store displays will be seamlessly connected to online platforms. Customers can access online reviews, pricing, and inventory information by scanning products in-store, blurring the lines between physical and digital retail.
Our take: Many brands use loyalty award programs to create integrated customer experience and gain valuable data to get as close to one-on-one marketing strategy with each of their customers. Customer retention is key. Loyalty programs create convenience, increase foot traffic, satisfaction and ambassadors for retails and brands. Loyal customers lead to influencers for them and creates another omni-channel. An effective omni-channel strategy is nimble and uses data to connect customer and product data to meet the changing needs of their customers.
Experiential Retail: The emphasis is shifting from merely displaying products to creating memorable shopping experiences. Retailers are incorporating elements of entertainment and education into displays to engage customers on a deeper level.
Our take: Retail displays must immerse the customer and help inspire and leverage past impressions with the product or service. When new to a product, the display needs to inform and engage the shopper. Product presentation, on-brand materials, along with current trends in retailing are all deployed with our in-store solutions. The use of lighting, color blocking with brand colors, all part of the creating that retail experience. Messaging of key values, product features need to be clear and consistent. The retail display plays a pivotal role to connect on-line content and motivate shopper to become a consumer. Experiential retail spaces are becoming multi-function destinations. Creating a sense of community by showcasing the retailers’ values and product offerings. Everything from classes, events, social gatherings, and entertainment allow for a unique retail experience that grab attention of shoppers.
In conclusion, the future of in-store retail displays is dynamic, personalized, sustainable, data-driven, and deeply experiential. Retailers that embrace these trends will not only meet customer expectations but also gain a competitive edge in the evolving retail landscape.
If you'd like to know about Unified Resources in Display and how they can help you better engage your customers, please reach out to Mitch Edelman.