The document discusses new innovations in online shopping that aim to recreate in-person shopping experiences. It describes how live streaming shopping events hosted by social media platforms and retailers allow customers to watch influencers and interact with products in real-time. Virtual stores that customers can navigate online provide more immersive product browsing. Some retailers also enable customers to shop with friends through video chat features on their websites to socialize the online shopping experience. These trends aim to engage customers who still prefer in-person shopping through interactive omnichannel approaches.

1. Innovation in
Online
Shopping:
almost #IRL
Anja Husemann, Dec. 2021

2. Online Retail, Redefined
The COVID-19 pandemic drove people to choose online shopping over in-
person shopping more often. However, a 2021 Raydiant survey found that
46% of U.S. consumers still prefer to shop in-person in 2021 given the
choice (a 9% decline from 2020 pre-COVID-19 levels). The main reason -
looking to interact with products.
At the same time, retailers are investing in the store's merchandizing, look
and feel, to engage with shoppers, convey brand values and build the
brand - something that is at risk when shoppers only buy online, where this
experience is harder to replicate.
The result: retailers are exploring Omnichannel to offer immersive shopping
experiences through Live Stream Shopping, Virtual Stores and "Shop with
Friends". Here are some recent examples.

3. Live Streaming
In the new digital age, interacting over technology is more important than
ever. Live streamed events are the new way for influencers to continue
"meet and greets" with their fans and not be limited by COVID-19
restrictions. Several social media platforms have begun adding live
streaming as a part of their services, in addition to pre-existing options
like sharing photos and messaging.
Facebook research (Sep., 2021) shows that 78% of global consumers say
that the shopping experience a company provides is as important as its
products and services. Over half (55%) of Gen Zers and 62% of Millennials
say they would buy directly from live videos when brands and creators
launch new products.

4. Social media platforms and retailers are hosting live
streamed shopping events where you can watch and
interact with influencers while shopping. Shoppers are
able to receive special discounts and learn about new
products from different brands.
Pinterest
Saks Fifth Ave
Youtube

5. In May 2021, Aldo held a live streaming
event where consumers could receive
fashion tips from the hosts and shop the
spring collection. According to Retail
Insider, Aldo saw 17,000 page views in
the first five days after the event and had
a 308% engagement rate.
Aldo

6. Virtual Stores
The idea of brick-and-mortar stores is being
reinvented to fit the online lifestyle - and allowing
shoppers to "see and feel" the merchandize
better.
Many stores are creating virtual versions of their
physical stores that you can click to walk through.
Shoppers can view displays and be directly linked
to the products they see. Virtual stores like these
are tapping into the metaverse and give the very
real feeling of shopping in person without having
to actually be there. This is the middle ground for
shopping from any location and still being able to
experience a physical store. American Girl
Christian Dior

7. Wrangler

8. Shop with Friends
Charlotte Tilbury has created
a virtual shopping
"wonderland" where you can
video chat with your friends
directly on the website. With
this, you and your friends can
shop online together and chat
about beauty products.
As online shopping becomes more prominent, it's
important for consumers to still be able to interact with
friends and share the experience together.
This enables brands to engage shoppers by offering chats
(with friends and/or the brand/retailer), including user-
and expert - generated content, and create a community.

9. Thank you!
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