#BizTrends2023: 6 global retail trends making their mark in FMCG
On the flip side, the race to net zero is driving awareness around more mindful business practices and consumption habits. And with financially-constrained consumers selective about how they spend their discretionary income, brands need to work harder to boost their bottom line through innovative sales, engagement and revenue-generating strategies.
Against this backdrop Trade Intelligence, a provider of consumer goods retail research, insights and training solutions in South Africa, recently hosted a webinar to unpack findings from its Retail Trends 2023 Report and pinpoint opportunities for growth.
As part of the online event, the company’s business development and advisory lead Andrea Ellens shared the global retail trends that local consumer goods and retail brands should pay attention to.
1. Branded refill solutions
Packaging-free refill solutions for FMCG products are not entirely new. Conscientiousness around plastic packaging waste has escalated over the years and more retailers have catered to the need for packaging-free refills. But these solutions are becoming more branded across categories including food, cleaning and personal care.
In chains abroad like Asda and Walmart, shoppers can find supermarket-branded product refills as well as packaging-free product refill stations from brands belonging to FMCG companies including Kellogg’s, Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive.
“What’s driving this is that 63% of shoppers rate sustainability as an important purchase criterion and the race to net zero is also intensifying retailers’ efforts to reduce plastic packaging,” Ellens said.
Beyond sustainability, consumers impacted by the rising costs of living are also gravitating to these solutions as they tend to be more affordable. “What’s really interesting is that 50% savings are achieved by using these refill stations versus buying packaged branded goods,” Ellens said.
2. Retail as a media channel
Retailers are prioritising digital advertising as a new revenue stream.
The in-store environment remains critical for brand presence, but it’s increasingly important for your brand to show up in the online space. “Retailers are very aware of this and the advertising revenue of retail as a media channel is expected to reach around $143bn by 2024,” Ellens said.
“It’s a source of revenue as well as consumer data mining,” she added. Retailers can sell consumer data to the brands, giving brands access to retailer reach and basket analysis, and allowing them to personalise their offerings through the retailer.
3. Live commerce
Live commerce combines e-commerce with video streaming, allowing for the sale of products online through live video while shoppers interact with the brand in real time.
Video as a medium has surged in popularity. Now, consumers can watch a video, engage with the brand, and click on the product to purchase it straight away.
“The platform economy, emerging technologies and the popularity of video as a medium are driving the evolution of live commerce online,” said Ellens.
Courtesy of Bizcommunity, full article here
