TRENDS FOR 2021 AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR RETAIL AND POS

TREND 2: ONLINE SHOPPING

• eMarketer forecast that UK consumers will have spent £141.33 billion online this year, up 34.7% from 2019 meaning ecommerce will account for more than 30% of total retail sales in the UK for the first time. In 2019, that share stood at just 21.8%

• Whilst these numbers are expected to decline in 2021 as stores open, many new habits have been formed

• Brands that have pivoted quickly to move services and experiences online are likely to continue. Barclaycard estimate ‘Insperiences’ (in-home experiences) such as virtual gym classes, virtual pub quizzes and DIY meal kits to be worth £168 million over the next 12 months

• Despite 56% of retailers initially planning their insperience product lines to be temporary, 35% of shoppers intend to continue investing in insperiences even after lockdown ends

• Brands and retailers will also look to harness the digital expertise that they have gained – both online and in the retail environment

• Stores as mini distribution centres – increased online activity has led to an explosion in the need for logistics, especially as consumers become more demanding. According to PWC, 88% of customers are willing to pay for same day or faster delivery

TAKE OUT FOR POS:

Communicate in the store environment the additional services available online – whether that is experiences or additional delivery support. Understand whether data gathered online could be used to enhance the shopper journey in store.