online Archives - Page 4 of 4 - WSL Strategic Retail

Can Retailers and Brands Meet Online Shopper Expectations?

July 24, 2023April 8, 2020 by WslAdmin

COVID-19 is causing an unprecedented number of shoppers to order basic goods for delivery, and many have never before purchased these categories online. What is their experience? Will they be omni-grocery shoppers in a post-COVID-19 world? The results from our report, How America Shops® in a COVID-19 Crisis. Online Orders are at Record Levels. Is ... Read more

Caring During COVID-19 Crisis: Learning from Costco, CVS, Alibaba and Others

July 24, 2023March 18, 2020 by WslAdmin

Caring During COVID-19 Crisis blog banner featuring inside of a RiteAid during COVID pandemic

The most important acts retailers and brands can take while scrambling to adapt to the COVID-19 epidemic are acts of kindness. Based on the results of our recent “Caring Score” research, shoppers are most likely to stick to those retailers and brands that are proving now that they care about their workers and communities. From ... Read more

Holiday Shopper Talk: Shoppers Call Off Black Friday

February 22, 2023November 18, 2019 by WslAdmin

Who’s waiting for Black Friday? Fewer people than last year. Holiday shopping is increasingly becoming an all-season affair, diluting the deal-busting power of Black Friday. This isn’t necessarily bad news – as long as retailers recognize the advantages behind the trend. Here’s what our 2019 Holiday How America Shops® research reveals. This Holiday Season, Any Day ... Read more

In Design, the ‘New’ Normal is Anything But – Pratt Design Symposium 2019

February 22, 2023November 4, 2019 by WslAdmin

In Design, the ‘New’ Normal is Anything But blog banner featuring photograph of six Pratt Design symposium members

[ Photos by Rebecca Smeyne, courtesy of Pratt Institute ] WSL joined leading designers at Pratt Institute’s Design Symposium to discover the “new normal” in fashion, home design and retail and how to reach increasingly educated shoppers. Hint: Get out of the studios and design around the new shopper values. It’s Time to Redesign Design When consumers have unprecedented ... Read more

Retailers are Hiring for the Holidays, but for the Store?

February 22, 2023October 22, 2019 by WslAdmin

Shoppers beware: Retailers are planning to hire more seasonal workers this season, but that doesn't assure better in-store experiences. Many of those workers will be fulfilling online orders far from the store. Retailers should make 2020 the year of the in-line-online balance. Retailers better watch out: If this holiday season’s in-store experiences are anything less ... Read more

3 Ways to Get Voice-Activated Devices to Pay Off (Hint: You Need a Screen)

July 21, 2023July 15, 2019 by WslAdmin

Blog banner featuring family at home with voice activated device on kitchen counter

Can we talk about voice technology in retail? If retailers are investing in VA technology, they need to be doing so in areas beyond saving time and easy refills. These qualities are building blocks, but growth follows sales, and sales follow browsing. And that browsing must be displayed as well as heard, hands-free. Based on ... Read more

Gen Z Is Ignoring Your Loyalty Program – Here’s Why

February 22, 2023July 2, 2019 by WslAdmin

Blog banner featuring two Gen Z teens on their mobile devices with tech icons in the background

Retailers count more reward program memberships than any other industry – 1.6 billion in the U.S. Keeping those members active is another matter, however, and the challenge may be even greater among young Gen Z members. Here’s why, and four insights into how to click with Gen Z. There are 78 million of them. And ... Read more

Online Isn’t Enough, Disruptive Brands are Opening Stores

February 22, 2023June 18, 2019 by WslAdmin

Blog banner featuring BYOB station and Birchbox promotion

Big news! Not everyone is a regular online shopper. In fact, no more than half of people shop online in an average of three months. As a result, many online-first brands have found it necessary to open stores. Here are seven familiar sites that have joined Main Street. It looks like someone has thrown a ... Read more

Gen Z Finds Its Own Unique Path to Purchase

July 21, 2023August 8, 2018 by WslAdmin

Blog banner featuring woman holding drink while looking at store jewelry

Sometimes it’s a new path, sometimes it’s an old one. Here’s a very personal, Gen Z, view of shopping that underscores how fresh and new even long-term retail practices are to young consumers. Retailers that do not see their shopping experience through young eyes risk losing relevance, and growth opportunities. Meet Kaci, WSL’s summer intern ... Read more