{"id":968,"date":"2023-05-26T17:23:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-26T17:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sortlist.co.uk\/datahub\/reports\/retail-digital-transformation\/"},"modified":"2024-02-28T15:06:56","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T15:06:56","slug":"retail-digital-transformation","status":"publish","type":"reports","link":"https:\/\/www.sortlist.co.uk\/datahub\/reports\/retail-digital-transformation\/","title":{"rendered":"Retail Digital Transformation: Can AI Save the Brick-and-Mortar Store?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"section-636a431247ccb\" class=\"gutenberg-block gutenberg--section\" style=\"background-image:url();\">\n        <div class=\"overlay\" style=\"background-color:\"><\/div> \n    <div class=\"gutenberg--section__wrapper wrapper\">\n        \n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this Industry Report:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#section-omnichannel\">27% increase in Social Media projects means omnichannel leads retail&#8217;s digital transformation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#section-crm\">Data collection: More companies request CRM projects to pair physical and digital orders<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#section-visual-search\">Retail Digital Transformation: Companies see a 50% increase in order value thanks to visual search<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#section-alongside\">Digital stands with brick-and-mortar: 70% of consumers have bought online after seeing a product in-store<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Twelve years have passed since Marc Andreesen claimed that software would eat the world. In 2023, it has become more than evident, particularly with digital transformation in retail. The latest research from Gartner says that more than 50% of all consumer spending <a href=\"https:\/\/whatfix.com\/blog\/retail-digital-transformation\/#:~:text=Retail%20digital%20transformation%20is%20the,customer%20experience%20and%20drive%20growth.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">will be done online this year<\/a>, and almost 60% of it will be done through mobile devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the typical brick-and-mortar store, it\u2019s normal to see why the shift towards digital purchases has almost supposed a threat to business in its own right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, an interesting trend has been spotted: while <strong>e-commerce has boomed<\/strong> and become almost a given for many stores, retail has become <strong>more of an experience<\/strong> for the customer, who gets to be immersed in the brand and the values it embraces. And that experience has only been possible thanks to technology and digital transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Could it be that the same technology that first seemed to threaten the success of traditional stores has come to its rescue? Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"section-omnichannel\" class=\"gutenberg-block gutenberg--section\" style=\"background-color:rgb(251,250,249);\">\n        <div class=\"overlay\" style=\"background-color:\"><\/div> \n    <div class=\"gutenberg--section__wrapper wrapper\">\n        \n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">27% increase in Social Media projects means omnichannel leads retail&#8217;s digital transformation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"section-636a431247d2b\" class=\"gutenberg-block gutenberg--section\" style=\"background-image:url();\">\n        <div class=\"overlay\" style=\"background-color:\"><\/div> \n    <div class=\"gutenberg--section__wrapper wrapper\">\n        \n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>Social Media<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">The most requested expertise in the retail industry<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:50px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>27%<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Increase of Social Media projects between 2021 and 2022 in retail<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:50px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>\u20ac1,700<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Average budget of a Retail project for Social Media in the Sortlist platform<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Research suggests that having an omnichannel strategy is crucial for brick-and-mortar stores to survive. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/resources\/articles\/customer-expectations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">According to a survey by Salesforce<\/a>, 76% of consumers expect a consistent experience across channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In line with omnichannel implementation, we noticed that among the <strong>1,410 Retail projects<\/strong> that were posted on Sortlist in the last four years, <strong>Social Media<\/strong> was the most in-demand expertise (15%), followed by Digital Strategy (12.27%) and Advertising (11.21%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More specifically, 2022 saw an <strong>increase of 27% in Social Media projects for the Retail industry<\/strong>, compared to 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/most-requested-marketing-services-retail-industry-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"most requested digital services in the retail industry\" class=\"wp-image-979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/most-requested-marketing-services-retail-industry-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/most-requested-marketing-services-retail-industry-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/most-requested-marketing-services-retail-industry-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/most-requested-marketing-services-retail-industry.jpg 1488w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of omnichannel features, retailers are now using inventory management systems and order management systems that provide <strong>real-time visibility<\/strong> of inventory across all channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The question then becomes\u2026 What happens when customers don\u2019t get that consistent omnichannel experience?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data has found that <a href=\"https:\/\/customerthink.com\/why-consistency-matters-in-customer-experience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">65% of customers expressed frustration<\/a> over inconsistent experiences or information presented across channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps more alarmingly, half of customers will switch to a competitor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zendesk.es\/newsroom\/press-releases\/zendesk-releases-new-research-insights-power-service-influencing-customer-loyalty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">after just one bad experience<\/a>, and 80% will leave after multiple bad experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Upselling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Retailers have implemented in-store pickup and returns for e-commerce purchases, driving <strong>foot traffic to brick-and-mortar locations<\/strong> and providing opportunities for <strong>upselling in-store<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Click-and-collect demonstrates that having an online store increases in-store sales. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.icsc.com\/news-and-views\/icsc-exchange\/icsc-finds-over-half-of-americans-use-click-and-collect\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">According to a study<\/a> by the International Council of Shopping Centers, 67% of customers who pick up an e-commerce order in-store <strong>make an additional purchase while they are there<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An example of how upselling is aided by digital transformation in retail takes the shape of <strong>purchase incentives<\/strong>. In other words, giving customers enough motivation to want to spend more in stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dotactiv.com\/blog\/upselling-techniques-try-in-store\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Supermarkets like Checkers or Pick n Pay<\/a> with its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brandloyalty.com\/en\/invading-south-africa-with-40-million-stikeez\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Stikeez campaign<\/a> have used purchase incentives effectively by <strong>gamifying their loyalty programme<\/strong>. By spending a certain amount per shop, customers receive a reward. For Pick n Pay alone, this strategy increased profits by 8.5% in six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/stikeez-campaign-gamification-1024x521.png\" alt=\"stikeez campaign gamification\" class=\"wp-image-978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/stikeez-campaign-gamification-1024x521.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/stikeez-campaign-gamification-300x153.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/stikeez-campaign-gamification-768x391.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/stikeez-campaign-gamification-1536x781.png 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/stikeez-campaign-gamification.png 1815w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"section-crm\" class=\"gutenberg-block gutenberg--section\" style=\"background-color:rgb(251,250,249);\">\n        <div class=\"overlay\" style=\"background-color:\"><\/div> \n    <div class=\"gutenberg--section__wrapper wrapper\">\n        \n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Data collection: More companies request CRM projects to pair physical and digital orders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"section-636a431247d2b\" class=\"gutenberg-block gutenberg--section\" style=\"background-image:url();\">\n        <div class=\"overlay\" style=\"background-color:\"><\/div> \n    <div class=\"gutenberg--section__wrapper wrapper\">\n        \n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:35px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>6M<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Number of QR code scans in 2022<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:35px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>CRM<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Major catalyst in digital transformation for retail<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:35px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>Personalisation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Key trend in the future of retail<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The use of the QR code, especially during the pandemic era of 2020 and 2021, is a perfect example of how the retail sector adapted using technology. In 2022, dynamic QR codes generated by users accumulated a total of 6,825,842 scans from global users\u2014a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qrcode-tiger.com\/qr-code-statistics-2022-q1#QR_code_scans_quadrupled_in_2022\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">433% increase from 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chains like Decathlon are also reshaping the customer experience inside its walls. On scanning a product barcode or QR code, Decathlon customers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moengage.com\/blog\/retail-marketing-101-decathlon-provides-a-holistic-omni-experience\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">can add products to their cart<\/a> and complete their journey by paying digitally through the app. QR codes are also used to incentivise users to leave a Google review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/qr-code-decathlon.jpeg\" alt=\"qr code decathlon\" class=\"wp-image-977\" width=\"440\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/qr-code-decathlon.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/qr-code-decathlon-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/qr-code-decathlon-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, shoppers can choose whether to have their receipts sent to their email and forego paper altogether, thus allowing Decathlon to <strong>grow its email database<\/strong> and use a new channel for retargeting and specific promotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The emergence of big data has also allowed retailers to offer personalised experiences to customers. <a href=\"https:\/\/newsroom.accenture.com\/news\/consumers-welcome-personalized-offerings-but-businesses-are-struggling-to-deliver-finds-accenture-interactive-personalization-research.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">A report by Accenture<\/a> found that 56% of consumers are <strong>more likely to buy<\/strong> from a retailer that recognises them by name, recommends options based on past purchases, or knows their purchase history. Similarly, digital transformation in retail has helped them <strong>analyse customer behaviour<\/strong> and recommend products based on their preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Retail projects at Sortlist show that businesses are quick to invest in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sortlist.com\/digital-transformation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">digital transformation<\/a> and better customer management. For instance, the implementation of a <strong>customer relationship management<\/strong> (CRM) software adds an extra layer of human interaction and personalisation that tracks every point of interaction, purchase behaviour, and personal information. By individualising customers, businesses can properly follow through every buyer\u2019s journey to marksman precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One such project at Sortlist requested the design of a CRM strategy, with a budget of approximately 30,000 euros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote has-text-color\" style=\"color:#200df2\"><blockquote><p><em>Other Retail projects become more complex as customers\u2019 <strong>purchasing journeys<\/strong> expand and the need for tracking them grows with possibility. As more stores are incorporating online purchase systems as part of their omnichannel strategy, access to data becomes easier\u2026 but without a proper CRM in place, it can also easily become overwhelming.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Suddenly, the need for a seamless integration between the physical and the digital becomes paramount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A project from the Netherlands described the need for a website design that <strong>paired both physical and digital orders<\/strong> more precisely. Specifically, it requested a website that was user-friendly for both the customer and the non-expert employee to manage. Inventory and points of sale (POS) had to be seamless between the physical store and the online site, with Amazon and Bol (the Netherlands\u2019 e-commerce giant) integration. Finally, it also needed the implementation of proper content management and CRM features (such as newsletters, loyalty points system, and blog entries).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Evidently, the tendency for <strong>digital transformation<\/strong> in the retail industry and the availability of more detailed data about customers allow retailers to experiment and execute new strategies that are aided by technology.<\/p>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"section-visual-search\" class=\"gutenberg-block gutenberg--section\" style=\"background-color:rgb(251,250,249);\">\n        <div class=\"overlay\" style=\"background-color:\"><\/div> \n    <div class=\"gutenberg--section__wrapper wrapper\">\n        \n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Retail Digital Transformation: Companies see a 50% increase in order value thanks to visual search<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"section-636a431247d2b\" class=\"gutenberg-block gutenberg--section\" style=\"background-image:url();\">\n        <div class=\"overlay\" style=\"background-color:\"><\/div> \n    <div class=\"gutenberg--section__wrapper wrapper\">\n        \n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>Visual search<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Rising trend in artificial intelligence for retail<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>50%<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Increase in order value thanks to visual search<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>Testing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Companies are using visual search in creative ways<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Picture this: you stumble upon a picture of Beyonc\u00e9 wearing a mesmerising green dress in the street, and you want something similar. Typing \u201cbeyonce green dress street\u201d in Google will not exactly find you the exact match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine now you could search for similar dresses <strong>using the same image you found<\/strong> of Beyonc\u00e9. Imagine telling Google, or some other platform, to just look at the image and find you the dresses. With AI integrated in retail, it\u2019s more than possible. It\u2019s already here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With <strong>visual search<\/strong>, artificial intelligence is transforming the way we shop. Retailers are using <a href=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AI-powered<\/a> visual search to enable customers to find products by uploading images instead of text-based searches. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/visual-search-market-key-players-growth-rate-forecasts-\/?trk=pulse-article_more-articles_related-content-card\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">A report by Credible Markets Analytics<\/a> found that the visual search market is expected to reach $28,470 million by 2027, with an annual growth rate of over 17% from 2022 to 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/retail-categories-visual-search-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"retail digital transformation categories for visual search\" class=\"wp-image-976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/retail-categories-visual-search-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/retail-categories-visual-search-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/retail-categories-visual-search-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/retail-categories-visual-search.jpg 1488w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, visuals are more important to customers than keywords or other forms of filtering. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinkwithgoogle.com\/intl\/en-cee\/consumer-insights\/consumer-journey\/see-it-snap-it-buy-it-how-visual-search-makes-shopping-smarter\/#:~:text=Brands%20can%20track%20what%20shoppers,on%20efforts%20that%20drive%20results.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Google has found<\/a> that consumers that use visual search \u201care more likely to add products to their basket and buy them than those using a traditional keyword search.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It would make sense, as <a href=\"https:\/\/financesonline.com\/search-marketing-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">74% of consumers find text-based keyword searches inefficient<\/a> in helping them find the right product online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Google\u2019s own Lens platform is perhaps one of the industry\u2019s most well-known, a technology that not only uses the original image to find similar images, but also identifies objects in the original image to inform its results. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shopify.com\/retail\/what-is-visual-search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">In 2021<\/a>, Google Lens was used approximately <strong>three billion times<\/strong> per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And needless to say, the value that visual search features can give to businesses online is accounted for. E-commerce sites with visual search functionality experience a <strong>30% increase<\/strong> in conversion rates and a <strong>50% boost<\/strong> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsnurture.com\/blog\/visual-search.html#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20report%20by%20Slyce%2C%20a%20visual%20search%20provider,average%20order%20value%20by%2050%25.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">average order value<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Philadelphia, the Home Depot franchise has set up a <a href=\"https:\/\/technical.ly\/software-development\/slyce-visual-search-kiosk-home-depot-stores\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">visual search pilot program<\/a> in several kiosks that can scan, identify, and illustrate exactly where in the store to find a certain product. This allows customers seeking, for example, a replacement screw or bolt to place the part in the kiosk to find out which aisle and where in that aisle to find the part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/visual-search-pilot-home-depot-768x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"visual search pilot program for AI in retail home depot\" class=\"wp-image-975\" width=\"316\" height=\"421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/visual-search-pilot-home-depot-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/visual-search-pilot-home-depot-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/visual-search-pilot-home-depot.jpeg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 316px) 100vw, 316px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"section-alongside\" class=\"gutenberg-block gutenberg--section\" style=\"background-color:rgb(251,250,249);\">\n        <div class=\"overlay\" style=\"background-color:\"><\/div> \n    <div class=\"gutenberg--section__wrapper wrapper\">\n        \n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\">Digital stands with brick-and-mortar: 70% of consumers have bought online after seeing a product in-store<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"section-636a431247d2b\" class=\"gutenberg-block gutenberg--section\" style=\"background-image:url();\">\n        <div class=\"overlay\" style=\"background-color:\"><\/div> \n    <div class=\"gutenberg--section__wrapper wrapper\">\n        \n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>37%<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Retailers that find stocking issues most challenging<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>Showrooming<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Boosts online purchases by 70% after store visits<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#081f91;flex-basis:33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><strong>E-commerce<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Its importance and impact varies by industry<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The talk used to be that, indeed, \u201csoftware would eat the world.\u201d But in retail, e-commerce arrived to <strong>complement<\/strong> the physical shopping experience, rather than supplant it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Inventory management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>E-commerce has enabled retailers to track their inventory <strong>across multiple sales channels<\/strong>, including in-store, online, and mobile, helping them optimise their inventory levels and avoid stockouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walmart uses an AI-powered system called Eden to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tokinomo.com\/blog\/artificial-intelligence-in-retail#:~:text=AI%20is%20being%20increasingly%20used,reduce%20waste%2C%20and%20avoid%20stockouts.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">manage inventory across stores<\/a>. By using machine learning algorithms, Eden can predict demand, optimise inventory levels, and reduce waste. With AI, Walmart has been able to reduce out-of-stock incidents by 30%, while also reducing overstocking and waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"856\" height=\"698\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Eden-Interface-walmart-ai.png\" alt=\"Eden Interface walmart ai\" class=\"wp-image-974\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Eden-Interface-walmart-ai.png 856w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Eden-Interface-walmart-ai-300x245.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Eden-Interface-walmart-ai-768x626.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The customer side of Eden also uses AI to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foodprocessing-technology.com\/news\/walmarts-eden-artificial-intelligence-technology-inspect-fresh-food-spoilage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">inspect fresh food<\/a> for spoilage.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, retail giant Zara uses data and an AI-powered inventory management system to predict demand and optimise inventory levels. Their system uses data from sales, customer feedback, and social media trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a matter of fact, <strong>37% of sellers<\/strong> who manage inventory in-house say stocking issues, such as overstocking, overselling items, restocking popular items, and supply chain issues, are their biggest inventory challenges. But an inventory management system for ecommerce <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webgility.com\/blog\/how-does-ecommerce-inventory-management-save-money\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">helps tackle those challenges and save money<\/a>, as it can give businesses better inventory control and more accurate stock data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Showrooming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, a trend that has emerged in response to e-commerce is &#8220;<strong>showrooming<\/strong>,&#8221; where customers visit physical stores to see and touch products before making a purchase online. As a result, some retailers <strong>have redesigned their stores<\/strong> to focus more on the in-store experience and less on selling products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, stores are looking to make their physical locations more \u201csocial media friendly\u201d or \u201cInstagrammable\u201d\u2014after all, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bazaarvoice.com\/blog\/9-tips-to-make-your-retail-space-instagrammable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">83% of Instagram users<\/a> discover new products on that platform. It\u2019s part of a bigger trend to showcase brand identity and motivate customers to live the authentic brand experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A 2018 study conducted by UK e-commerce agency PushOn says that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getdor.com\/blog\/2021\/08\/03\/showrooming-in-retail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">70% of consumers<\/a> have seen a product in-store and then made the final purchase online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A great example of a retailer that carries showrooming to perfection is <strong>IKEA<\/strong>, whose stores include specific displays or sets featuring selected products from the store\u2019s inventory to help shoppers picture how a certain item, like a couch, will look with a coffee table. In London, IKEA has opened smaller order and collection points where customers can visit the store to view display products, before ordering on their mobiles or through the self-service digital terminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote has-text-color\" style=\"color:#200df2\"><blockquote><p><em>Still, even if showrooming helps their digital strategy, IKEA still attributes almost <strong>90% of its sales worldwide to its traditional stores<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The showrooming trend is often seen in retailers of bigger, high-price items like furniture and vehicles, as customers want to make sure what they are investing in without taking it home at first. However, showrooming can also provide an <strong>exceptional personalised experience<\/strong> for retailers of less bulky items. The luxury retailer Nordstrom has seven Nordstrom Local showrooms in New York and California offering shoppers express alterations on their clothes, gift-wrapping, free styling help, and charity drop-offs for gently-used clothing, among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Nordstrom-local.jpeg\" alt=\"nordstrom local personalised experience\" class=\"wp-image-973\" width=\"382\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Nordstrom-local.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Nordstrom-local-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Nordstrom-local-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 382px) 100vw, 382px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Fulfilment centres<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Today\u2019s customer demands greater agility and speed from retailers, beyond what traditional distribution centres could deliver in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this regard, we\u2019ve seen how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/industries\/retail\/our-insights\/beyond-the-distribution-center\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the brick-and-mortar store also serves a distribution purpose<\/a> in the e-commerce world: many retailers have also redesigned their stores <strong>to serve as fulfilment centres<\/strong> for online orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Giant retail players such as Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are using their less productive and excess store space <strong>as a competitive advantage<\/strong> to fulfil e-commerce orders from stores. Using stores as fulfilment centres allows retailers to ship from locations closer to shoppers, which in turn drives down delivery times and cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"430\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/target-fulfilment-centre.jpeg\" alt=\"target fulfilment centre\" class=\"wp-image-972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/target-fulfilment-centre.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/target-fulfilment-centre-300x202.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Target will open three new package-sorting centres in 2023 to further its strategy of using stores to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2022-07-25\/target-picks-chicago-denver-for-new-sorting-hubs-in-e-commerce-push#xj4y7vzkg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">handle online orders<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Alternative business models<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In a similar fashion to store redesign for distribution, retailers are also working on physical designs that have a <strong>smaller physical footprint<\/strong> in response to the rise of e-commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, Macy&#8217;s has implemented a &#8220;Macy&#8217;s Backstage&#8221; program where off-price products are sold in smaller, standalone stores with a more streamlined design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This allows Macy&#8217;s to reduce its physical footprint and focus on providing a more <strong>curated<\/strong> and <strong>personalised<\/strong> shopping experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2023-05-24-at-18.09.46-1024x520.png\" alt=\"macy's backstage curated personalised shopping experience\" class=\"wp-image-971\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2023-05-24-at-18.09.46-1024x520.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2023-05-24-at-18.09.46-300x152.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2023-05-24-at-18.09.46-768x390.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2023-05-24-at-18.09.46-1536x779.png 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/Screenshot-2023-05-24-at-18.09.46.png 1754w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Physical sales aren&#8217;t dead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The percentage of online sales versus brick-and-mortar sales is an indicator that traditional store sales have by no means fallen behind. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/retail\/mrts\/www\/data\/pdf\/ec_current.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">In the first quarter of 2023<\/a>, e-commerce accounted for <strong>15%<\/strong> of total retail sales in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/ecommerce-vs-retail-industries-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"ecommerce vs traditional store retail\" class=\"wp-image-970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/ecommerce-vs-retail-industries-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/ecommerce-vs-retail-industries-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/ecommerce-vs-retail-industries-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.blog.production.sortlist.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/02\/ecommerce-vs-retail-industries.jpg 1488w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While it represents an increase of 3% from the previous quarter, the number makes it clear that, rather than putting up a fight with brick and mortar, it should tag alongside it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2022 saw an increase of 27% in Social Media projects for the Retail industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":102,"featured_media":969,"template":"","reports_categories":[3],"class_list":["post-968","reports","type-reports","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","reports_categories-industry-reports"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Retail Digital Transformation: Can It Save Brick-and-Mortar?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this industry report, we dive deep into retail digital transformation and see how technology is shaping the sector.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sortlist.co.uk\/datahub\/reports\/retail-digital-transformation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" 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