How Web-Based AR Can Help Retailers Boost Customer Engagement And Sales

ClickZ

The augmented reality (AR) market is projected to be valued at more than $18.8 billion in 2020 as AR ads are seeing a 520 percent increase in intent to purchase over the next six months and a 75 percent higher memory response than non-AR ads.

Why it matters: As consumers increasingly shop online, AR can help brands fuse the digital and physical worlds, enabling them to reach new digital shoppers through virtual tours of physical storefronts, virtual product try-ons and interactive packaging.

59 Percent Of Influencers Report An Increase In Brand Interest During COVID-19

ION

After a 41 percent drop in influencer marketing efficiency in April, the influencer marketing industry rebounded with 59 percent of influencers seeing an increase in brand interest during the pandemic.

Why it matters: Half of the marketers surveyed reported spending more money on influencer marketing during COVID-19 while 62 percent have noticed increased sales due to these partnerships.

Winners And Losers Of Black Friday 2020

Retail Dive

This year’s Black Friday sales event was marked by a roughly 22-23 percent increase over 2019, yielding between $9 billion and $13 billion in online sales. Mobile comprised $3.6 billion, a 25 percent increase. 

Why it matters: Retailers unable to cope with logistical hurdles caused by a surge in online sales and decreased foot traffic will experience greater-than-normal returns, unhappy customers due to shipping delays and shipping cost increases of up to nearly 15 percent.

2021: The Year Of Living Actually And Artificially

Forbes

2021 will be the year when two conflicting trends—namely the desire for both tangible products that provide comfort and products that use artificial intelligence or virtual reality—come together.

Why it matters: It’s important that brands provide creative and safe ways for consumers to live actually and artificially at the same time.

How Marketers Can Reach Gen Z This Holiday Season

Ad Age

Accounting for 40 percent of all consumers in 2020, Gen Z has an estimated spending power of $150 billion and uses the internet to shop for apparel, footwear, at-home entertainment and food takeout and delivery. 

Why it matters: Retailers offering goods and services outside of the aforementioned industries must adapt to the digitally-savvy Gen Z by marketing on formats they heavily consume and adopting brand values that resonate with them.