Berns Communications Group Unveils Insights from Its Retail Influencer Network
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 2020, the global pandemic disrupted retail supply chains, led companies to fast-track digitization and drove massive shifts in shopping behavior as consumers of all ages headed online to buy everything they couldn’t get in stores due to lockdowns or shortages.
Retailers and brands adopted new technologies to serve and stay close to customers during the pandemic, accelerating trends as varied as buy online, pick up in-store; alternative digital payment options; and livestreamed sales. E-commerce’s share of retail sales skyrocketed and, while most agree that frequent online shopping will become a permanent part consumers’ lives, the industry is still debating how quickly shoppers will return to physical stores once they feel it’s safe to do so.
To gain insight on where the industry is headed, Berns Communications Group asked the members of its Retail Influencer Network what they predict for 2021 as global vaccination efforts accelerate and retail and related sectors regain their footing. The Retail Influencer Network is a carefully selected group of senior business leaders and influential investors and analysts whose thought leadership is shaping the global retail industry.
“2020 has given rise to new consumer shopping habits that will likely stick post-vaccine,” said Stacy Berns, President of Berns Communications Group. “Since the start of the pandemic, our Retail Influencer Network has regularly brought together some of the greatest minds in retail to discuss these trends and better understand their long-term implications.”
According to these thought leaders, we can expect:
A Shift in Consumers’ Values
- Wellness will be considered a necessity, not a luxury, according to Mindy Grossman, CEO of WW. The pandemic has prompted consumers to rethink how they live, how they work, what they value and what they want in their life, she says. They’ve turned their attention to health and well-being and will look to shop from trusted brands that marry technology with meaning to help them live better, more connected lives.
- Employees will still want to work remotely, predicts Greg Petro, CEO of First Insight. They’ll likely want to dress up and return to the office on occasion, but after sitting in traffic and being late for the morning meeting a few days in a row, they’ll be asking to work from home again forever, he says.
