The sharing of values, personalisation, the creation of positive experiences: these are the key drivers that retailers and brands will need to adopt to engage the new consumers of the post-pandemic era. More conscious and responsible than before and dedicated supporters of slow shopping, seeing the community they belong to as vital. Yet, at the same time, dependent on digital technology which offers them an independent shopping experience as they look towards a future which, despite everything, they see as positive.
This constantly moving and complex scenario was analysed during the Expo Riva Schuh live talk about 'The Future Shopper'.
What emerged has all the features of a challenge to which the market players will need to respond in an increasingly authoritative manner, and, above all, aiming for values that don’t stop at mere storytelling, but that have strong connotations and translate into actions destined for success. A proactive attitude is called for, which, alongside product sustainability, goes hand in hand with social responsibility, respect for people and communities, decisive choices and a concrete commitment - the yardstick of Gen Z.
In the course of the debate and again, in terms of responsible consumption, the important role of secondhand reared its head, a market which is expected to hold its ground and, by 2030, account for 15 percent of consumption. This will provide brands with a chance to penetrate the primary market - and that’s not all, the success of retail in intercepting the consumers of the future, must be based on the customisation of products and services, to offer a shopping experience as exclusive as possible. With the aid of digital technology, it will be necessary to engage with the consumer in a totally targeted dialogue, offering an experience that is full of emotive values.
The pandemic has also brought to the forefront changes in consumer habits, destined to remain unchanged in time, in which the range of digital technologies, capable of offering both performance and safety, together with hygiene rules and safe solutions, will increasingly make the difference in physical stores.
In order to stay competitive, shops will not only need to be duly integrated with the online channel but will have to arouse a positive attitude in the consumer, moving from entertainment solutions such as dreamscapes to more targeted personal relationships directly at the point of sale.
The Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags Showroom has been created from an omnichannel perspective.
On 18th and 19th February, thanks to the Swapcard platform, all the footwear and leather goods from the January edition of the event will be visible, presented by four industry experts. This innovative, revolutionary project places next season’s products centre stage with two days of online presentations and webinars that will allow buyers to discover the latest products presented at the fair.
Entry into the Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags Showroom is really easy. Once buyers have identified the right products for their clients, they will be able to examine the rest of the collections – right there on the Swapcard platform where the streaming will take place, in the Shoecase section. There, buyers can also contact suppliers, receive further details and place their orders.
The project will be led by a group of industry experts, including Sergio Belloni (designer and trend researcher), Milena Buttarello (product manager), Alice Masiero (buyer and collection merchandiser) and Maurizio Oliviero (product sourcing). These experts will talk about the products highlighting style ideas, manufacturing merits, target markets, prices and attention to sustainability, positioning each presentation within the current market context and taking into consideration today’s key trends. This initiative forms part of the broadest strategy ever undertaken by Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, aimed at integrating the physical trade fair approach with fast, concrete tools that can – not only now, but in the future too – support the sector in their main needs: to gain information, evaluate collections, maintain contact with suppliers and complete their orders.
To join the streaming on 18th & 19th February from 14:00 to 16:30, register directly on the event website here.
