In the last 12 months, the retail industry has changed more than ever. If you’re a small business, how can you stay relevant?
With more and more large companies closing or filing for bankruptcy, what chance do small businesses have? Luckily, there’s still a lot you can do to help grow your business, such as paying attention to consumer trends.
By offering shoppers what they want, you can help your company thrive.
To learn more, keep reading to find five surprising consumer trends to watch out for in 2021.
1. Security
Security and online safety are one of the biggest digital consumer trends. The more we shop online, the more we worry about the risks of entering our credit cards and personal information online.
If your business offers ecommerce, online security should be one of your biggest priorities. Invest in a secure website with HTTPS attached to your domain, so that shoppers can buy with confidence.
2. Real-Time Customer Support
Customers want answers as soon as possible, which is why we’re seeing an increase in real-time customer support. No matter what time of day, shoppers want to be able to visit a company’s website and get answers to their questions.
However, staffing a company 24/7 would cost a fortune, so more and more businesses are using chatbots, an AI software that can answer questions just like a customer service rep would.
3. Eco-Friendly Packaging
Consumer behavior trends show us that customers are placing a bigger emphasis than ever on the environment. They’re tired of single-use plastics and packaging that end up getting thrown away and want more environmentally-friendly choices.
There’s a high demand for eco-friendly packaging like paper, cardboard, or biodegradable materials.
4. Personalized Communications
Customers have plenty of choices when shopping, so they want to be appreciated when they’re loyal to one company. For this reason, we’re seeing an increase in personalized communications.
Whether it’s using the customer’s name in email marketing sequences or using AI software to quickly look up a customer’s purchase history when chatting online, shoppers love to feel valued and cared for by brands.
5. Online Shopping Is Bigger Than Ever Before
Thanks in part to the pandemic, one of the top 2020 consumer trends was online shopping. Not just for retail items, but for practicalities like groceries, pharmacy items, and household supplies.
If your company wants to expand into the online space, you’ll need a fast, secure website and plenty of storage space—learn more about warehousing options here.
Take Into Account These Consumer Trends to Improve Your Business
Want to take your business to the next level? If so, be sure to think about these consumer trends we’re sure to see more of in 2021.
They can help you give your customers what they want—a safe, fast, and easy shopping experience that makes them feel appreciated. Get started today and see how these trends can help your business grow.
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