What's Next for Retailing?

The Future of Retailing:

Shelf Revolution:

Consumers are accustomed to seeing paper labels displaying pricing and product information at the shelf edge. But do they provide the information needed to aid in the buying decision? NO.

By eliminating paper completely, and providing unlimited control of what info and messages are shown to the customers, electronic paper displays such as ZBD’s epops (electronic point of purchase), are the next generation of "price tags." 

ZBD’s epops replace paper displays with fully graphical, high-resolution displays, that are capable of showing logos, images, nutritional information, pricing and competitor pricing. ZBD’s epaper displays enable the retailer to deliver any content to the point of purchase, any time and combine the benefits of paper with the dynamism of displays. 

http://www.retailtechnology.co.uk/cover-stories/new-shelf-edge-convention

RFIDs (Radio Frequency Identification Devices)
The next big thing in the way we shop is on its way to the spotlight. Enter Radio Frequency Identification Devices, or RFIDs. They are tiny microchips with an antenna, and they are the next step after barcodes, which is what retailers currently use to manage inventory and stop theft. Rather than the barcode however, retailers can manage their inventory remotely, meaning no longer do employees have to handle the products personally, they can do it all from the back room. They can also be used to trigger promotional messages when you pick up a product in store. In the future RFID readers could scan your bags as you leave a store and automatically take the money from a suitably enabled mobile phone which is linked to your bank or credit card.
http://toptrends.nowandnext.com/2006/09/15/rfid/

PA

PRADA, NYC

The Prada store located in Manhattan's SoHo district offers one of the most technologically advanced shopping experiences. There are video monitors that hang from racks or are embedded in tables. An alcove at the back of the basement level is lined with small video monitors playing a steady stream of random clips. A large round, glass enclosed elevator that shuttles customers between the ground floor and basement level. The dressing rooms feature clear glass that turns opaque when you step on a round black button on the floor. If you want to try on your suit, you enter one of these high-tech dressing rooms and hang it in the smart closet. The closet reads the RFID tag and displays information about the suit on a liquid crystal touch screen. You can through through accessories or see the same item in different colors. The content displayed is all related to the item in the closet, part of the same line or look in Prada's inventory. The sales associate can use the screen to up-sell by showing you items that might go well with your suit. 

http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/272/3

Trunk Shows

1. Michelle Rahn Trunk Show
On February 10-13, M Bride Salon in La Jolla, designer Michelle Rahn hosted a trunk show that debuted her new designs featuring bridal gowns, accessories, and other new styles for next season. Upon appoitment, the designer personally met with brides to help them shop the collection and style their overall look, and offer design tweaks if needed. Brides who attended received 10% of.

 “I work with brides directly. I offer changes. Every bride wants a unique touch. We can accommodate them by taking a silhouette and customizing and personalizing it to fit the brides’ wants,” Rahn says.“In my Chicago store, that’s they way we do things. We help you to create your perfect dress.”

http://www.sandiego.com/weddings-and-parties/michelle-rahn-trunk-show-at-m-bride-salon


2.Alexander McQueen Trunk Show

The Alexander McQueen Boutique in Beirut, Lebanon hosted an extravagant trunk show that featured some of his most popular dresses and accessories from his Fall/Winter 2011 collection. The show had a DJ, live models displaying the dresses, drinks, and food.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXoc-CB8Hdo

Zeigeist: The Great Depression

Dominating Events: 
- The Stock Market Crash of October 29th, 1929

- 25% unemployment rate during the worst year of the depression: 1933

There are many theories as to what ultimately caused the great depression. Most of the theories are speculation but each one of them are based on real facts. None the less, everyone can agree that the failure of two major structural factors (the stock market and the banking system) played a large role in causing the depression. Bank failures led to the loss of billions of dollars in assets. Outstanding debts became heavier, because prices and incomes fell by 20–50% but the debts remained at the same in dollar amount. A total of 744 banks failed in 1930 after the stock market crash caused a huge economic panic. 

The newer fashions of the 30's didn't use a great deal of fabric, so people could make their own clothes with less fabric and thus less cost. Especially in the United States, the ready-to-wear clothing industry had advanced in its ability to produce and sell inexpensively a wide range of sizes and styles. Clothing manufacturers copied the latest fashions coming out of Paris and produced cheap imitations. They took advantage of inexpensive fabrics like cotton and rayon, which were well-suited to the flowing lines that were so popular. Finally, most people saved money simply by making their clothes last longer. People ignored the fast turn of the fashion wheel and wore the same dresses and suits for several years because they simply had no other choice.

Dominating Attitude:

The years of the great depression were among the most dismal years in US history. After the stock market crash in 1929, the economy continued to take a downward turn. Experienced, educated professionals found themselves on the street, standing in the soup kitchen line. This was not a time of booming business and partying like in the previous decade, the 20's. People weren't worried about what kind of clothes they were wearing, they worried about trying to survive. Everyone wore the same general outfits in four main colors: Navy, Khaki, Black, and Grey.

Grunge:
Today we are experiencing similar economic problems. Although this recession is not near as extreme, we still live in fear of falling to that point again. Colorful clothing tends to disappear during dismal and uncertain times. This past year we have seen a rebirth of grunge, which spawned during economic troubles in the 90's, so its clear what direction clothing trends are going. Subdued colors, boots, and flannels will probably stay popular during the next few years because the look is cheap and reliable.