Retail self-care takes popular self-care trends and includes them into spaces for shoppers to enjoy. An immersive experience reduces stress levels and encourages customer appreciation. From including more nature to shared social spaces, here are some popular examples.
Unique Service Sales Points
Self-care in retail comes in many forms. As a retail experience provider, soft colors, scented areas, and wellness lounges form a holistic approach to shopping wellness. However, forward-thinking retailers are also integrating unique experiences into shopper wellbeing while capitalizing on trends for greater sales. This retail evolution includes things like pilates courses, low impact training memberships and spa treatment days aimed at specific demographics.
Biophilic Design for Retail Self-Care
A survey by eMarketer from 2018 found that 74% of people “stress shop” as part of retail therapy. But what if retail could contribute to therapy? One of the most engaging ways to help shopper feels more relaxed is by using nature, such as plants, within modern store design:
- Ultra-modern stores are being designed to include much more greenery and nature.
- The point is to create a sense of tranquility while enjoying a shopping experience.
- Nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental and physical wellbeing.
Greenery in stores promotes a relaxing experience that can lower shopper stress. A tranquil experience also means customers could spend more time and money in a store. However, healthier customers are also more likely to enjoy a store and are more likely to return.
An Inviting and Relaxing Atmosphere
An inviting atmosphere can make all the difference when shopping. Natural materials are used extensively in boutique stores, and for good reasons. Materials such as wood and stone help create a feeling of authenticity within a space, helping a customer feel appreciated and valued. This is in stark contrast to the traditional design of the average supermarket. However, retailers such as Aldi try to use natural materials where necessary, such as around fresh vegetables.
In-Store Experiences and Treatments
When does a shopping trip turn into something memorable? When it’s like a mini spa break, of course! There are retailers offering in-store treatments and experiences for improved wellness while spending money. While this can be seen as a gimmick, it links directly to a modern shopper’s desire to look after themselves more. Beauty retailers in particular can take advantage of this for upselling related products, such as skincare treatments and makeup.
Personalized Retail Self-Care
The same eMarketer survey as mentioned above also found that 42% of customers wouldn’t return to a store after a negative staff experience. However, retail self-care is something worth pursuing as it can elevate your self-care routineby offering more than standard products.
In-store guidance about self-care products
More and more retail employees are being given training about specific products so they can assist shoppers and advise about the best products for their personal situation and needs.
In-house medical services
Retail spaces are now incorporating expert-level services into the shopping experience. From in-house aesthetics clinics to qualified pharmacological personnel, and even medical doctors.
The use of AI in retail personalization
Modern shoppers enjoy an interactive experience. This has facilitated a shift towards new tech, such as AI, that provides an intuitive experience through personalized brand interactions.
In-store guidance about certain products addresses specific needs for the customer and builds trust. Medical services in a store offer convenience, affordability and a focus on prevention and wellness. AI can recommend the best products based on history and improve overall marketing.
Using Immersive Technology
Shopping is evolving today, and customers are attracted by experiences rather than flashy advertising. Like AI, there are other ways technology is being used to draw in customers. One of the ways in which savvy retailers are taking a visit to other levels is with immersive tech such as VR and AR. These can be used for memorable product demonstrations that increase customer understanding, resulting in purchases that are better for their personal wellness situation.
The Overall Experience
Modern shoppers enjoy a seamless experience with as little or as much guidance as they need. This is called the “customer experience” or “CX”. A quality CX begins before customers even step foot into a store, such as through social media or on an official website or app. Getting around any of these should be as easy as possible, and help should always be available. Pushy sales teams are guaranteed to lose customers, that will leave feeling stressed and won’t return.
Retail Self-Care through Community
The average American spends over £1,000 per month on food, clothing, and essential products. So you might as well get something from it. One of the core foundations of self-care is social engagement. Some retailers are encouraging open and social spaces in their stores:
- Retailers are making their spaces more appalling by encouraging social spaces.
- This is part of a shift towards a holistic shopping experience as part of wellbeing.
- Customers can feel a sense of belonging by connecting with like-minded others.
Social shopping has been declining since COVID, and online shopping burst onto the scene. However, people can enjoy a great day out while supporting retail when the experience offers more than spending money. Social spaces encourage people to get out more and enjoy retail.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
There are stores that sell specific products to a specific audience. Then there are stores that try to sell everything, such as supermarkets. However, all have a responsibility to customer welfare. One of those being adopted, even by large retailers, is healthy lifestyle promotion. Issues such as nutrition are essential for self-care, and offering loyalty discounts on healthy foods, rather than pushing sugary snacks and drinks, shows that a retailer cares about customer wellbeing.
Summary
Offering services such as gym memberships is a growing trend within retail self-care that aims to improve customer wellbeing. Personalized services also facilitate enhanced self-care through things like product recommendations and food and drinks that promote a healthier lifestyle.
Retailers are creating an appealing and enjoyable shopping experience for most customers by aligning themselves with self-care trends. A growing demand for wellness products and a desire to learn more about personal wellbeing benefits both the shopper and the business as a whole.
