In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter we report on what retailers, brands and the latest research tells us about how shoppers are buying, and how they want to buy at a challenging time that’s marked by the rising cost of living and continuing supply chain issues. Superdry is seeing shoppers return in store – while Clinique is launching an NFC-powered campaign that will connect its products to the Internet of Things.
Superdry reports on how its customers are now returning in-store in the wake of Covid-19 lockdowns. The retailer has seen its ecommerce sales fall by 24% in its latest financial year, compared to the previous year. We also report as JD Sports sees sales rising in the opening weeks of its financial year – but notes challenges from product shortages to the more general “headwinds” – not least “the general global macro-economic and geopolitical situation”.
Hotter’s parent company Unbound says that omnichannel, in-house manufacturing, and having the right size of store estate have helped it to a double digit sales increase in the first quarter of its year. It’s gearing up for the launch of a platform that will sell shoes and footwear, clothing and eventually wellness products to over-55s from both Hotter and partner brands.
There’s news that Zara has moved to start charging customers for some returns at a time when the volume of returns has expanded along with online shopping. The move is likely to start a debate about who bears the extra costs as returns grow.
We report on some of the technological solutions that are driving fashion sales growth in analysis that first appeared in the RetailX EMEA Fashion 2022 report – from rentals to VR. And we also take note of the latest research from sources including Salesforce and Productsup on what factors now matter to shoppers when they are deciding how – and where – to shop. It seems that sustainability remains important for shoppers who are less impressed by either greenwashing or the metaverse, but would sign up for hybrid experiences.
Clinique, meanwhile, has launched an NFC-enabled Internet of Things campaign around a new beauty product.
Royal Mail is set to expand its trial of drones for deliveries – such as of ecommerce orders – into permanent routes to the UK’s islands. Long-term it plans to have 500 drones operating on 50 routes.
Today’s guest comment comes from Gerard Lavin of Citrix who considers the key foundations that retailers can build now for a digital future.
