{"id":66425,"date":"2024-12-30T14:06:02","date_gmt":"2024-12-30T03:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/?p=66425"},"modified":"2024-12-30T14:06:03","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T03:06:03","slug":"retail-predictions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/au\/blog\/retail-predictions\/","title":{"rendered":"Our 2025 Retail Predictions: Unified Commerce and AI Agents Will Help Retailers Engage Shoppers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What\u2019s next for the retail industry? In 2025, we think shopping will be less about transactions and more about boosting your engagement with shoppers. In fact, 28% of shoppers<\/a> say the primary reason to shop in stores is to enjoy the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unified commerce<\/a>, which blends online and offline channels to create a fun and functional shopping journey, will drive this evolution. More enjoyable retail experiences will be fuelled\u00a0by personalised shopping agents and in-store media opportunities that engage and entertain, along with loyalty programs that turn shopping into a game. And we think we\u2019ll see retailers getting more creative with new tactics aimed at winning the hearts and wallets of Gen Z. So let\u2019s get on with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our 2025 retail predictions:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Unified commerce will unlock new AI capabilities<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Retailers will build shopping agents for consumers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Retail media strategies will focus on in-store opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Gamification will be table stakes for loyalty programs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Retailers will explore new ways to reach Gen Z<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Retail prediction #1: Unified commerce will unlock new AI capabilities <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Unified commerce<\/a> happens when you use a single, integrated platform to manage retail operations across the entire digital and physical shopping journey. With an integrated system, you can unify data from every touchpoint including point of sale, shopper data, inventory information, digital engagement, order management, and marketing. With the right tech stack, you can enable a connected customer experience that can be automated or enhanced by retail AI agents<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This has never been more critical, as our research shows that 84% of shoppers expect a seamless shopping experience across a retailer\u2019s app, website, and in store. But 29% feel retailers don\u2019t deliver on that expectation. <\/p>\n\n\n

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    84% of shoppers want a seamless shopping experience but 29% feel retailers don’t deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n