Let’s be real. Retail news is becoming a snoozefest. From e-commerce growth stories to the never-ending supply chain saga, the topics are redundant.
While the brands we know and love (Target, Amazon, Costco) can get by hopping on the topic du jour, most retail and e-commerce SaaS companies must talk about what’s emerging in the category to grab buyers’ attention. As a SaaS PR agency working with many clients in retail and ecomm, we’ve got the tea on what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to industry storylines.
Let’s talk about the tired narratives sitting in major eye-roll territory.
Tired: E-commerce Growth
Headlines like “E-commerce Sales Surged Again This Quarter” have become so overused that they’re giving both journalists and buyers whiplash. While the overall trend is undeniable, the constant repetition of this narrative has dulled its impact. Let’s talk about why sales are up. Is it a new product category that’s killing it? Are certain regions leading the charge? Both trade and national media need something fresh!
Tired: Customer Experience
Personalization, seamless, omnichannel experiences – yawn. Everyone knows this stuff. It’s table stakes, not leading edge. Reporters want to know what’s really going on with customers. How are brands building real connections? How is tech making shopping actually fun? As Jaime Bettencourt, SVP of brand strategy at Mood Media, told Newsweek, brands must “stand out in a world of sameness.” It’s about making retail feel good.
Tired: Supply Chain Challenges
Supply chain issues are like that one relative who keeps calling to complain. Reporters get it, stuff is delayed. While acknowledging the ongoing challenges is important, it’s equally crucial to focus on solutions and strategies. Instead, let’s talk about how retailers are turning this mess into an opportunity.
It’s time to give retail a reboot!
Wired: Technology and Innovation
AI chatbots, virtual try-ons and other immersive experiences are the future of retail, people! To capitalize on this trend, we must move beyond superficial overviews and delve deeper into specific applications. We’re all still learning about AI, and there’s a huge appetite for insights.
The media wants the nitty-gritty. Other storylines, like Gen Z’s reliance on AI chatbots for fashion advice, are also compelling, with 55% of this demographic turning to AI assistants for shopping guidance. Instead of just stating AI is important, explore how it’s personalizing product recommendations, optimizing inventory management, or making customer service less painful.
A great way to do that? Offering case studies with retailers who have leveraged AI-driven solutions, like Sur La Table’s partnership with Bloomreach, where they were able to show how they utilized Bloomreach’s AI to enhance product discoverability and uncover untapped e-commerce opportunities.
Wired: Social Commerce
The lines between social media and shopping are blurring. Social media-specific reporters are eager to explore the impact of influencers, shoppable content and live shopping experiences. If you understand the nuances of different platforms and how consumers interact with them, you’ll get the media’s attention. Share POVs on what’s working (or not) with features like Instagram Shopping and TikTok Shop. What are brands doing right? How can others learn from their success (or failure)?
Wired: Privacy and Data Security
With consumers increasingly prioritizing data privacy, retailers must demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding personal information. Given that 60% of consumers believe companies misuse their data, reporters are looking for commentary on how to effectively address privacy concerns, explore specific data privacy regulations and how retailers can adhere to them, and understand the potential impact of non-compliance on consumer trust and brand reputation.
So, what’s next? Retail’s a rollercoaster. Trends come and go faster than TikTok dances. While these insights offer a snapshot of what’s working now, we’ve just scratched the surface. There’s a whole lot more cooking in the retail kitchen.
That’s where we come in! At PANBlast, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, identifying the next wave of retail innovation, and helping brands capitalize on these opportunities.