What: 11 trends the NRF predicts will endure in 2021.

Why it is important: At IADS we see on our side some already concrete realisations of these predictions within our members’ actions, our studies and the outcome of the White Paper.

The National Retail Federation, the world’s most powerful retail association and partner of IADS, issues every year its predictions about what’s next for retailers. Here are their 11 predictions:

• Direct to consumer brands are entering partnerships with retailers, to differentiate and explore new models. As an illustration, Manor just concluded an exclusive partnership with running shoes On in Geneva and online.
• Supply chain transformation has been accelerated by pandemic, and 5G will contribute to keeping the momentum, which is one of the conclusions we reach in our White Paper,
• Livestreaming is key, as illustrated by almost all IADS members, including Sogo or Breuninger,
• Robotic deliveries still need to be further developed,
• Malls and department stores will need to “evolve” with new services and brand assortments,
• Touch-free technology will become the norm,
• Social commerce will grow faster than e-commerce,
• On-demand manufacturing will be key, which might be of interest for private labels,
• Digital transformation has just begun, and will be fuelled even more thanks to 5G,
• Customers are demanding options all the way, including on payment solutions,
• The disappearance of third party cookies means that to keep winning in e-commerce, retailers will have either to build a large database or team up with the right partners.

Retail in 2021: What will endure and what’s going to change?