Each year, the retail industry sees a number of new trends sweep the high street. Occasionally, these are simple interior design affections shared by style-conscious retailers or the sudden uptake of new technology. However, over the past few years, changes in retail design and operation have been something more significant.
Motivated by a number of factors, notwithstanding the residual influence of the health crisis and its lockdowns, the priorities of high street retailers are changing. Both first-time and established businesses are shifting to navigate a new landscape of customer demand. To show you how, we’re considering four contemporary trends occurring in 2023 and what they mean for the future of retail.
Sustainable Design
Retailer ethics are under increased scrutiny as shoppers demand a greater environmental awareness from high street brands. As a result, shop furniture and shelving is becoming less disposable and more considered, with retailers seeking out higher quality investment products that last longer and demonstrate a preference for sustainability.
Our range of slatwall panels, for example, is seeing a growing preference for natural designs, such as oak, maple, and ash, as these modular assets contribute to a more organic shop aesthetic. Retailers are embracing such designs alongside eco-friendly practices too, reducing the waste a shop produces and prioritising energy efficiency.
Pop-Up Shops
While there has always been a place for pop-up shops on the high street, the power of social media has placed these limited-time events at the forefront of many retailers’ minds. A huge amount of buzz can be created with a single event, drawing in new customers, and even going viral online.
Not only can this work for established high street retailers, such as Lush with their festive Snow Fairy events, but also for online brands looking to embrace a physical presence, like Asos’ Face + Body pop-ups. Even one of the largest media brands in the world, Pokémon, continues to host regular pop-ups, with this year’s summer event already gaining traction.
Photogenic Interiors
With social media being remarkably valuable as a marketing platform, interior design is turning to capitalise on the shared content of customers. Retailers are creating statement designs with their stores, using neon scripts, eye-catching wallpapers, and curated backdrops to encourage shoppers to take photos of the shop space and products, all with the intention of them being shared online as a form of passive advertising.
This developing trend is fitting for the high street shift toward experiential retail too, as retailers place a greater priority on the ‘experience’ of a shop space over the traditional emphasis of product availability.This developing trend is fitting for the high street shift toward experiential retail too, as retailers place a greater priority on the ‘experience’ of a shop space over the traditional emphasis of product availability.
Minimalism In Retail
Traditionally, retail has been rooted in a preference for maximalism. Bold, eye-catching designs have been paired with striking product displays and advertisements, all with the motivation of catching the attention of customers and increasing sales.
Now, however, there is a growing preference toward understatement and minimalism with a trend of what is referred to as hero products. Retailers are designing their spaces with greater consideration, choosing style and quality over abundance.
