The retail industry is at a crossroads. Foot traffic is down, the cost of living is up and online shopping is more convenient than ever. But this isn’t the end of retail—it’s the beginning of something bigger: the golden age of in-store experiences.
At the What’s Going On In Retail event in Finland, Dan Shaw, Creative Director at ZetaDisplay, shared insights on how brands can turn physical stores into exciting, immersive destinations using digital solutions that captivate and engage modern shoppers. Here’s a summary of what was covered.
Immersive Experiences: The New Standard
The days of static displays and dull retail spaces are over. Today’s consumers expect multi-sensory experiences that bring brands to life.
- Attention spans are short—Gen Z gives brands just 10 seconds to make an impact.
- Fun matters—43% of Gen Z shoppers feel more excited about shopping when exposed to innovative experiences.
- Escapism sells—46% of consumers say they use retail as a form of escape.
- Retail feels dull—47% of shoppers believe stores have lost their spark.
To succeed, retailers must captivate, entertain and engage customers in ways that online shopping can’t.
How to Grab Attention in a Distracted World
Standing out requires more than just great products—it’s about creating unexpected moments that drive engagement.
- “Surprises per square metre”—Retailers must create shareable moments that encourage social media engagement.
- Blending physical and digital—Retail needs to deliver experiences shoppers can’t get online.
Brand Storytelling Through Technology
Technology isn’t just about flashy displays—it’s a powerful tool for storytelling.
- Holographic and curved LED screens bring products and campaigns to life.
- LED floors, kiosks and QR codes provide interactive touchpoints that enhance the in-store journey.
- Data analytics helps brands evolve their content strategies based on real-time insights.
Stores Aren’t Dead—Omnichannel Is Thriving
Retail isn’t about online vs. offline—it’s about seamlessly integrating both. Screens are more than just digital billboards—they’re a canvas for brand expression, blending content, commerce and customer experience.
LEDing the Way With Purpose
Digital solutions don’t just enhance the shopping experience—they also drive loyalty and revenue.
- 70% of emotionally engaged consumers spend twice as much on brands they love.
- Sustainability messaging plays a crucial role in winning over today’s conscious consumers.
Winning the Hearts and Minds of Customers Retailers who embrace creativity, technology and purpose-driven experiences will lead the next era of shopping. The future belongs to brands that dare to be different—because boring has no future.