Consumers are increasingly seeking highly personalized shopping experiences that simplify choice and flexibility, a new study by consumer financial services company Synchrony concludes. Specifically, more than 80 percent of the 1000 shoppers surveyed for Synchrony’s “Future of Shopping” expect experiences curated just for them by 2030.
The research also determined that retailers who prioritize an experience-driven shopping strategy will prevail if they continue to innovate and differentiate themselves with new technologies.
Synchrony’s study indicates that the proliferation of retail channels, formats, platforms, and intermediaries has fragmented the shopping landscape over the past few years, creating stress for both shoppers and retail strategists. Moving forward, the focus will be on developing more connected experiences across channels, brands, online and in-store.
“Our study found that shopping does not happen in isolation, but rather with connected ecosystems driven by unique technologies that play a critical role for retailers seeking to meet these consumer demands,” said Florin Arghirescu, Synchrony’s Senior VP and Chief Product Officer.
Click here for more from the study.
Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
