The closure of iconic brick-and-mortar stores like Toys "R" Us and Macy's from 2017 to November 2019 may have indicated the decline of the retail industry. But the reality is that retail disruption is happening right before our eyes. With actual bricks-and-mortar stores now in decline, the online sales sector has grown by an impressive 105% since then. E-commerce multinationals like Amazon and others are not resting, as they continue to add AI to their business to expand into new markets like emerging markets where brick and mortar still rules. A similar phenomenon was seen during the movie rental business, how Netflix took over Blockbuster by embracing digital content transmission. Similarly, e-commerce also adopts technology to transform shopping experiences.
At the heart of this digital transformation is the shift from traditional personalization to hyper-individualization in marketing. Personalization, which targets customers based on shared segments such as demographics or location, is becoming outdated. It's no longer enough to simply offer relevant products based on general customer data. Instead, hyper-individualization takes personalization a step further by leveraging artificial intelligence and real-time data to understand each customer's unique behaviors, preferences, and purchase intent.
Hyper-individualization uses AI and advanced analytics to deliver experiences that are tailored to each user. Analyzing data points, such as past purchases, browsing behavior, and social media interactions, can be used to create a shopping experience that feels deeply personal. For instance, one would receive a notification for a new smartphone that perfectly matched their interests, based on frequent phone upgrades and online behavior.
Digital Transformation & Automation one of our e-commerce transformation projects, we have worked on a personalized experience right from the moment the user logs into the platform. With the targeted promotions being displayed in a dynamic banner slideshow that is tailored to the individual's preferences, the experience feels unique. Once the user interacts with the banner — whether it's through a click or pausing to drill down for more information or answer a question — then an automated chatbot can immediately appear with more specific information and answer questions needed to help facilitate the checkout process, never leaving the chat interface. This facilitates an experience so seamless that it simulates the same assistance of a seasoned sales expert in assisting customers to checkout.
While many shoppers still appreciate the tactile experience of shopping in physical stores, technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are beginning to bridge that gap. These innovations allow consumers to interact with products in ways that were previously unimaginable, such as virtually trying on clothing or previewing home decor items in their own living space.
For retail organizations, however, the next step is simply clear: embracing hyper-individualization to stay at the forefront of digital disruption. By embracing this view, companies can improve customers' experiences, drive far higher engagement, and engage in more meaningful relationships.
At One Point One Solutions, we specialize in helping businesses find their way through the process of digital transformation of retail commerce. Our AI-powered platforms and tools enable you to provide hyper-individualized experiences that meet changing expectations from today's ever-digitally savvy consumers.
One Point One Solutions will help you embrace the future of retail. Contact us today to learn how we can help you enhance customer engagement, increase sales, and stay ahead in the rapidly changing e-commerce landscape.