2 February 2024 Not long ago, the main factors when purchasing were the quality and price of the product. In the years to come, driven by technological advancements, changes in consumer behavior have occurred. Beyond concern for the product, customers have started to observe the macro scenario of a brand: service quality, delivery speed, post-sale relationship, agile solutions to possible problems, real-time information, and even the brand’s positioning in society have become motivators during order completion. It’s undeniable: the democratization of access to technologies and advances in digital commerce have not only made the market more competitive but also influenced the level of consumer demand. And it is necessary to consider that all this transformation happens very quickly. The major players have made great strides, shaping new behaviors and raising customer expectations. Adapting to the needs of the new market is not an easy task, but a good way is to seek updates; after all, a company that doesn’t keep up with market innovations is destined for failure and oblivion. Thinking of helping your company advance positively in an ever-evolving market, we have mapped out 11 consumer trends for 2024. These new developments motivate customers, increase demand volume, accelerate business growth, and impact the logistics operations of millions of companies. Take a look. 1- Increase in Online Shopping It’s no surprise that the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the digital market and popularized one of the biggest consumer trends: e-commerce. The ease and convenience found in online shopping have been received so positively that the effect continues to repeat in 2024. The data reinforces how companies must improve their online sales strategies to meet consumer trends, as well as customer demands in terms of ease of purchase and payment, delivery speed, competitive prices, and service quality before, during, and after the sale. In this scenario, it is essential to plan and have management systems that assist the company’s logistics performance, providing better inventory management, correctly distributing tasks, ensuring agile operations, guaranteeing delivery efficiency, and reducing bottlenecks in operations. 2- Integration of Sales Channels There’s a lot of talk about the increase in online sales, but where are the physical stores in this equation? One of the main consumer trends for 2024 is gaining more ground in companies across different segments: the integration of sales channels, in other words, the omnichannel universe. Consumers are increasingly using different sales channels, such as social networks, websites, and marketplaces to make their purchases, and in this scenario, physical stores become true extensions of virtual stores. What does this mean? Physical spaces serve to accelerate and enrich the customer’s shopping experience, allowing interaction (touch, see, try) with the item seen online, quickly exchanging products, picking them up in-store, and even making in-store purchases with home delivery. Tip: It’s important to remember that the increase in customer flow in physical spaces impacts logistics, requiring greater integration between different sales channels and greater efficiency in inventory management. Therefore, rely on management systems like OMS, which intelligently integrate different sales channels, unify service, reduce process errors, and ensure business success. 3- Same-Day Delivery Your company is likely facing the following challenge: consumer demand to have the product at home as quickly as possible. This could be one of the biggest consumer trends for 2024: receiving orders in record time, if possible, on the same day. Known as same-day delivery, this strategy has won the hearts of consumers worldwide. This delivery method ensures that customers who urgently need a product purchase it from certain companies, even if the shipping is a bit more expensive. In a market where waiting times are a decisive point for closing deals, companies capable of adapting their logistics to express deliveries become the main competitors in the segment, retaining customers through satisfaction and reducing transportation costs, as it is possible to make multiple deliveries in the same area. 4- Personalized Shopping Experience Receiving personalized proposals is now a standard in customer shopping experiences. Consumers expect not only that the product they are looking for is available but that the entire purchasing process is as personalized and simplified as possible. This is one of the consumer trends for 2024: more personalized and engaging shopping experiences. A good example of personalization is product suggestions. Through customer behavior analysis and artificial intelligence, it is possible to offer consumers similar or complementary products to those they are already viewing or purchasing, thus increasing the average order value. Other practices that contribute to a more personalized shopping experience include the ability to create personal accounts, save preferences, receive recommendations based on interests and purchase history, and interact with chatbots and virtual assistants. Remember that a satisfied customer is more likely to make repeat purchases and become a promoter of your brand, bringing other customers along. 5- Growth of M-Commerce With the increasing penetration of smartphones and the ever-greater availability of fast data connections, mobile commerce (m-commerce) is set to grow exponentially in 2024. Consumers use their mobile devices to research, compare prices, read reviews, interact with social media, and, of course, make purchases. Therefore, it is essential that companies optimize their online presence for mobile devices, ensuring that their websites are fully responsive and easy to navigate on small screens. Additionally, m-commerce offers unique opportunities to engage customers through push notifications, location-based special offers, and digital loyalty programs. Make sure to fully leverage the potential of m-commerce to remain competitive and meet the needs of ever-connected consumers. 6- Sustainability and Social Responsibility Environmental sustainability and social responsibility have become increasingly important to consumers in recent years, and this trend continues in 2024. Customers want to buy from brands committed to reducing environmental impact, promoting ethical working conditions, and supporting social causes. Companies must transparently demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, communicating their business practices, product sourcing, environmental policies, and social responsibility initiatives. Consumers are willing to pay more for products and brands that reflect their values, so integrating sustainability into your business strategy is not only morally correct but also commercially advantageous. 7- Immersive Shopping Experiences Immersive shopping experiences are becoming increasingly popular in 2024. Consumers are looking not only for high-quality products but also for engaging and memorable shopping experiences. Technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) allow customers to try products virtually before making a purchase, making the online shopping experience more similar to that in a physical store. Additionally, experiential marketing events and activities can help create an emotional connection with the brand and differentiate from the competition. Companies can organize pop-up stores, workshops, culinary experiences, and more to engage customers and create lasting memories. 8- Digital Payments Digital payments have become the norm in 2024, with more and more consumers preferring to use credit cards, digital wallets, and other forms of electronic payment instead of cash or checks. Companies must offer a variety of payment options to meet customer needs and simplify the purchasing process. This includes integrating secure and reliable online payment methods, as well as adopting technologies like contactless payments and digital wallets. Ensuring transaction security and protecting customer data is crucial for building trust and fostering customer loyalty. 9- User-Generated Content (UGC) User-generated content (UGC) has become an essential part of companies’ marketing strategies in 2024. Consumers increasingly trust traditional advertising less and instead seek recommendations and reviews from other customers. Companies can encourage their customers to create and share content such as product reviews, photos, and videos, testimonials, and more. This not only increases engagement and interaction with the brand but also helps build trust and authenticity. Social media platforms and online communities offer a unique opportunity to gather and promote user-generated content. Be sure to actively engage your customers and show appreciation for their contribution. 10- Social Media Engagement Social media continues to be a key channel for customer engagement in 2024. Companies must maintain a strong presence on major social networks and use targeted marketing strategies to engage their customers and acquire new ones. This can include posting original content, interacting with followers, collaborating with influencers, promoting special offers, and creating targeted ads. It’s important to tailor your social media strategy to each platform and target audience, ensuring you provide relevant and valuable content. Social media engagement is not just about promoting products but also about building meaningful relationships with customers and creating an online community around your brand. Summary In 2024, companies must adapt to an ever-evolving commerce landscape where consumers are increasingly demanding and informed. The key to success is offering personalized, sustainable, and engaging shopping experiences using the latest technologies and marketing strategies. With a customer-centric approach and a commitment to constant innovation, companies can thrive in this competitive environment and lead the future of retail. Which trends interest you the most? How do you plan to adapt your business strategy to keep up with changes in consumer behavior and technology? Consumer Trends for 2024 and Impact on Logistics Deagor WMS per ecommerce può aiutarti!